Chestnut Trails

Many forest paths in the south of South Tyrol, in the Valle Isarco and in Merano and surroundings turn into chestnut trails in autumn. Colourful leaves shine in the sunshine, creating a fascinating atmosphere. "Keschtnigel" (chestnut husks) and ripe chestnuts cover the ground.

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South Tyrolean Chestnut Trail "Keschtnweg":

The Valle Isarco Chestnut Trail starts at the Novacella Abbey or - alternatively - at the Bressanone Cathedral and leads in five stages as a long-distance hiking trail across the Valle Isarco to Terlano and Vilpiano. Beautiful panoramic views of the Dolomites are included. The second stage then goes the next day from Chiusa to Sant'Ingenuino in Barbiano, the third stage from Barbiano onto the sunny slopes above the Valle Isarco to Auna di Sotto on the Renon.

Afterwards, the fourth stage continues over the sunny plateau of the Renon to Bolzano. The fifth stage, from the provincial capital to Terlano and Vilpiano, is also known as the "Castelronda" or Castle Trail, as it passes several fortifications, including the "Painted Castle" Roncolo. In total, the South Tyrolean Chestnut Trail extends over 90 kilometres in length and is technically rather easy, but physically demanding due to its length. The whole tour can also be done in reverse.

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Foiana Chestnut Trail:

A somewhat shorter hiking trail can be found in Merano e dintorni: The Foiana Chestnut Trail (Völlaner Kastanienerlebnisweg), a two-kilometre circular route, leads through the traditionally cultivated chestnut groves around the village above Lana. Various interactive elements - history, science and curiosities - tell interesting facts about the sweet chestnut and its use.

The Chestnut Trail starts at the car park by the church and then follows the "Keschtnigel" markers for about an hour. Interesting for young and old alike, and easy to walk!

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Vallettina Chestnut Trail:

At the church square in Parcines, the short hike through the colourful chestnut groves begins towards Vallettina (Vertigen). The small hamlet above Parcines is also known for the terrain cure trail - in autumn, however, sweet chestnuts and good food dominate here.

Thanks to its gentle course, the trail is ideal for families and also manageable with prams. The 100-metre altitude difference is easy to handle: From Vallettina, the excursion leads back to Parcines.

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"Kastanienwaal" Waalweg path on the Monte Sole:

For two kilometres or half an hour, the Chestnut Waalweg path stretches up the Silandro Sun Promenade to the Monte Mezzodì, the Silandro Sun Mountain. The path leads from the Silandro hospital church following the "Sonnenpromenade" signs over the old "Gröbenmauer" wall to the Waalweg path. The hiking trail is relatively wide up to the Powder Tower (Pulverturm) - from the tower, it then goes left on the narrow road between the first houses back to Silandro.

In autumn, pleasant temperatures still prevail here: The slopes on the Monte Mezzodì are particularly known for their steppe-like vegetation and dry climate.

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The chestnut trails can naturally be combined perfectly in autumn with a stop at a farm inn, called "Buschenschank", for Toerggelen.