Castlerotto

Steve, You should have lots of opportunities for hiking in that area, as there's an extensive network of trails. I was there last September and also used public transportation. AFIAK the lifts should be operating and hopefully the weather will be decent. During the time I was there, weather was a mixture of sun and cloud but no rain. As always with weather, the best policy is probably to "hope for the best and plan for the worst". I didn't do any hiking there, but one possibility you could consider would be to take the Marinzen Chairlift uphill from Castelrotto. It's a very pleasant ride, about 15 minutes or so. There's an extensive network of trails from there, some of which can be seen in THIS Photo. You could also take the short ride to Alpi di Suisi and take the Cabinovia up to the top. There's a huge number of hiking trails in that area, some of which are accessed by a variety of chairlifts. The day I was there, it was overcast and quite "chilly" but I still enjoyed the beautiful scenery. When you arrive in Bolzano, you'll need to walk a block or so to reach the Bus station. When you exit the rail station, look for Viale della Stazione, which goes through a park. When you get to Via Perathoner, turn left and walk another half block or so. You'll see a building directly in front with large letters on the roof that say "Stazione AutoLinee". You can buy your tickets inside. The ride to Castelrotto is quite pleasant, although the route has a few "twists and turns". The Bus will make a few stops, so it's a good idea to ask the driver to let you know when you've reached Castelrotto. I wasn't sure and almost disembarked at the wrong stop. You should be able to easily walk to your hotel (where are you staying?). Happy travels!

Thank you, Ken, for taking the time to share your experience. Most instructive.

Just received this reply from Stefan Urthaler in Castelrotto who s of late May and early June "This is paradise for hikers and a perfect period for hiking." The full response follows. Just sharing. Hello from Castelrotto! Thank you for you kind request. We can offer as follows: Starting from 1st of June (day of arrival) 1 nice double room with Tyrolean style wood furniture, bathroom/shower/WC, hair dryer, LCD-TV, direct dial telephone, room safe The price including breakfast is Euro 55 per day and person. If you prefer you can also choose half board (breakfast AND dinner) at Euro 68 per day and person. All taxes, service and the use of Garage, washing machines, Internet WiFi, the sauna and the roman hot steam bath included. This is paradise for hikers and a perfect period for hiking. The hotel is located on the old market square of Castelrotto but as a guest of the house you have the privilege to enter the village. We show you then your reserved and free of charge and extralarge parking place in our new garage. If you like to reserve it's enough to send your credit card number to which one night will be charged only if you cancel less than 7 days before arrival day. It would be a pleasure to welcome you soon at the "Cavallino" and we remain with our Best regards, HOTEL CAVALLINO D'ORO****
Stefan & Susanne Urthaler

Steve, I stayed at Hotel Cavallino d'Oro last September and it's fantastic! When you arrive, they will have an information package all ready for you covering local attractions, etc. Dinner seemed to be a bit of a "formal affair" with a name tag on the table and a Maitre d' wearing a Tux, but the food is great. There's a nice Bar near the front desk (with Wi-Fi) and they do indeed have washers and dryers for use by guests (downstairs from the main floor). I really enjoyed my stay there, and would absolutely stay there again! Cheers!