Castelrotto also known as (Kastelruth: German name) is a charming town nestled in the Dolomites of Northern Italy. This town sits in the mountains about 26km from the main town of Bolzano. With its picturesque streets, beautiful church, and stunning mountain views, it's no wonder why many consider it one of the best towns in the Dolomites.

It offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from cosy guesthouses to luxurious hotels. You will delight in the delicious Italian and Südtirol dishes served at the local restaurants here, plenty of opportunity to explore the nearby trails and take in the breathtaking scenery. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, Castlerotto has something for everyone.

Stroll Through Castelrotto’s Historic Centre
Explore cobblestone streets, colourful Tyrolean houses, and the majestic Church of Saints Peter and Paul with its iconic bell tower.

How to Get There: The village centre is easily walkable. Parking is available near the main square.

Church steeple of Castlerotto:

With its height of 82 m , 298 steps up the church steeple of Castlerotto is the third highest in all of South Tyrol. It is also said that the bells have the most beautiful peal. You can book a guided visit of the church steeple — each Thursday at 5 p.m.

Visit the Kastelruther Spatzen Museum

Location: Castelrotto Village Center

Discover the history of the famous folk music group, the Kastelruther Spatzen.

How to Get There: Located in the main square of Castelrotto.

Enjoy Tyrolean Cuisine at Zum Turm 🍲

Location: Via del Paese, Castelrotto

One of the most popular restaurants in town, serving dishes like Speck, Knödel, and Kaiserschmarrn.

How to Get There: Located near the main square.

Relax at the Piazza Kraus 🌳

Location: Piazza Kraus, Castelrotto

Named after poet Johann Kraus, this square is perfect for relaxing and people-watching.

How to Get There: Located in the centre of town.

Discover Castelrotto’s Historical Walls 🧱

Location: Old Town, Castelrotto

Remnants of Castelrotto’s medieval walls can be found around the town, offering a glimpse into its past.

How to Get There: Wander through the old town streets.

Try Local Desserts at Café Rier 🍰

Location: Via Oswald von Wolkenstein, Castelrotto
Enjoy coffee and traditional South Tyrolean desserts like Strudel and Zelten.

How to Get There: A 5-minute walk from the main square.

Explore the Oswald von Wolkenstein Trail 🌲

Location: Starting from Castelrotto

Take a walk along this scenic trail dedicated to the medieval poet.

How to Get There: Trailheads begin near the village outskirts.

Trocker Panificio Bäckerei is a bakery and restaurant located in Ortisei, Val Gardena. Known for its masterfully crafted bread and pastries, this spot is a must-visit if you’re looking to indulge in some delicious baked goods. This was go to spot every morning during my stay in Ortisei. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, it's the perfect place to grab a quick bite or sit down for a leisurely meal. Whether you're craving a freshly baked loaf of bread or a sweet treat, Trocker Panificio Bäckerei has got you covered.

St. Valentin Church, located in the Dolomites, is a must-see gem for anyone visiting the area. This picturesque church sits on a grassy slope above the village of Seis and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The exact year it was built is unknown, but it has a rich history dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

While touring the inside of the chapel requires a special appointment, the outside alone is worth the visit. Don't forget to take a hike up to the chapel and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way!

Ortisei is a charming little town nestled in the beautiful Val Gardena region of northern Italy. With a population of just over 4,600 people. It is the largest town and most popular places to visit and stay in the Val Gardena area. It boasts lots of hotels, bars, shops and restaurants.

One of the best reasons in my opinion to stay in Ortisei is you don’t need a car to get around. Bus transit is free for Ortisei overnight guests, who are staying in accommodations that are members of the Tourist Association. Fortunately that’s all most all accommodations in Ortisei.

The town is famous for its stunning natural surroundings, including the majestic Dolomites mountain range. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering fantastic opportunities for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. It also has a rich cultural heritage, with its Ladin-speaking population and traditional woodcarving industry. So whether you're looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or a peaceful retreat, Ortisei has something to offer everyone.

Attractions: Seceda Ridgeline, Resciesa Plateau, and Alpe di Siusi Plateau.

Things to do in Seceda:

1. The summit of Seceda (2518m) is a popular hike due to its spectacular vantage point of the jagged Fermeda Peaks.

When to hike:

Hikers can visit Seceda by cable car from Late May/Early June until late October/ Early November.

1. The Resciesa Alp: This is a high plateau of beautiful meadows and forest. I love Resciesa because it’s a great spot to start hikes for Val Di Funes & Seceda.

Resciesa Alp provides gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Resciesa is a peaceful spot and perfect for families too.In winter, Resciesa is super famous for its fun tobogganing slope.

Make your way to the Resciesa Funicular valley station in Ortisei and take the funicular up.

Address: Funicolare Rasciesa Str. Resciesa, 14, 39046 Ortisei BZ.

1. Luis Trenker Promenade

   This is a beautiful pedestrian walkway named after the local actor and mountaineer Luis Trenker.

Boutique Hotel Planlim is a charming and stylish accommodation nestled in the heart of Ortisei, Val Gardena. With its modern alpine design and attention to detail, it offers top-quality rooms and suites that guarantee ultimate comfort for a dream holiday in the Dolomites .

The hotel's wellness area is a haven of relaxation, featuring saunas, a swimming pool, and a panoramic roof terrace with a hot tub jacuzzi, such a dream.

You can start your day right with a delicious breakfast buffet, offering a wide selection of sweet, savory, and healthy options. Whether you're here for winter skiing or summer hiking, Boutique Hotel Planlim is the perfect base for exploring the stunning Dolomites.

Turonda pizza · bistrot · drinks is a trendy and inviting restaurant located in Ortisei, Italy. With its modern and stylish interior design, it offers a memorable dining experience for pizza lovers.

What I loved about it , is the menu features unique flavour combinations, including the Mediterranean yellow pizza, deep-fried pizza, and carbon pizza. Turonda also caters to dietary restrictions, making it a convenient spot for everyone.

Don't miss out on their impressive cocktail menu and artisanal beers. The friendly staff are always ready to make recommendations and ensure a great time. So, if you're looking for experimental flavors and a stunning view of the valley, Turonda is the place to visit.