Autumn Escapes: Scenic Walks Around Bolzano

Just outside the city, there are countless opportunities for enjoyable autumn walks. Among them, two excursions stand out for their scenic beauty and accessibility.

The easiest route, suitable even for families with strollers, is the Freud Promenade, a pleasant two-hour walk connecting Oberbozen (Soprabolzano) and Klobenstein (Collalbo), passing through Maria Himmelfahrt (Stella), and vice versa. In May 2006, to mark the 150th anniversary of Sigmund Freud’s birth, the existing Trail No. 35 was restored and dedicated to the father of psychoanalysis, who spent several holidays with his family in Klobenstein. Along the route, thirteen benches invite visitors to pause and reflect on quotations taken from Freud’s writings.

After passing a few houses –some built in traditional Alpine style– the trail reveals nature in all its richness, with ripe elderberries, raspberries, and apricots lining the way. The panoramic views of the Schlern and Rosengarten mountain ranges in the background are truly postcard-perfect. At the end of the gravel section, the path turns left and then immediately right, continuing through a peaceful woodland area before reaching Klobenstein. For the return journey, visitors can take the historic narrow-gauge railway to the Oberbozen cable car station and descend comfortably back to Bolzano Bozen. It is therefore an excursion that can be enjoyed entirely without the use of a car.

More recently developed and slightly more challenging is the trail that crosses the Marter Gorge between Jenesien (San Genesio) and the Sarntal Valley. Since 2024, the Marterloch has been traversed by a spectacular bridge offering a unique hiking experience. Originally built as a suspended water pipeline, stretching 272 metres in length and hanging 130 metres above the gorge, it was designed to transport water for agricultural purposes to the Jenesien plateau. Over the last few years, however, it has also become an exciting attraction for hikers and a valuable addition to the local tourism offering.

The themed trail follows existing paths through a cultural landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Along the route, 21 information stations provide insights into the area’s geology, history, agriculture, and engineering. For centuries, this path represented the only connection between Bolzano and the Sarntal Valley. Following the historic mule track, visitors can retrace the footsteps of merchants, farmers, and travellers who once crossed these mountains with considerable effort.

The two main access points—at Ponticino (Sarntal) and Afing (Jenesien)—are both located near public transport stops. On weekdays, buses run every 30 minutes, while on Sundays and public holidays they operate hourly, making it possible to start the excursion directly from Bolzano without a car. The walk to the bridge takes approximately one hour from either side.

This project strengthens the connection between agriculture, landscape conservation, and sustainable tourism, enhancing visitors’ experiences without placing additional pressure on local communities or the environment.

Image: Marterloch, Courtesy Südtiroler.info