Castelvetere recreation area

Castelvetere or Castelfeder is located in the southern part of South Tyrol, more precisely below Montagna, above Ora and close to Egna. Parts of the popular excursion destination belong each to the above mentioned three villages. Hardly any soil can be found at the 190 metres high porphyry hill and also the vegetation is respectively bleak, rather Mediterranean. Low bushes and steppe grass are typical for this area. In the Castelvetere Biotope, along the hiking trails, there are low and high moors with a respectively high number of animal and plant species.

For children, Castelvetere - also known as "Arcadia of Tyrol" - is an adventurous place, with rocks for climbing, ruins and special animals and plants. For adults, however, it is ideal for recharging one's batteries and taking a break from everyday life. As there are only few shade-giving trees it is recommended to visit it in spring or autumn. At the top of this porphyry hill, that can be reached in a hike of about 20 minutes, there are the ruins of a castle complex dating back to the period around 500 AD, including a "Fertility Slide", the St. Barbara Chapel and a circular wall.

However, those who visit the top above all appreciate the panoramic view ranging from the Oltradige - that's to say the villages of Caldaro and Appiano on the Wine Road - to the Bassa Atesina area on the border to the Trentino. Two interesting hikes lead past the recreation area: the one on the Pinot Noir Trail, a wine and culture trail in the famous Pinot Noir area, and the winter hike on the Sentiero Ferrovia path along the former railway line of the Val di Fiemme.