The Castle trail „Castelronda“ is about 20 km long and connects the castles and ruins of Bolzano, San Genesio and Terlano: Castle Roncolo/Runkelstein, Castle Rafenstein, Castle Grifo/Greifenstein (vulg. also called Castello del Porco, which means „Pork Castle“), Ruin Helfenberg and Castle Neuhaus (also called Maultasch). The efforts of hikers will be fully satisfied with magnificent views over the most beautiful castles and ruins of the region, in the middle of the nature.
The trail starts at the Castle Roncolo/Runkelstein in Bolzano/Bozen and leads to the Castle Runkelstein passing the San Genesio cable car valley station. Then you continue to Restaurant Noafer in Cologna/Glaning (a hamlet in the municipality of San Genesio), situated above the Castle ruin Grifo/Greifenstein. Next, you reach the Helfenberg castle ruin and at the same time you can enjoy the marvellous panorama of the surrounding area. The descent towards Terlano/Terlan leads you to the final castle ruin Neuhaus/Maultasch and here ends the trail „Castelronda“.
You can choose to start in Bolzano, San Genesio or in Terlano and you can also hike partial sections at your discretion.
The hikes on the „Castelronda/Burgenweg“ trail are especialliy recommended in spring, autumn and winter.
Starting at the village of San Genesio, take the path nr. 2 until you reach the castle Rafenstein. From castle Rafenstein choose the path nr. 1A and then change to the path nr. 1B in direction to S. Giorgio. From the San Genesio cable car valley station, you can reach the castle Roncolo/Runkelstein, walking along the river Talvera/Talfer in direction to Sarntal Valley.