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  1. Home ·
  2. Walking Holidays ·
  3. Dolomites - The Chestnut ...

The Chestnut Route Walking Holidays

Experience the scenery of the Dolomites without the demands of a high mountain trek on this self-guided walking holiday through South Tyrol.

The Schlern massif and Santner Towers above Alpe di Siusi, South Tyrol

Walk Information

Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
54.6 to 54.6 miles
Nights
7 to 7 Nights
Location
North East Italy
Season
May to Oct
Price from
£1025

Highlights

Spellbinding views in the shadows of the Dolomites

Accessible Dolomite Scenery
Experience the Dolomites without a demanding mountain trek
Vineyards & Villages
Walk through the heart of South Tyrol
Historic Towns
Explore Bressanone, Chiusa and Bolzano
South Tyrolean Cuisine
Enjoy local wines, speck, cheeses and regional specialities
Warm Hospitality
Enjoy friendly service and comfortable accommodation throughout the walk
Alpe di Siusi
Finish on Europe's largest alpine meadow

Key Walk Features

Why The Chestnut Route?

The Chestnut Route is ideal for walkers who want to experience the scenery of the Dolomites without tackling long alpine ascents or exposed mountain paths.

Following lower-level trails through South Tyrol, the route combines mountain views with vineyards, orchards, forests and traditional villages. Along the way, you'll visit historic towns, discover ancient monasteries and castles, and enjoy the unique blend of Italian and Austrian influences that defines the region.

For many walkers, the appeal of the Chestnut Route lies in its variety. One day you may be walking through vineyards beneath the Dolomite peaks, the next exploring a medieval town or enjoying local South Tyrolean cuisine.

If you're looking for a gentler alternative to the Alta Via routes while still experiencing the landscapes that make the Dolomites famous, this walk is an excellent choice.

Walkers on a path across Alpe di Siusi beneath the Schlern massif and Santner Towers

Path Walkthrough

Starting in Bressanone and finishing in Bolzano, the Chestnut Route follows a varied trail through the heart of South Tyrol. Walking through vineyards, orchards, forests and traditional villages, you'll enjoy ever-changing views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks.

Along the way, you'll visit Novacella Abbey, the hilltop Sabiona Monastery and the medieval town of Chiusa, before crossing the Renon Plateau with its distinctive earth pyramids and open mountain views. The route combines quiet countryside with historic towns, offering plenty of opportunities to experience the culture, food and hospitality of the region.

Your holiday concludes with a circular walk on Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest alpine meadow, where wide open landscapes and dramatic mountain backdrops provide a memorable finale.

Earth Pyramids

More Than a Mountain Walk

Many Dolomites walking holidays focus on high mountain routes and alpine challenges. The Chestnut Route offers a different perspective.

As well as enjoying views of the Dolomite peaks, you'll walk through vineyards, orchards and traditional villages, explore historic towns such as Bressanone, Chiusa and Bolzano, and experience the unique blend of Italian and Austrian culture that makes South Tyrol so distinctive.

The result is a walking holiday that combines mountain scenery, local culture, regional cuisine and comfortable walking in equal measure.

Chapel in the Dolomites

Choose Your Walk

Our Dolomites - The Chestnut Route Itineraries

Bressanone to Bolzano

54.7 miles (88 km)
  • 7 Nights Moderate

    ITA-DCH1

    From £1,025 Per Person

Key Information

  • 7 nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Luggage transfers between accommodations
  • Transfers included as part of the itinerary
  • Walk pack including route notes, maps and destination information
  • Access to a Travel App
Not Included
  • Ritten Card
  • Packed lunches
  • Evening meals
  • Travel to Bressanone and from Bolzano
  • Optional airport transfers (available on request at the time of booking)
  • Local city taxes, payable directly to the accommodation

Customise your trip?

Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.

Telephone
+44 (0)1291 689 774
Email
walk@celtic-trails.com

FAQs

Dolomites - The Chestnut Route Client Reviews

4.5/5 based on 3 reviews

Rated 4.2 out of 5

"Yes would recommend to a friend"

Anon
September 2025
Rated 4.8 out of 5

"Great customer service with excellent walking instructions/directions/maps with photos of accommodations which was most helpful."

Judith Carder
May 2025
Rated 4.4 out of 5

"I told my brother that Celtic Trail was go0d with communication and made many good hotel choices"

D. Robertson
May 2025

Hand-Picked Accommodation

Accommodation Chosen for Comfort & Location

Throughout the Chestnut Route, you'll stay in a carefully selected mix of hotels and guesthouses chosen for their comfort and convenient locations along the route. Accommodation is typically 3-star and 4-star standard, with en-suite rooms throughout. Some properties also offer swimming pools and wellness facilities. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy South Tyrolean specialities and local wines, adding another dimension to the experience.

Hotel Dolomiten

Media Gallery

Walking path on Alpe di Siusi beneath the Schlern massif, South Tyrol
Novacella Abbey near Bressanone, on the Chestnut Route in South Tyrol.
Vineyards, valleys and Dolomite peaks in South Tyrol
Llamas grazing in a field on the Renon Plateau in South Tyrol
Farm track through orchards and countryside on the Chestnut Route in South Tyrol.
Historic church in the South Tyrol countryside with views of the Dolomite peaks beyond
Farmland and mountain views along the Chestnut Route in South Tyrol.
Traditional street in Chiusa, South Tyrol
Kematen Lake on the Renon Plateau, surrounded by woodland in South Tyrol.
Rolling countryside and villages beneath the Dolomites, South Tyrol
Alpine meadows and traditional mountain huts on Alpe di Siusi with Dolomite peaks in the background.
Forest path through pine woodland on the Renon Plateau in South Tyrol.
Natural earth pyramids surrounded by woodland near Collalbo, South Tyrol.
Medieval castle and vineyard-covered hillside in South Tyrol along the Chestnut Route.
View across farmland and forested hills towards the Dolomite mountains in South Tyrol.
Alpine meadows on Alpe di Siusi, South Tyrol
Walkers crossing Alpe di Siusi with the Schlern massif and Santner Towers rising above the plateau.
Historic Renon railway train at Collalbo station on the Renon Plateau, South Tyrol.
Wildflower meadow beneath the Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto peaks in the Dolomites, South Tyrol
South Tyrol countryside beneath the Schlern massif

Customise your trip?

Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.

Customise your trip?

Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.

Telephone
+44 (0)1291 689 774
Email
walk@celtic-trails.com

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