This varied hike combines nature, history and small discoveries.
From Steinegg|Collepietra, the historic Rittersteig trail leads you right at the start past the rocket treehouse– an original structure that fascinates not only children.
You then immerse yourself in the tranquillity of conifer and deciduous forests, following paths that in places require good surefootedness, until you reach the first vineyards of the lower Eggental valley. Along the way, views open up over the Eisack|Isarco Valley and the striking Castle of Karneid in the distance.
Passing through the picturesque village of Karneid|Cornedo, you skirt the castle from afar before finally reaching Kardaun|Cardano, the gateway to the provincial capital of Bozen|Bolzano.
The tour can also be done in the opposite direction and is especially popular with uphill runners as a training route.
Please note: There are no refreshment stops along the entire route. At the starting point in Steinegg|Collepietra, you’ll find several restaurants, cafés and two village shops; at the end point in Kardaun|Cardano, there’s a café and two restaurants.
The route starts in Steinegg|Collepietra on the village square (820 m) in front of Café Christl. From here, follow trail [2/Rittersteig] past the Lex Market, and after about 20–30 minutes you’ll reach the impressive wooden rocket-shaped treehouse on the left-hand side of the path. Continuing on trail [2/Rittersteig], you pass the Ebenhof farm. At the junction to the farm Mortner, do not follow trail [2] anymore, but stay on the Rittersteig, which here coincides with the Pearl Trail (Perlenweg). Through forests and along some narrow paths, you reach the small picturesque village of Karneid|Cornedo.
Continue towards the castle of Karneid|Cornedo, still following the Rittersteig in the direction of Kardaun|Cardano, which in this section shares the route with trail [1]. Finally, you arrive at the lowest village in the Eisack|Isarco Valley, Kardaun|Cardano (300 m).
The return follows the same route.
From the bus stop Kardaun, Brennerstraße, you can also take the bus line 182 back to the starting point in Steinegg|Collepietra.
Getting to the starting point of the tour by public transport is easy and convenient.
By public bus line
- 182 from Bozen | Bolzano
- 187 from Welschnofen | Nova Levante
- 180 from Karersee | Lago di Carezza, Karerpass | Passo Costalunga, Val di Fassa*
- 184 from Oberggen, Eggen | Ega*
- 181 from Weissenstein | Pietralba, Petersberg | Monte San Pietro, Deutschnofen | Nova Ponente, Stenk*
- 187 or 182 from Gummer | San Valentino in Campo
*change in Birchabruck | Ponte Nova to the line 182
Bus stop: Steinegg | Collepietra Village;
online timetable search at South Tyrol Mobility
Starting point: Steinegg | Collepietra Village
Getting to the starting point of the tour by public transport is easy and convenient.
By public bus line
- 182 from Bozen | Bolzano
- 187 from Welschnofen | Nova Levante
- 180 from Karersee | Lago di Carezza, Karerpass | Passo Costalunga, Val di Fassa*
- 184 from Oberggen, Eggen | Ega*
- 181 from Weissenstein | Pietralba, Petersberg | Monte San Pietro, Deutschnofen | Nova Ponente, Stenk*
- 187 or 182 from Gummer | San Valentino in Campo
*change in Birchabruck | Ponte Nova to the line 182
Bus stop: Steinegg | Collepietra Village;
online timetable search at South Tyrol Mobility
Starting point: Steinegg | Collepietra Village
By car:
Destination: Steinegg | Collepietra
Parking: next to the main road in front of the Cafè Christl - Parking Village Square Steinegg
Starting point: Steinegg | Collepietra Village
Starting point: Steinegg | Collepietra Village
Hiking boots
Water
Food (no places to stop for refreshments along the entire route)
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