Chestnut Trail ☀️ Chestnut hike in South Tyrol

Tracking down chestnuts

The "Chestnut Trail" is 90 km long and can be covered in several stages. It leads through a picturesque landscape of vineyards and chestnut groves from the Neustift monastery near Brixen along the slopes of the Eisacktal valley to the Ritten high plateau and down into the Bolzano valley basin to Terlan/Terlano and Vilpian/Vilpiano .

This easy hike is especially gorgeous in autumn, when the chestnuts are ripe. But even in spring or summer, the diverse vegetation and incomparable landscape are extremely appealing.

For a particularly special experience in nature, the sign-posted trail leads through colourful mixed forests, lush green meadows and impressive chestnut forests. The regional farm products, which you can buy along the way directly from the producer, are high quality and delightful. Meanwhile, art and natural monuments along the Chestnut Trail bear witness to the area’s centuries-old culture while fabled places tell of witches, fairies and ghosts.

We recommend that you go on this hiking adventure during Törggelen time, when there the warm chestnuts go well with the new wine. Simply delicious!

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Manuel Ferrigato

Find your accommodation

How about a tasteful room in an architectural treasure? A wellness hotel with exceptional cuisine? A suite in a chic boutique hotel? Or a cosy place to sleep on a farm?

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All accommodations in South Tyrol

The hikes

Due to its length, the Chestnut Trail is divided into several sections and variants. The ideal route starts at the Neustift Monastery and ends at Terlan/Terlano and Vilpian/Vilpiano. Along the way you will always find rustic places to stop and spend the night.

The chestnut tree

The history of the chestnut dates back several centuries. Its importance is far greater than that of many other tree species, because the chestnut tree and its fruits were a vital source of food fora long time. Once again, it was the Romans who brought the chestnut tree to our area long before grain and potatoes grew in importance. And so, until modern times, the chestnut was considered a high-yield tree, which provided the poorer rural population in particular with nutrients such as protein, vitamins and trace elements for at least 6 months a year.

The enormous importance that this tree species had in our latitudes is still vividly remembered in various writings and sayings. The chestnut has has been important to humankind since the Middle Ages and a true "chestnut culture" was born here. Even Hildegard von Bingen used the healing properties of this important tree and fruit as a universal remedy for numerous ailments.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Manuel Ferrigato

Enjoyment on the Chestnut Trail

While hiking the Chestnut trail in the Eisacktal valley, you will find many cosy places to stop in for food or drink such as rustic farmhouse taverns, inns and farms . Autumn Törggelen is not the only time to visit. Great tastes can be enjoyed in any season.

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Enjoy “Törggelen” time

Traditionally, we celebrate the end of the harvest season with this fun and delicious custom. At farms offering Törggelen meals, homemade farmhouse cuisine is served together with new wine and roasted "Keschtn" (chestnuts).

I want to experience that!