Eisack Valley: Castles, Hiking Trails and Törggelen
Accommodation in Eisack Valley
Eisack Valley forms a north–south axis in South Tyrol, stretching from the Brenner Pass to the provincial capital of Bolzano over approximately 80 kilometres. The region offers a range of starting points for planning your trip: landscapes, hiking and cycling trails, cultural attractions and a food culture shaped by the seasons.
Experience the Landscape and Nature
The circular trail around Raier Moos offers insights into a variety of microhabitats and the animal and plant species found there. It makes for a nature experience focused on the different habitats and their species. On the Villanderer Alm, marshy areas, lush meadows, stands of mountain pine and alpine huts shape the landscape. Together, these descriptions show different sides of nature: small-scale habitats at Raier Moos and an alpine pasture with several characteristic landscape features.
The shores of Lago di Varna also differ: you can sunbathe and swim on the northern shore, while a protected area and a noteworthy biotope lie on the southern shore. Check swimming access and local conditions before your trip.
Plan Hiking and Cycling
The full hike along the Sentiero delle Castagne in Eisack Valley takes five to six days; walking time depends on the route you choose and the conditions. The trail is also known as the Keschtnweg and is marked with a chestnut symbol. This hike therefore combines a multi-day timeframe with a clear way to find your way along the route.
The Pista Ciclabile della Valle Isarco can be cycled in a day, divided into two or three daily stages, or covered section by section. By comparison, the full hike along the Keschtnweg takes several days. These details give you different planning options without requiring you to commit to a particular division into stages.
The trail to the Cascate di Stanghe includes suspension bridges and steps that lead deep into a narrow gorge. It is considered easy and suitable for children. Conditions and access may change, so check before your visit. The Ladurns ski area has 18 kilometres of pistes. As piste information may change, it is advisable to check the latest figures locally.
Törggelen and Regional Cuisine
Fruit, chestnut and wine growing have a long tradition in the lower Eisack Valley; Törggelen also originated in Eisack Valley. Typical Törggelen taverns open their doors from late September to mid-November. Check the dates for the year you plan to travel. Törggelen meals feature wine and roasted chestnuts, as well as speck, cheese, smoked sausages, barley soup, Schlutzkrapfen and other traditional dishes. The season and variety of dishes make this a distinctive part of the region’s food culture and a clear link to the time of year.
Castles, Museums and History
After restoration work, Castel Trostburg is in good condition and open to visitors; check access before your visit. The South Tyrol Museum of Castles in the castle displays 86 scale models of castles and fortresses in South Tyrol. The Abbazia di Novacella was founded in 1142 by Hartmann, Bishop of Bressanone. Its museum includes late-medieval panel paintings and illuminated manuscripts. Vineyard tours with tastings are available by prior reservation; check the current reservation conditions when planning your visit.
In Bressanone, the Museo Diocesano displays sacred art from the Romanesque period to the modern era. The Mondo del Loden in Vandoies explains how raw wool is turned into warm fabric for coats. The Archeoparc di Villandro features the remains of an ancient settlement, including three buildings and parts of a fourth. These attractions each have a different focus, ranging from sacred art and textile production to archaeology.
In the Middle Ages, the Miniera di Villandro was one of the most important mining districts in Tyrol; it is now open to the public. Guided tours of the Galleria Elisabeth are offered from April to October. Access and dates may change with the seasons, so check before your visit. The Fortezza Fortress is now a museum, exhibition venue and event space in Eisack Valley; individual exhibitions and events may change.
Getting There and Practical Planning
According to the timetable as of 25 August 2026, Südtirolmobil lists the Brenner–Bolzano–Verona rail connection in the “Bolzano and surroundings, Eisack Valley” zone. As timetables may change, check the connection for your travel date. If you are looking for a hotel in Eisack Valley, you can plan your trip around your preferred travel dates and planned activities.
Discover more destinations: Brixen, Lüsen, Meransen, Villanders, Klausen, Feldthurns, Lajen, Natz-Schabs, Villnöß, Rodeneck, Barbian, Mühlbach.
Back to the main travel overview: Bolzano.
