8.5 km
Distance
2h 30min
Duration
+250 m
Elevation gain
Easy
Difficulty
March–November
Season
Columns of earth and clay as tall as houses, each capped by a boulder that shields it from the rain. They are reckoned the best preserved earth pyramids in Europe, and an easy walk takes you there.
The Earth Pyramids of the Renon are among the most spectacular natural monuments in South Tyrol, and are reckoned the tallest and best preserved in Europe. They are columns of earth and clay of glacial origin, formed after the last ice age.
On top of many of them sits a large boulder — the 'hat' — which shields the column from the rain: the ground around is eroded away, the ground beneath the boulder stays intact, and the pyramid shape is born. When the boulder falls, the pyramid loses its protection and slowly disappears, while new ones form elsewhere.
Highlights
The pyramids of Longomoso
These are the tallest and the most photographed on the plateau. The viewing platform lets you see them close up without descending into the gully.
A phenomenon in motion
No pyramid is permanent. Looking at them means seeing one stage of a process that is still going on: some are collapsing, others are forming a little further along.
Getting there
We start from Soprabolzano, at the top station of the Renon cable car. If you are staying nearby, a car transfer from your hotel to the trailhead is included.
Good to know
The route largely follows the Freud Promenade, so the two walks combine naturally into a single day.
From Soprabolzano you can also reach the pyramids viewpoint by a shorter detour, if you are short of time.
Routes may change according to trail and weather conditions.
The route, stage by stage
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From Soprabolzano along the Freud Promenade
Trail no. 35
We take trail no. 35, the same one as the Freud Promenade, leaving the village towards the high meadows.
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The panoramic stretch to Collalbo
Trail no. 35
The middle section runs almost level between meadows and open woodland, with the Dolomites always ahead.
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The detour towards Longomoso
Waymarked path
At Collalbo we leave the Freud Promenade and drop towards Longomoso, where the tallest and best preserved pyramids stand.
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The pyramids viewpoint
Viewing platform
A stop at the platform overlooking the gully, then back towards the starting point.
Stops and refreshments
- Soprabolzano
- At the trailhead, next to the cable car top station.
- Collalbo
- Halfway along: bars and restaurants in the village centre.
- Longomoso
- Near the pyramids viewpoint.
What to bring
Day hikes- Hiking boots with a lugged sole
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- A warm spare layer
- Water, at least 1.5 litres per person
- Hat, sunglasses and sun cream
