5 km
Distance
1h 30min
Duration
+120 m
Elevation gain
Easy
Difficulty
March–November
Season
The path Freud walked during his summers on the Renon, from Soprabolzano to Collalbo. Five almost level kilometres with the Dolomites always ahead: suitable for everyone, pushchairs included.
Sigmund Freud spent several summers on the Renon from 1911 onwards, and it was here that part of the work on Totem and Taboo began. In 2006, for the hundred and fiftieth anniversary of his birth, the path linking Soprabolzano to Collalbo was named after him.
It is a high-level walk, almost entirely flat, crossing meadows and open woodland with the Dolomites always ahead. The surface is good throughout: no training needed, and it can be done with a pushchair.
Highlights
The Renon narrow-gauge railway
Once you reach Collalbo you can walk back or take the historic train, running on the plateau since 1907. It is one of the few mountain railways left in South Tyrol, and for children it is often the best part of the day.
The Dolomites panorama
The path runs along the south-facing slope: from the Catinaccio to the Sciliar, the view accompanies the walk without a break.
Getting there
We start from the top station of the Renon cable car at Soprabolzano, twelve minutes from Bolzano. If you are staying nearby, a car transfer from your hotel to the trailhead is included.
Good to know
The route is open from March to November, a longer season than most high-altitude walks.
It can be combined with a visit to the Earth Pyramids, continuing from Collalbo towards Longomoso.
Routes may change according to trail and weather conditions.
The route, stage by stage
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From Soprabolzano onto trail no. 35
Trail no. 35
We leave the cable car top station and pick up trail no. 35, which heads straight out of the village towards the meadows.
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The high-level panoramic stretch
Trail no. 35
The middle section runs almost level between meadows and open woodland, with the Dolomites panorama open on the right the whole way.
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Arrival at Collalbo
Trail no. 35
We reach Collalbo after about an hour and a half. From here you can walk back the same way or take the Renon railway.
Stops and refreshments
- Soprabolzano
- At the trailhead, next to the cable car top station.
- Collalbo
- On arrival: bars and restaurants in the village centre.
What to bring
Day hikes- Walking or trainer shoes with a lugged sole
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- A warm spare layer
- Water, at least 1 litre per person
- Hat, sunglasses and sun cream
