One of the smallest communities in South Tyrol is a good starting point for excursions to the nearby Val Gardena and the Alpe di Siusi
Image gallery: Ponte Gardena
Ponte Gardena is located in the lower part of the Valle Isarco. In terms of population, it is currently the smallest municipality in South Tyrol, even though a real building boom has set in. However, if you look at the total area, only Caines near Merano and Cortina on the Wine Road are smaller than Ponte Gardena. The village is very conveniently located: Here starts the ascent to the Sciliar area and here a bridge leads you over the Isarco River and then a tunnel into the Val Gardena valley. This location is also a great advantage in winter: The lifts of the Alpe di Siusi and Val Gardena Ski Areas are within easy reach.
Trostburg Castle proudly towers above the Val Gardena tunnel. The Counts of Wolkenstein, who are closely linked to Ponte Gardena, resided there: The red wave in the municipal coat of arms still reminds of them today. The walk up to the castle is worthwhile - it takes 15 minutes from Ponte Gardena along the Trostburg Castle Path, twice as long (but less steep) is the Burgfrieden Path. Arrived at the top, you can admire Romanesque window arches, splendid halls and Gothic fortifications from the time of the minstrel Oswald von Wolkenstein, who grew up here. The South Tyrolean Castles Museum is also housed inside.
Hikes take you from Ponte Gardena towards Laion - the Vogelweide Path is particularly beautiful in autumn when it's time for the traditional Toerggelen - or to Tagusa near Castelrotto. Cycle tours on the valley floor follow the Isarco Valley Cycle Path to Chiusa and Bressanone or to Bolzano. Thanks to the good public transport connections, these towns can also be reached by train in a short time. It stops north of the Piazza Oswald von Wolkenstein square in Ponte Gardena.
