Renon Mountains - A Magical Trip to a Natural Phenomenon
Renon Plateau – is an area located above the city of Bolzano and is part of the Sarentini Alps range. The trip in the area includes a cable car ride, a train journey, hiking, and observing a natural phenomenon.
As mentioned, first, you need to reach the Renon Cable Car station (it is possible to drive up, but the fun is in taking the cable car) which ascends to the Renon Altopiano. The cable car station is located a few minutes from the main train station of Bolzano.
What to enter in Waze? https://waze.com/ul?ll=46.4999027,11.363999&navigate=yes
Or on foot in Google: https://goo.gl/maps/4ZBJKjariw4mem7G6
You can also park your car in the covered parking lot and go up to the departure point of the cable car. Get on the “gondola” (the term used for the cable car cabins due to their swaying during ascent) to the Sopra Bolzano station (a 12-minute ride).
From the 'Superbolzano' train station, three possible routes are offered:
1. Half-Day Route: Earth Pyramids
Route Steps:
Cable car ascent of Renon from Bolzano to the village of Soprabolzano (12 min)
Train ride from Soprabolzano to Collalbo (15 min)
Walking from Collalbo to the viewpoint of the Earth Pyramids (30 min)
Return walk from the Earth Pyramids to Collalbo (40 min – the return has a slight ascent)
Lunch break at one of the restaurants in Collalbo
Return train ride from Collalbo to Soprabolzano (12 min)
Cable car descent from Soprabolzano to Bolzano (12 min)
2. Half-Day Route: Freud Trail
Route Steps:
Take the Renon cable car from Bolzano to the village of Soprabolzano (12 min)
A walk of about an hour and a half / two hours (with breaks) on the Freud Trail to the village of Collalbo
Lunch break at one of the restaurants in Collalbo
Return by train from Collalbo to Soprabolzano (12 min)
Descend with the cable car from Soprabolzano to Bolzano (12 min)
3. Full Day Route: Combination of Prad and Earth Pyramids Trail:
Route Steps:
Ride the Renon cable car from Bolzano to the village of Soprabolzano (12 min)
Hike for about an hour and a half / two hours (with breaks) on the Prad Trail to the village of Collalbo
Lunch break at one of the restaurants in Collalbo
Walk from Collalbo to the viewpoint of the Earth Pyramids (40-55 min)
Return on foot from the Earth Pyramids to Collalbo (40-55 min)
Take the train from Collalbo to Soprabolzano (12 min)
Descend by cable car from Soprabolzano to Bolzano (12 min)
It is recommended to visit the website http://www.ritten.com to explore the various hiking and tour options available in the Ritten area.
Additionally, here are some amazing hiking trails to check out: https://it.wikiloc.com/percorsi/outdoor/italia/trentino-alto-adige/poligono
Recommended Route #1 – Renon Mountains and Viewpoint of the Earth Pyramids (Route Number 24)
Welcome to the town of Soprabolzano. Your next destination: the picturesque village of Collalbo.
You have 2 options:
The first is to take a historic scenic train (15 minutes ride) or to walk along a stunning path (Option 2) for about an hour and a half/two hours.
Assuming you chose the first option, it’s advisable to purchase in advance (at the lower station of the cable car in Bolzano) a combined ticket for the cable car and train round trip.
The cable car ride is an experience and the view is amazing. The cable car also serves locals returning home, adding a cultural touch to your experience.
In front of the exit from the cable car station, you will find a restored train station that will take you (remember the combined ticket? Don’t forget to validate it at the machine at the station before boarding the train) to Collalbo village through beautiful forests, mountains, fields, and animals in a journey of about fifteen minutes.
At the final station in COLLALBO, right after you disembark from the train, you will see signs (see picture) for all the possible trails. The shortest and easiest is number 24. From this point on, keep following this trail.
Route 24!! (See photo) – Always continue on it and follow the signs to the pyramids. The route passes through the village itself, between the houses, yards, and alleys until it leads to the open nature heading to the pyramids. Impressive and enjoyable!
At some point, the path will lead you to the main road where you’ll see a large green lawn in front of you. Continue on the sidewalk or alternatively, to the right, on the walking path next to the forest, until you reach the charming little Nymphs Lake.
Here you can stop for a cup of coffee or a meal at the lovely café/restaurant located right behind the pool.
Ristorante Der Amtmann – Longomoso
+39 0471 356124
Continue along Road 73 until you reach the Sporthotel Spoegler, 39054 Longomoso.
(If your timing works out, you can also stop here for a lunch or just for a cup of coffee and a slice of strudel).
Continue walking on the same side of the hotel
Until you reach this house:
Here there’s a nice café – sometimes open – and behind it, a small bridge – cross it….
This bridge leads to a dirt path that takes you to the first viewing balcony. Even from here, the view is special and beautiful. You can also continue to the second viewing balcony and then return (or continue… but then you’ll stray further).
If it’s a nice day, decide on the spot whether to continue, stay, or head back.
The earth pyramids are cone-shaped mounds that rise from the ground, topped with a flat plate that gives them the appearance of mushrooms. The view of the pyramids is from a distance. You will find comfortable benches for sitting, resting, explanations, and observation. Magnificent.
The return is along the exact same path.
Return by train to the town of Collalbo, then to the town of SOPRABOLZANO. From there, take the cable car back to the starting point.
Be mindful of your timing so that you can catch the train and the cable car back to Bolzano.
Are you back down and hungry? Looking for an excellent restaurant 4 minutes’ walk from the lower station of the cable car and the parking lot?
Löwengrube
Zollstange 3, 39100 Bozen, Autonomous Province of Bozen
+39 0471 970032
