From the provincial capital to Colle dei Contadini, the recreational area for the people of Bolzano
Image gallery: Autumn hike from Bolzano to the Colle
Colle di Bolzano refers not only to the small village but also to the mountain that towers above Bolzanoand serves as a popular destination for excursions. While the cable car from the town up to the Renon starts on the left, the valley station of the Colle Cable Car is located on the right, just over a kilometre further out of town towards the Valle Isarco. Unassuming today, it was once something quite special: When it opened in 1908, it was the first officially authorised cable car for passenger transport worldwide. The pictures from that era are impressive.
Today, it has been modernised. Our November hike is an alternative to the tour that leads directly up through the forest from the valley station. We begin before the station, at the "Virgolo di Sotto" car park along the road in Bolzano just after the tunnel. We follow path no. 4 towards Virgolo and Colle - the Italian name "Colle" means "hill". The asphalt road begins to climb steeply right away: We hike up to the Wendlandthof, ignoring the turn-offs along the route.
Shortly before the inn, we turn left, where a post indicates path no. 4. From this point on, the signposts are few and far between: We follow the markings on the path, which show a white flower with a red dot in the centre. All around, the beautiful autumn colours are on full display. The stones and roots on the path are covered with red, yellow, orange, and brown leaves, which we sometimes kick up, just as we did when we were children. The route continues steeply upwards.
We walk on the northern slope of the Colle to the cable car's mountain station. Arrived there, we follow the road for ten minutes to admire the Sciliar in the distance. We are in Colle dei Contadini, nearby is Colle dei Signori, as the other part of the hamlet ist called. The surrounding nature is a protected landscape area. Those wishing to extend the tour can add the hike around the Monte Pozza here. Combined, you can then expect a total walking time of eight hours.
For the return journey, we choose the asphalt road as it is less steep and less slippery. After five kilometres, we turn left at the Kofler Farm and follow the signpost "S" towards Virgolo. This Virgolo is a foothill of the Colle and was once a popular local recreational area that is currently awaiting revitalisation. The path leads back into the forest, initially level and then downhill. The way back is quiet and pleasant, and the silence of nature is restorative. After another two kilometres, we rejoin the asphalt road from our ascent and soon arrive back at the car park in Bolzano.
Authors: Elena & Luca
Experienced in: November 2020
Last updated: 2025
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- Starting point:
- car park "Virgolo di Sotto" along the state road of Bolzano (260 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 05:00 h
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- Total route length:
- 16,3 km
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- Altitude:
- from 260 m to 1.153 m
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- Altitude difference:
- +1010 m | -1010 m
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- Signposts:
- 4, 9, flower sign, S ,9 , 4
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- Destination:
- Colle dei Contadini on the Colle (1,153 m a.s.l.)
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- Resting points:
- Wendlandthof inn
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Autumn hike from Bolzano to the Colle
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- More information:
- The trail presents no technical difficulties but is quite steep - it is also suitable as a challenging speed hiking route. The overall time shown above refers to the walking time only, not including breaks.
