herbst jenesien wegweiser bei rafenstein
herbst jenesien wegweiser bei rafenstein

Castelronda - The Castle Path

Castelronda is the name of the path that connects five interesting castles in Bolzano, San Genesio and Terlano

For an active and sure-footed family, there is a very special highlight in the surroundings of the provincial capital: a 20 km long theme trail that connects the most beautiful (knight) castles. The path is particularly beautiful in spring and autumn, while in summer the temperature around Bolzano can rise to more than 30 degrees C. A uniform signposting with trilingual information pillars marks the entire path, which can be started and finished in Bolzano, Settequerce, Terlano or San Genesio Atesino: This allows you to choose the most suitable stage.

The first castle along the path is the famous "Illustrated Castle" on the outskirts of Bolzano, Roncolo Castle.Then it's on to Rafenstein Castle at the entrance to the Val Sarentino valley, which is idyllically enthroned between the vines. High above Settequerce then rises Grifo Castle, the mystical "Pork Castle", from which it is said that a pig was thrown at the besiegers. The ruins of Helfenberg Castle, not far away, are less well known.

The list of sights ends with Casanova Castle near Terlano, where Margaret of Tyrol is said to have resided. By the way: Castelronda is also the name of a 3-day festival during which events take place at several castles in Appiano and Bolzano!

difficulty: difficult theme trail multistage route
  • Starting point:
    Castel Roncolo, Bolzano The tour can also be started and finished in Bolzano, S. Genesio, Settequerce e Terlano as desired.
  • Time required:
    06:20 h
  • Track length:
    17,7 km
  • Altitude:
    from 305 m to 926 m
  • Altitude difference:
    +1010 m | -956 m
  • Route:
    Roncolo / Runkelstein Castle, Rafenstein Castle, Greifenstein (or Castel del Porco / Sauschloss), Helfenberg / Castel Soccorso ruin, Neuhaus (or Casanova or Maultasch) Castle
  • Signposts:
    Castelronda (green tower symbol)
  • Resting points:
    Roncolo / Runkelstein Castle, Restaurant Castel Rafenstein; Messner or Noafer inns in Cologna
  • Track surface:
    Asphalt, gravel path, forest path, paved path
  • Recommended time of year:
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Download GPX track:
    Castelronda - The Castle Path

If you want to do this hike, we suggest you to check the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before setting out.

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