The midday sun is still warm, the mornings already feel pleasantly fresh, and the first hints of autumn colour are beginning to appear among the green of the woods. It is a particularly lovely time to head out on foot: the heat has eased, winter is still a long way off, and the paths around Oberbozen are becoming pleasantly quiet again.
Three of our favourite routes begin directly at Bella Posta. One is short and scenic, another leads to an extraordinary natural phenomenon, and the third takes you through woodland and a peaceful landscape of lakes and wetlands.
1. Through Maria Himmelfahrt to Merltennen
A short walk with views and history
From Bella Posta, follow path no. 2 towards Maria Himmelfahrt. This gentle route crosses meadows and passes the hamlet’s historic summer residences.
As early as the 17th century, families from Bolzano would move up to the Ritten plateau during the hottest months of the year. Maria Himmelfahrt still bears witness to this distinctive culture of summer retreat. People did not come up for just a weekend, but moved here for several weeks, bringing their families, household belongings and everything they needed for a long summer.
In the centre of Maria Himmelfahrt, the path descends towards Merltennen. From the viewpoint, the landscape opens out across Bolzano and the valley. In late summer, when the air becomes clearer, the views are often particularly far-reaching.
The route then leads back towards Gasthof Schluff. From there, follow paths 2B, 14A and 2 back to Oberbozen and Bella Posta.
The route at a glance
Start and finish: Bella Posta
Route: path 2 – Maria Himmelfahrt – Merltennen – Gasthof Schluff – paths 2B, 14A and 2
Walking time: approximately 1½–2 hours
Character: easy circular walk
Terrain: walking paths, woodland trails and meadow paths
Refreshments: Gasthof Schluff; check its opening hours and weekly closing day beforehand
Best for: anyone looking for a manageable walk combining views and local history
Our tip: Take the time to sit for a while at Merltennen. On this walk, the pause is part of the journey.
2. To the earth pyramids and back along the Sommerfrischweg
A natural phenomenon and medieval frescoes
This route also begins directly at Bella Posta. Follow path no. 23 towards the Oberbozen earth pyramids. These unusual pillars are made from clay-rich glacial moraine deposited on the Ritten during the Ice Age. Large rocks protect the material beneath them from the rain, creating what look like stone hats. Once a pillar loses its capstone, it is gradually eroded, while a new one may already be forming elsewhere.
The trail then continues to the small Church of St George and St James. Frescoes dating from around 1380 have survived in its apse. If you would like to see the inside of the church, you can collect the key from the tourist information office by Oberbozen station before setting off.
The route returns to Bella Posta via Maria Himmelfahrt and the Sommerfrischweg.
The route at a glance
Start and finish: Bella Posta
Route: path 23 – earth pyramids – St George and St James – Maria Himmelfahrt – Sommerfrischweg
Distance: approximately 5.4 kilometres
Actual walking time: around 1½ hours
With viewpoints and a visit to the church: around 2–2½ hours
Elevation gain and loss: approximately 275 metres
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Terrain: woodland paths, meadow trails and some steeper sections
Best for: anyone wishing to combine nature and history on a varied circular walk
Please note: The steeper sections can become slippery after heavy rain. In that case, the walk through Maria Himmelfahrt and Merltennen is the more comfortable choice.
Which route suits you today?
If you would like…
a short walk with beautiful views... we recommend Maria Himmelfahrt and Merltennen
to combine nature and history... we recommend the earth-pyramid circuit
to spend half a day outdoors... we recommend the lake walk
to walk after heavy rain... we recommend Maria Himmelfahrt and Merltennen
to experience the greatest variety of landscapes... we recommend the lake walk
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