Renon: The Panoramic Plateau Above Bolzano — Between Nature, Relaxation, and Wonder
Just 16 km from Bolzano, the Renon Plateau unfolds like a green balcony between the rivers Isarco and Talvera, lying at 1,000 meters above sea level. This enchanting place, where the air is cool in summer and mild in winter, has been a beloved holiday destination for over a century — admired for its forest tranquility, stunning views, and the authentic simplicity of mountain life.
As early as the beginning of the 1900s, Renon began to establish itself as a summer retreat. The construction of the cable car and the historic railway line, still operating today, allowed many Bolzano residents and visitors to spend their summer holidays here, far from the city’s heat.
Family Trails: Walking Through Beauty
Today, Renon is a hiking paradise — perfect for families with children as well as for anyone looking for scenic, relaxing trails. The paths are easy to follow, winding through flat meadows, forests, and pastures, yet capable of surprising even seasoned hikers.
One of the most striking features of the plateau is its vantage point: from here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A true natural panoramic terrace that inspires awe in every season.
The Earth Pyramids of Renon: A Unique Natural Wonder
Among the most famous natural wonders of Renon stand its earth pyramids — extraordinary geological formations that look as if sculpted by invisible hands. These are tall pillars of clay topped with a stone, slowly shaped by rain, wind, and frost over the centuries. A perfect example of nature’s patient power, creating a rare and fascinating spectacle in this corner of South Tyrol.
This phenomenon is not exclusive to Renon — it can also be found in other parts of the Bolzano province and in some areas of Trentino — but here it reaches unmatched beauty and visibility, thanks to numerous easily accessible viewpoints.
Getting to Renon: Between Cable Car and Historic Railway
To reach the plateau comfortably and stress-free, you can take the modern Renon cable car, inaugurated in 2009, which connects Bolzano’s city center with Soprabolzano in just 12 minutes.
Along the way, the landscape slowly transforms — leaving behind the urban rhythm and entering a world of woods, meadows, and small mountain villages, where time seems to slow down.
For an even more charming experience, once you reach the top, hop aboard the historic Renon train — a vintage railway connecting the main villages of the plateau, with constant views of the Dolomites.
Why Choose Renon?
Renon is an ideal destination for those seeking nature, relaxation, and authenticity — just minutes from the city. Perfect for a day trip from Bolzano or a slow vacation surrounded by captivating landscapes, Alpine culture, and local flavors. A place where you can walk barefoot through the grass, listen to the silence, and be enchanted by a nature that tells ancient stories.
