Renon / Ritten

Renon / Ritten, a high plateau above Bozen. The Renon / Ritten is located at an average altitude of 1,000 meters and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Dolomites. The area, characterized by agriculture and craftsmanship, offers vacationers relaxation away from tourist hotspots. Directly in Bozen is the valley station of the Rittner cable car, which provides easy and quick access to the plateau. The section between Oberbozen and Klobenstein of the narrow-gauge railway, the so-called "Rittnerbahn," is still in operation.

On the Renon / Ritten are the earth pyramids, a geological formation made of late glacial moraine clay. When dry, this material is rock hard, but when it rains, it softens and begins to slide or flow downhill. Embedded stones prevent softening and sliding at certain points, resulting in up to 30-meter-high columns, the so-called earth pyramids. The formations can be seen in the Finsterbachgraben, Katzenbachgraben, and Gasterergraben. The earth pyramids can be reached after an approximately half-hour hike from the Rittnerbahn stop in Klobenstein.

On the high plateau, there is an extensive network of marked walking and hiking trails. There are routes of varying difficulty levels, from easy circular walks to challenging summit tours to the Rittner Horn. The Rittner themed trail, the bee hike, the Lengstein circular hiking trail, and many other tours await active holidaymakers. A fun activity is llama trekking, where llamas and alpacas carry the luggage.

Other Activities

On the Renon / Ritten, there are also numerous beautiful routes for mountain bikers, especially the challenging tour to the Rittner Horn. Furthermore, the region is a paradise for horse enthusiasts. The region is ideal for horseback riding or to try out equestrian sports. There are also opportunities for tennis, football, or archery. The Wolfsgrubener See and the open-air pool of the Arena Ritten in Klobenstein invite you to swim. For theater enthusiasts, the "Freilichttheater im Hof der Kommende" annually hosts the Rittner Summer Games.

In the cold season, the Rittner Horn offers 15 kilometers of prepared slopes and breathtaking views. The instructors of the "Skischule Rittner Horn" are on hand to help beginners. Furthermore, the major ski areas of the Dolomites are not too far away. The Renon / Ritten also offers wonderful opportunities for ski touring, cross-country skiing, ice skating, tobogganing, winter and snowshoe hiking, and snow kiting.

Attractions

Runkelstein Castle at the entrance of the Sarntal valley dates back to the 13th century. Through several redesigns throughout history, several components are now arranged around the castle courtyard. Particularly noteworthy and valuable is the secular medieval fresco cycle. In addition, special exhibitions are regularly shown at Runkelstein Castle. In the church in Lichtenstern, the mortal remains of Josef Mayr-Nusser, who refused to take the SS oath and died on the way to the Dachau concentration camp, are laid to rest.
The Kommende Lengmoos, a medieval hospice, now forms the cultural center on the Renon / Ritten. Regular readings, exhibitions, musical evenings, and lectures are held here. At the Plattner Bee Museum near Oberbozen, visitors can learn about the development of beekeeping. Historical beehives, honey extractors, and much more can be seen.