Hike to the Castelchiaro Fortress

The legendary Castelchiaro Fortress high above Lake Caldaro is a popular excursion destination

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Video : Hiking tip: Horse Teeth and Castelchiaro
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We follow the signposts indicating “Leuchtenburg” (Castelchiaro) on the trail no. 18.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The first section proceeds slightly uphill - it is also used as MTB trail.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The trail snakes its way through the forest to the Castelchiaro Fortress.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The former castle courtyard and the town of Laives in the background.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Behind the castle the panoramic view opens up on Lake Caldaro and its surroundings.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Caldaro village is located only a few km away from the lake.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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We take a break in the shadow of the Castelchiaro Fortress.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The castle has no longer been inhabited since 1610, therefore it decayed.
Foto: RD, © Peer
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Its interior, a popular geocaching place, represents a real playground for kids.
Foto: RD, © Peer
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Also in late autumn a wonderful destination: the Castelchiaro Fortress, seen from the lake.
Foto: TM, © Peer
video : Castelchiaro in Caldaro as seen from above

Hike to the Castelchiaro Fortress - offers nearby:
4 nights from 216 € per person

On a beautiful Sunday morning in autumn we - that is to say two women and four kids between 3 and 8 years - drive towards Lake Caldaro and park our car in the hamlet of Campi al Lago (Klughammer) right before the signpost "Kreit". Our hike to the Castelchiaro Fortress starts on the path no. 18, first steeply uphill, then following a wide forest road also used as MTB trail.

At this point we can choose between the longer and wider trail (approx. 50 minutes) or the alternative path which is shorter and steeper. Our kids want to reach the knight's castle as soon as possible so we follow the steep trail and arrive at the Castelchiaro Fortress (Leuchtenburg) after a 15-minute uphill walk.

The shady inside of the ruin can be reached by a short iron stairway, the walls are perfect to climb and explore. Near the flag behind the castle the view opens up on the turquoise Lake Caldaro and its surroundings (if you look over the wall). After a picnic we start the descent on the same trail.

Author: RD

suited for families difficulty: easy dog-friendly