In South Tyrol’s “fifth season”, the route is not the goal for hikers, but one of the numerous wine taverns and parlors at Törggelen. The name is derived from Torggl, the old word for wine press. The hosts await you with hearty delights: There is young wine, nuts, Schüttelbrot, meat platter, house sausage and dumplings, but also Schlutzkrapfen and of course chestnuts. A number of hiking trails to Törggelen promise scenic enjoyment.
Keschtnweg
The 63 km long route leads through chestnut groves and mixed forests Keschtnwegwhich begins at the Neustift monastery near Bressanone and ends in Soprabolzano. The marked path can be walked in several stages. On the way, hikers will find many popular wine taverns, country inns and Törggele parlors, for example in Barbian, Lajen, Feldthurns and Villanders. And if you are not that good on foot after Törggelen, you can also take the bus. eisacktal.com
Jenesien
Until November 4th, the Jenesien tourist office offers a daily guided hike on the topic of Törggelen. On the way, the participants learn interesting facts about the chestnut, taste products from local producers, and of course a stop is also planned. The hike lasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., registration is required. jenesien.net
In South Tyrol, the route and destination are mostly beautiful, especially now that the chestnuts are ripe and the new wine rests in the barrels.
(Photo: Edith Czech / imago images / Shotshop)
Laion
There are numerous hiking trails around Laion that sooner or later lead to an inn. It should be noted that there are many excellent wine taverns around Lajener Ried. The Walther von der Vogelweide circular route, for example, is short and technically easy: It begins and ends at the village square in Laion. Hikers follow the “Walther von der Vogelweide” marking to Albions and Ried. You can also get back to Laion from Ried via path no. 35, past the Vogelweider house, allegedly the birthplace of Walther von der Vogelweide. lajen.org
Drena
The neighboring province of Trentino has long since discovered the chestnut as a topic. The chestnut grove of Drena is one of the largest chestnut forests in Trentino, and the 4.2 km long chestnut nature trail runs between the centuries-old trees. If you want to stop by afterwards: The Ristorante La Casina in Drena has a chestnut menu on the menu in autumn. ristorantelacasina.com, gardatrentino.it