Hike to Lago di Rodella Mountain Hut and the Monte del Pascolo peak from the Caerna Weather Cross
Image gallery: Caerna
Above Velturno, Caerna sits in a stunning panoramic location. The roads here bear idyllic names like Platschweg, Häselbrunnweg, and Warkenweg. Caerna is one of the five hamlets of Velturno in the Valle Isarco. The bus stops in the village centre, where the small local school is also located.
The surrounding area is primarily covered in vast meadows and chestnut groves, interspersed with occasional pear trees. Elsewhere, on the sunny slopes of the Isarco Valley, you can spot vineyards. Velturno is known for the Toerggele tradition and offers all sorts of delicious autumnal meals. Roasted and served with butter, chestnuts are a staple of every Toerggele evening.
The Toerggele dishes also include barley soup or Schlutzkrapfen - half-moon ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta - as a starter, followed by a platter of assorted meats with sauerkraut and dumplings as the main course, and sweet Krapfen for dessert. A hike through the autumn-coloured forests followed by a stop at a wine tavern - the Valle Isarco knows how to enjoy life. The most striking building near the village is Caerna Castle, dating back to the 12th century. Perched on a cliff high above the Val di Tinne valley, this small castle is a popular photo subject.
For centuries, the area around Villandro held great significance due to its rich ore deposits and mining activity. The castle served to protect these valuable resources. High above Caerna (Garn) sits the eponymous cross. From there, you can hike up to the Monte del Pascolo. In winter, near the Brugger Schupfe, the only toboggan run in Velturno begins, leading to the Caerna Cross.
