Castelfeder hike

Castelfeder near Ora is a scenic and historically charming hiking and excursion destination: the legendary old castle hill holds numerous traces of a long settlement history, is home to a biotope characterized by dry slopes and small ponds, and at the same time opens up breathtaking views of South Tyrol's sun-drenched south.

Route description Castelfeder

The hike along the Castelfeder Nature Discovery Trail begins at the "Castelfeder Campo Sportivo" car park, which is located directly on the val di Fiemme road between Ora and Montagna.

On the opposite side of the road the nature experience trail Castelfeder starts. It leads in a gentle ascent over the dry slopes characterized by oaks, secluded terraces and red-black rocks, which stand in charming contrast to the small marshy pools inhabited by water-loving plants and animals. While the croaking of various frogs can be heard in the latter during the mating season, the dry meadow is home to the aesculapian snakes and lizards in spring.

Along the path, twelve information boards full of pictures provide interesting insights into the changing history, natural and cultural landscape of the porphyry ridge of Castelfeder.

After about half an hour of leisurely hiking, you reach the hilltop, which was settled early on and was already explored by the local historians in the 19th century. Here, numerous remains still tell of Castelfeder's eventful settlement history, which extends from bronze age hunters to the Raetians, Romans, Rhaeto-Romans, Ostrogoths, Lombards, Franks and Bavarians to medieval noble families.

Particularly worth seeing are the decayed chapel Santa Barbara, the remains of a 6th century tower and the so-called "Kuchelen", a small 6th century wall remnant crossed by three arches. Next to the latter, the abraded "fertility chute" testifies to an ancient fertility rite.

No less impressive is the picturesque view that Castelfeder unfolds: Our view sweeps from Salorno in the south to Mendola in the west and the mountains of Merano in the north - and also lago di Caldaro lake, shimmering in the sun, can be seen from here.

From the hilltop of Castelfeder we hike back to lago nero lake and take the short descent to Ora. In a few minutes it leads down to a cozy restaurant which invites you to stop for a bite to eat. Moreover, a spacious playground awaits the children.

Following trail numbers 5 and 5A , the hike leads back to the starting point at the Campo Sportivo Castelfeder.

The ancient cult place Castelfeder

In many pre-Christian cultures, panoramic heights such as Castelfeder were regarded as sacred places where the seat of the gods was believed to be. At the same time, Castelfeder has always been regarded as an eerie place, haunted by evil spells and spirits, and is still the subject of numerous legends.

Infos Castelfeder hike

• Duration:01:15 h
• Length:3.6 km
• Height gain:175 m

• Min. elevation:256 m
• Max. elevation:406 m