Oberbozen - Erdpyramiden - Maria Himmelfahrt - Ritten

Getting there
The Ritten is located at circa 1200m above the city of Bozen (Bolzano) in the South Tyrol, N. Italy. From Bozen take the SP73 towards Klobenstein (Collalbo). To reach Oberbozen (Soprabolzano) turn off left onto the SP134. Access
Start at the cable car station at Oberbozen. Itinerary
From the cable car station take the path that runs parallel with the railway and beneath Caffè Fink, after circa 300m cross the railway lines, walk under the cable car and proceed past the swimming pool to where the road finishes. The view onto the Dolomites now unfolds in full splendor with the Schlern and Rosengarten dominating the foreground. Plunge into the forest down cobbled path N. 23 and continue downhill following signs for the earth pyramids. Circa 15 minutes after having crossed a small bridge the path opens onto a big field: bear left at this point and walk along the edge of the field to reach the pyramids. Fantastic! Thanks to the rain these moraine deposits evolve constantly, changing size and shape at every visit.

The walk continues along the edge to a small wooden gate which leads back up to path N. 23. Walk quickly past the beehives and reach the road and path N. 26 which, if you’re hungry, leads down to the typical farm Moarhof where we recommend you try the local dishes: Knödel, Kaiserschmarn and Hohlersaft. If you’re not hungry walk up the road towards the ancient church St. Jakob which dates all the way back to 1289. A small path leads steeply in just 5 minutes up the hillock to reach the church and it really is worth the effort.

After having discovered the church return back down to the road and take the path which leads up through the forest directly opposite: this short cut avoids the hairpin bends (although there is never any traffic) and exits beneath the beautiful fields below Maria Himmelfahrt. Cross the road and follow the path leftwards to the house, then up through the fields to reach the train station. Since the train stops off here only three times a day we recommend you discover the enchanting village which was founded to escape the oppressive summer heat. The road continues left (east) towards the few houses, or up past the cemetery, the beautiful church and the only hotel Gasthof Schluff.

If it’s hot continue through the cool forest from Gasthof Schluff along path N. 4b, otherwise walk along the promenade from the church towards Oberbozen. Reach another small church and instead of walking through the tunnel bear left past the farm to reach two small ponds and path N. 4b. And instead of continuing right past the gate like everyone else, head past the ponds and continue down on small tracks to join path N. 4. Once on this path turn right and return through the forest to Oberbozen. Gear
Normal hiking equipment. Maps/Bibliography
Kompass 1:25.000 RITTEN- RENON