A sunny high plateau spreads out between Castel Rodengo and the vast Alpe di Rodengo
Rodengo is located at the transition from the central Valle Isarco to the Val Pusteria, where the Gitschberg Jochtal alpine region begins. Away from the main transport routes, the municipality sits on a sunny mid-mountain terrace above the Valle Isarco. From Rio di Pusteria, the road leads uphill to the village, where Rodengo Castle is perched above a gorge.
Within its walls, the Yvain epic comes to life, depicted in precious frescoes. This is also where the sorcerer known in South Tyrolean folklore as the "Lauterfresser" was imprisoned. Rodengo Castle was once one of the most powerful fortified castles in the region, and the village's history has always been closely linked to it: The inhabitants had to provide for the upkeep of the lord and the maintenance of the structure, but in return, they enjoyed several advantages.
The small hamlets of Villa, Chivo, San Benedetto, San Paolo, Spissa, Montana, and Frella are scattered around the village centre. They extend up to the vast expanses of the Rodengo Alp, an alpine pasture area and a popular hiking area. As it is a high plateau, the hiking trails here are mostly level. Numerous managed huts on the alpine meadows invite you to stop for a break.
In winter, the landscape is transformed: The paths attract winter hikers and tobogganers, and prepared cross-country ski tracks cross the Rodengo Alp. The snowshoe hike to the Rastner Mountain Hut is as popular as the leisurely family hike to the Roner Mountain Hut.
The municipality's territory ends on the slopes of the Giogo d'Asta, or Astjoch, a peak in the Luson Mountains. The ascent is worthwhile: The Giogo d'Asta is a magnificent panoramic mountain that you can reach in about three hours on a high-altitude hike from the Zumis car park.
