The Renon – unspoilt nature for everyone
Soprabolzano is the ideal place to be – close to the mountains and just a quick cable car ride from Bolzano. The great thing about the Spornberg is that you can hike, cycle, shop, ski – nothing is compulsory, but everything is possible.
Mountains & Adventure
Eat & Drink
City & Culture
Spornberg highlights
Mountains & Adventure
Our mountain view inspires all who behold it
You can still experience the thrill of the mountains without being a pro athlete on the Renon. You can go on pleasant walks across the entire Renon and the Altopiano del Renon on foot, by mountain bike, or even by e-bike. Even reaching the heights of the Corno del Renon is easy thanks to its cable car. The scenic outpost perched on 2,260 m provides a stunning view encompassing the Dolomites, including the Ortles. The “Hirtensteig” thematic trail kicks off at the Waldhotel Tann, and it will give you insights into the interesting life of shepherds. What if you’ve got children? Head do the “The fabulous world of Toni” trail which includes stations where they can play, climb, and just have a good old time splashing around.
The Keschtnweg, like the coloured canopy of the trees, is part and parcel of autumn in South Tyrol. The hiking trail coasts the Spornberg – tradition dictates you have to stop a at the Törggelestube for a bite to eat. During winter you can head to the Corno del Renon for some skiing fun and reach the top thanks to its two ski lifts. Nearly everyone on the Renon learnt to ski here before they could even walk. Winter hikes, sleigh runs, cross-country skiing or even ice skating can be experienced on the snow-covered Altopiano del Renon.
Tips from a true “Rittner” – Thomas
“I thought I’d have grown used to the Renon Earth Pyramids by now – but I’m still left speechless whenever I see them. From the farmstead, it’s just a short walk until you have the unique clay shapes in front of you. If you’ve got a steady footing, you can adventure on the Sentiero dei Camosci hiking trail and to the Katzenbachschlucht gorge. This is where nature truly shows us the stuff it’s made of, and how much people depend on it. A stunning view opens up at the Adlerhorst, just below the Spornberg – however this bit can only be reached accompanied by an expert, local guide.”
Speak with us to find out more insider tips!
Eat & Drink
Wood-fired pizza. Homemade cuisine in a Buschenschank, a local type of inn. South Tyrolean classics or staple recipes revisited in a modern style. Or maybe something delicious from the Mediterranean cuisine? Choosing can be so hard – we get you, we’re in the same boat. Just let us know what you fancy and we’ll recommend the right restaurant. There are countless places for grocery shopping or to eat out in the vicinity. You can also purchase regional ingredients in our very own farm store if you prefer cooking at home. You can also join us every Thursday when we prepare a regional SPORNBERG dinner in the barn.
Destination of choice
for lovers of life
Tips from a true “Rittner” – Thomas Messner
“My favourite wine has to be the one we grow here, on our estate. The fruity Pinot noir is the perfect accompaniment for eating. The refreshing Pinot blanc is ideal for every summer evening. You can enjoy your glass of wine and look out over the vineyards, where the grapes grow. That makes the experience taste even better!”
Speak with us to find out more insider tips!
City & Culture
All it takes is twelve minutes from Bolzano to Soprabolzano by cable car. Once in the valley, you can experience a melting pot of traditions and modernity, cultures and eras: shop under the historical arches, explore the fruit and vegetable market with its colourful stalls and specialties. Order a Spritz Aperol (called “Veneziano” in South Tyrol) and a bruschetta from the Fischbänken, or savour local Alpine dishes in the different, traditional eateries. The futurist Museion building is home to contemporary art, while the Archaeology Museum is where legendary Iceman Ötzi rests.
The Renon is also home to many different cultural highlights. The lordly summer residences or the historical firing range, for instance. Or the countless churches and chapels which seem to have been plucked straight out of a fairy tale. The “Rittner Sommerspiele” take place in the inner courtyard of the Kommende building – a fascinating cultural experience if you fancy a bit of German-speaking outdoor theatre! For the nostalgic among you, why not organise a culinary night-time trip on the traditional Renon train?
Modern art meets
traditional farming life
Tips from a true “Rittner” – Karin
“The Plattner Hof in Costalovara is one of the oldest farms on the Renon. They have a Bee Museum in their barn where you can discover more about bees, apiculture, and how they produce honey. The outdoor area features a thematic trail which explains the world from the point of view of a bee. The Renon train goes to Costalovara, and then a quick walk takes you from the station to the museum. The trip and access to the museum are free with the Ritten Card.”
Speak with us to find out more insider tips!
Spornberg highlights
The Renon Earth Pyramids, 1 km
Curious looking clay shapes protected by a rocky cap. The Renon Earth Pyramids are the tallest in Europe and approx. 25,000 years old.
Walk to Bolzano
A pleasant path leads from the Spornberg down into the valley and Bolzano. From there, return on the cable car – where you’ll get to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the Spornberg.
Santa Maria Croce, 3.7 km
The first summer retreats were built in Santa Maria in the mid-17th century for Bolzano’s upper class. The Firing Range from 1777 is also well worth a visit.
Costalovara lake, 6 km
An idyllic lake for swimming and relaxation. A circular path surrounds the lake. Walk there or hop on the Renon train
Collalbo
Renon’s main village has plenty of stores, restaurants, and cafes. It also is the starting point for many hikes. It’s just a 20-minute ride from the Spornberg with the Renon train.
Kommende Lengmoos
A former hospice, today it’s property of the Teutonic Order and boasts stunning ceremonial halls. The inner courtyard is where the “Rittner Sommerspiele” theatre plays take place, while the building proper hosts art exhibitions.
The traditional Renon train
A narrow-gauge railway which has more than 100 years’ history, it takes guests and locals between Soprabolzano and Collalbo- It’s like taking a step back in time when travelling on the old, wood-panelled train. The trip also boasts stunning views over the Dolomites.
The Freud promenade
Life is marvellous on the Renon is what Sigmund Freud said about the place. During the summer of 1911, he spent some relaxing days on the Renon and celebrated his silver wedding anniversary. The promenade starts in Soprabolzano and leads all the way to Collalbo (1.5 h). The path is peppered with quotes from the father of psychoanalysis.
The Spornberg 101: everything you need to know during your holiday
We’re happy to provide a cot and highchair in the apartment if needed.
Cancellation within 3 months before arrival: deposit will be retained
Cancellation within 4 weeks before arrival: 70% of the total amount will be charged.
Cancellation within 1 week before arrival or late arrival: 100% of the total amount will be charged.