The tradition of summer retreating is deeply rooted in South Tyrol—especially for the people of Bolzano, who have been escaping the heat of the valley for centuries by heading up into the mountains. With picnic baskets, children, and plenty of excitement, they would flock to the high plateau of Deutschnofen. At 1,350 metres above sea level, the cooler air, the sunshine—more than anywhere else in South Tyrol—and the serene alpine setting made it an ideal escape.
Not much has changed since then—except that holidaymakers now come from around the globe. Deutschnofen still enjoys the most sunshine in South Tyrol and continues to draw nature lovers and mountain explorers. The vast high plateau of the Reggelberg is ideal for walkers and hikers, but the real draw lies just to the east: the towering peaks of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, including Schlern, the Rosengarten group, and majestic Latemar.
If you’re into trekking in the Dolomites, this region is a true paradise. Over 500 kilometres of marked trails and alpine paths wind through the Eggental Dolomites, ranging from easy forest strolls and panoramic walks—like the scenic route to Lake Carezza—to challenging hut-to-hut treks and thrilling via ferratas. And for those craving vertical adventure, world-renowned climbing routes await on some of the most iconic rock faces in the Alps.
To the south, the Schwarzhorn and Weißhorn form the edge of the Reggelberg plateau. While they are popular destinations for walking in the Dolomites holidays, the true geological highlight lies beneath them: the Geoparc Bletterbach. Join a guided hike and explore South Tyrol’s “Grand Canyon,” where millions of years of Earth’s history are revealed in layered stone—and even the fossilised tracks of ancient creatures still remain.
And then there are those who explore the Dolomites on two wheels. The journey to Hotel Gasthof Stern is already a scenic delight, winding through the Eggental valley. From here, motorcycle riders can embark on one of the most spectacular tours in the Alps: via Karerpass and Fiemme Valley to the Sella Pass and into Val Gardena. From there, choose a longer circuit through the Gardena and Badia valleys, or a shorter one straight to Bolzano. Either way, the route leads back to Nova Ponente, the Reggelberg and your welcoming retreat at Hotel Gasthof Stern.
