UNIQUE, PET FRIENDLY HIKE IN THE DOLOMITES
I was so excited when I found this super unique pet friendly hike while we were near/in the Dolomites. It provided all of the quintessential views you want to see of the Dolomites like quaint villages, majestic mountains & rolling green hills BUT it also added something else! Earth pyramids!!!!
Let’s get into it. The Earth Pyramids near Bolzano, Italy, are a striking 25,000 year old, natural phenomenon found in the region of South Tyrol, specifically around the Renon Plateau. These unique formations, also known as the Ritten Earth Pyramids, were created through a combination of erosion and natural forces over centuries. The pyramids are essentially towering pillars of compacted clay, formed after glacial moraine deposits were left behind from the last Ice Age. When rain eroded the soft ground, harder stones resting atop the clay protected the material directly beneath them, causing the surrounding areas to wash away while the protected columns remained. This process continues today, with new pyramids forming as older ones collapse, making them a constantly evolving wonder.
One fascinating aspect of these pyramids is their dynamic nature. Depending on the weather and environmental conditions, new pyramids can form or vanish over time. Some of the tallest Earth Pyramids in the region stand up to 40 meters high, and they are often crowned with large boulders, which balance precariously atop the narrow spires. The Renon Plateau itself is a popular destination for visitors, offering breathtaking views of the Dolomites and the surrounding landscape, making the Earth Pyramids not just a geological marvel but also a beloved tourist attraction.
Now for a few important details about the hike itself!
Hike Name: Earth Pyramids of Ritten
Rated: Easy
Trail Length: 2.9 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 406 feet
Dog & cat friendly! Woo hoo!!! As always, please leave nature as beautiful as when you found it and pick up after yourself and your beloved fur baby. Always remember to leave no trace.❤︎🫶🏽
From Bolzano, which is where we stayed, it was a bit of a journey to get to the trailhead, but not an arduous journey. I’ll break it down for you so you can check it out if you’re ever in the area. Which I highly suggest you do!
We opted for the Cable Car and Train option for a more scenic experience with stunning views and an opportunity to view the region from the sky: You can take the Renon cable car from Bolzano to Soprabolzano (Oberbozen). The cable car station is located near the Bolzano train station, and the ride offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Once in Soprabolzano, you take a small scenic train to Collalbo (Klobenstein). From Collalbo, there is a short walk to the trailhead through an absolutely adorable town that leads to the Earth Pyramids trailhead. The streets are equipped with signs that are clear and concise, so it’s pretty easy to just follow the well marked signs along the way, to guide you through the scenic landscape to the pyramid trailhead. Remember to take mental notes of landmarks to help make the walk back to the train station easier. :)
*Side note, you can stop along the way to the trailhead, at little cafes, shops and gelato shops that have breathtaking views! We stopped for lunch on our way to the trailhead and then on the way back to the train (after the hike), we stopped for gelato and souvenir shopping. It really was an overall lovely experience! :D
By Car: From Bolzano, take the SS508 road towards Soprabolzano (Oberbozen). The drive takes about 30-40 minutes, and there is parking available near the trailhead on the Renon Plateau.
By Bus: There are also buses that run from Bolzano to Soprabolzano, and from there you can either walk or take the small train to the Earth Pyramids area.
The “journey” to the trail
The actual trail/hike
Fun Fact, this town is very close to the Austrian border, so many people actually speak German here! In fact, it had been a part of Austria until Italy won the First World War and annexed the region.
Prefer videos? Check out my instagram reel ——-> HERE! You’ll see the river, bridge and more too!
Have you been to this region of Italy? If not, will you be adding it to your list? :D