 THE CHESTNUT WALK – AT THE FOOT OF THE DOLOMITES
(EASY TOUR; INDIVIDUAL, SELF-GUIDED TOUR)
South of the Alps in the shadow of the Dolomites you hike through some of the prettiest
parts of South Tyrol, the main part being between the cultural capital of Tyrol, Brixen,
and the provincial capital of Bozen, on the edge of northern and southern culture. The
first part of our walk takes you along the Chestnut Path (“Keschtnweg”) and presents you
with a plateau south of the Dolomites. You pass close by the Dolomites on the Ritten, the “in” summer place of the rich Bozen inhabitants. The excellent cuisine and the amazing
panorama make this hike an unforgettable experience.
Lake Kaltern, the most famous lake in South Tyrol is a further highlight on this route.
Grödnertal, Val Gardena, in the heart of the Dolomites impresses due to the unique
nature and cultural landscape around the Sellastock, the famous wood carvings, the
typical farms, and last but not least, the Seiser Alm.
The excellent cuisine and the fantastic panorama make this a tour that you will not
quickly forget.
 Character
You follow well marked paths, mainly through meadows and woods. The Dolomites are
always in view, but the paths are not dangerous. You can use public transport on some of
the routes to shorten the journey.
1st day: Arrival in Brixen
Individual arrival at hotel in Brixen. Have a look round the fascinating lanes of the town,
see the cathedral and the bishop’s castle. Visit Neustift Abbey, which is not only famous
for its Sylvaner white wine.
2nd day: Brixen – Klausen, approx 500 m in altitude / approx. 5 hours
From Brixen you walk up to Pfeffersberg. You pass small hamlets and mountain farms on
our way along the plateau. To the south you have a wonderful view of the Dolomite
peaks. You reach Feldthurns and carry on to the Säben convent, the Acropolis of South
Tyrol, before arriving in the small town of Klausen.
3rd day: Klausen – Ritten – Bozen, approx. 300 Hm / ca. 5 Std.
After a short transfer by bus to Barbian you reach the Ritten, a wonderful plateau above
the Eisack Valley with impressive view of the Dolomites and the Schlern. After passing
the Earth Pyramids enjoy an afternoon trip on the Ritten cable car that brings you back
down to Bozen. In the evening you can discover this European town, a place where the
Italian and German culture are closely entwined.
4th day: Bozen – Lake Kaltern – Castle Sigmundskron – Bozen, approx. 200 m
in altitude /approx 4 hours
Today you will discover the area around South Tyrol’s most famous lake, Lake Kaltern,
also a famous wine growing region. From the lake you will head off towards the idyllic
Montiggler lakes where you can also stop for a swim if you wish. On your way to
Sigmundskron you will pass vineyards where some of the best South Tyrolean wine is
grown. But here it is not only the vineyards that impress, but also the numerous castles,
manor houses, churches and farms. Reinhold Messner’s Mountain Museum at Castle
Sigmundskron is a worthy end to the day. Within the old walls of the castle Reinhold
Messner tells of the importance of the mountains for the people today.
 5th day: Bozen - Völs – Seiser Alm, approx. 500 in altitude / approx. 5-6 hours
From Bozen you will take the bus to Völs and therefore spare yourself most of the
difference in altitude. From here you will cycle directly under the Schlernmassiv to the
Seiser Alm. The wide open space and breathtaking countryside, and the sunny sheltered
paths make Europe’s highest mountain pasture one of the most unforgettable
experiences for all mountain fans.
6th day: Seiser Alm – Grödner Tal, approx. 200 in altitude / approx. 5 hours
We leave the Seiser Alm to enter the famous wood carving valley of Grödnental. At the
foot of the tremendous Langkofel you can once again admire the mountains of the
Dolomites that have produced such famous names such as Luis Trenker.
7th day: Val Gardena – Brixen, approx. 200 m in altitude / approx 5 hours
Leave the Gröden Valley along the famous post path and carry on till you reach Klausen.
In the north you have view of the first three days of this hike. From Klausen you can
catch the train back to Brixen.
8th day
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.
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