Home » Travel Destinations » Kastelruth / Castelrotto: Beauty of the Italian Dolomites
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This beautiful village situated in the famous Dolomites of Italy, is known as Kastelruth (in German) / Castelrotto (in Italian) and Ciastel (Ladin).
It is a lively village, and there are plenty of events, concerts, outdoor activities, and markets to keep visitors busy, but above all, its natural beauty will capture your heart.
Is it worth visiting? Yes definitely.
As you stroll through the streets of Kastelruth, you can see traditional architecture, painted facades, and flower-filled balconies. People might be going about their day, and you can hear friendly greetings in German and Italian. You can explore at your own pace, stopping to admire the views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a delightful walk that allows you to soak in the relaxed atmosphere and experience the unique beauty of Kastelruth.
Our 1st exploration was setting out to find this pretty little painted building in the photo…(Where to find it: Plattenstraße 9, 39040 Castelrotto)
Right next to this pretty (and most-photographed building in Kastelruth, you’ll find Hotel Villa Kastelruth in a picturesque setting with beautiful views.
More on where to stay, later in the article.
Walk down Via Oswald Von Wolkenstein (road) to the little plaza right in front of the church. Here you can visit the Bistro and Bar Restaurant for something to eat and drink, and take a beautiful photo of the clocktower.
Along Via Oswald Wolkenstein, you’ll also find the Hotel zum Wolf, which has some pretty paintings on the walls.
Another beautiful spot to take a photo is when you’re driving up Tioslerweg. You’ll find a ‘Jubeleum Andenking’ dating back to 1933. From here you’ll be able to capture a pretty photo of the town. But let’s face it, no matter where you are, there are many photo opportunities of the town and its beautiful natural surroundings.
Kastelruth provides an authentic Alpine experience with a touch of Italian charm. The region is bilingual, with German and Italian being widely spoken.
You can savor the unique blend of Tyrolean and Italian cuisine, including hearty mountain dishes and delicious local wines in one of the many restaurants and bars, where they also speak English.
Take the Gondola (Seggiovia Marinzen) up the mountain or an early morning walk up Tioslerweg to Tiosels just for the enjoyment of the natural beauty and spectacular vistas all around. Especially in summer-time.
The Gondola / chair lift takes guests up to the spectacular Marinzen Alp at 1500 meters and also directly to the idyllic Marinzen Hut.
Kastelruth is surrounded by breathtaking alpine landscapes. The village is situated in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering stunning views of mountains, valleys, and meadows. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
“The small idyllic Alpe di Marinzen is located directly above Castelrotto, extends over the Bullaccia mountain slope on the northwestern edge of the Alpe di Siusi and is a real insider tip for all those seeking peace and quiet. Especially guests from Castelrotto, Fiè allo Sciliar or Siusi should put the Alpe di Marinzen on their wish list. The Alpe di Marinzen is an ideal place to relax, as well as an ideal starting point for numerous walks and hikes in the Dolomites for the whole family.
The chairlift Marinzen takes you directly to the picturesque Alpe di Marinzen. During your journey you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the village of Castelrotto and the Sciliar area.
It is also possible to walk directly from Castelrotto to the Alpe di Marinzen. The trail begins behind the valley station of the Marinzen chairlift and leads through meadows and forests to the mountain pasture, which also pleases mountain bikers.” – The Marinzen Alp
Discover the Top 10 Must-Do-Tours for sightseeing in Italy: Read more…
Kastelruth’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. You can easily visit other beautiful towns in the region, such as:
Other bigger cities nearby:
From Kastelruth you can also explore:
Alpe di Siusi (German: Seiser Alm) is a big and beautiful high alpine pasture near Kastelruth. It is one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites and the largest high alpine pasture in Europe, covering an area of 56 square kilometers You can get there easily from Kastelruth. The Alpe di Siusi offers plenty of space for relaxation even in the busy season. During winter you’ll find numerous toboggan runs that promise first-class fun in the snow.
Spring (March to May): Springtime in Kastelruth brings mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds. However, some attractions and services may have limited availability during this period.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Kastelruth brings cooler temperatures and stunning foliage as the leaves change colors in early fall. The crowds start to thin out, making it a quieter time to visit. The weather is still pleasant.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Kastelruth. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, perfect for outdoor adventures. The Alpe di Siusi comes alive with vibrant greenery, and the region offers a range of activities, including hiking, biking, and festivals. However, popular tourist spots can be crowded, so be prepared for higher accommodation rates and more tourists.
Winter (December to February): Winter is a magical time to visit Kastelruth, especially if you enjoy winter sports. The region offers skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing opportunities. The festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and cozy mountain lodges add to the charm. However, keep in mind that some hiking trails and attractions may be closed or have limited access during this time.
Immerse yourself in the village’s charm, explore the area at a relaxed pace, and experience the local culture and friendly atmosphere. It will help you make the most of your visit and create wonderful memories.
Accommodation in Kastelruth / Castelrotto is booked way in advance, so you’ll have to book as soon as possible if you want to stay in one of the popular places:
Guests can admire the breathtaking view of the Dolomites from their balconies and on the terrace on the 5th floor.
Situated in the city center, 100 meters from the public ski bus stop.
Travel Tip(s)
I know this might sound boring, but I love buying kitchen towels – it is something you can use and it doesn’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase. Furthermore, you can transform it into cushions if you buy two…or more.
“The Kastelruther Spatzen (German for Kastelruth sparrows) are a musical group from South Tyrol, northern Italy, who have won many honours and awards for their schlager in folk music style. The Kastelruther Spatzen were formed in 1976 by Karl Schieder, Walter Mauroner, Valentin Silbernagl, Oswald Sattler, Ferdinand Rier and Anton Rier. ” – Wikipedia
In via Dolomiti you’ll find a souvenir shop called: Kastelruther Spatzenladen & Museum. It is an interesting place to shop for a souvenir or just to explore.
Where: Dolomitenstraße 21a, Kastelruth, Italy
So, if you’re captivated by alpine landscapes, cultural events, and outdoor adventures, Kastelruth is a must-visit destination that promises a memorable experience amidst the beauty of the Dolomites.
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