Visit Castelrotto in Italy and the Best: Things to Do and See

Planning to visit Castelrotto? This charming South Tyrolean village sits at the base of the Seiser Alm and feels like it was dropped straight into the Dolomites for your hiking, sipping, and unwinding pleasure. The cobbled lanes, wooden balconies dripping with flowers, and that famous steeple all set the tone, but it’s the views, the alpine energy, and the food scene that make you stay. From wandering through herbal farms to ending your day at an Alto Adige winery with a crisp glass of white and mountain air in your lungs, Castelrotto hits the sweet spot between cozy village life and full-on outdoor escape.

Visit Castelrotto: Top things to do in town

Lose yourself in the village

Kick things off right in the center of Castelrotto, where cobbled streets and hand-painted buildings feel like they’ve been waiting just for you. The village square is perfect for a slow wander, pop into artisan shops, grab a coffee, and soak in the mountain stillness. Don’t miss the towering church steeple, one of the tallest in Italy, standing proud above the rooftops.

Walk to the Church Steeple of Saints Peter and Paul

Make time for the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, it’s hard to miss with that sky-high bell tower (the tallest in all of Tyrol, by the way). You’ll spot it from pretty much anywhere in Castelrotto. Step inside for baroque frescoes and quiet atmosphere, or just admire it from the square with a gelato in hand. The place has serious history behind it, echoing Castelrotto’s deep roots in the Austro-Hungarian era and centuries of Alpine faith.

Discover the traditional music

If you time it right, you might catch a live concert by the Kastelruther Spatzen, Castelrotto’s beloved folk band that’s a big deal across German-speaking Europe. Their shows bring serious alpine vibes, from heartfelt ballads to foot-tapping fun. And if you’re lucky, the town might be in full swing with one of its traditional horse parades. Expect decorated riders, vibrant costumes, and a whole lot of local pride trotting through the streets.

Tour the Saint Valentine Church

Tucked just outside the main square, this little church from the 13th century feels like a quiet time capsule. With its faded medieval frescoes and peaceful alpine backdrop, it’s the kind of spot that invites a pause, especially if you’ve been wandering all day. Framed by meadows and tall evergreens, it’s one of those places that feels miles away from everything (even though it’s not).

Visit Castelrotto: Top things to do around

Explore the scenic trails of Alpe di Siusi

20 minutes from Castelrotto, Alpe di Siusi is pure Dolomite bliss. This vast alpine meadow, the largest in Europe, rolls out wide-open views, dramatic peaks, and trails lined with wildflowers in the summer or powder in the winter. You can hike straight into postcard territory, stop at a cozy mountain hut for dumplings and a glass of local wine, or take the Peter and Paul trail for a chill walk with epic scenery. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay longer, breathe deeper, and maybe never leave.

Drive to Ortisei

About 25 minutes from Castelrotto, Ortisei is a vibrant alpine town tucked into the Val Gardena valley. With pastel facades, woodcarving studios, and cable cars heading straight into the peaks, it’s a place where art, nature, and mountain life all blend. Stroll through the village, hop on a gondola for jaw-dropping views, or follow forest trails down into the valley. From fresh strudel to handcrafted souvenirs, everything here feels proudly local, and perfect for a relaxed adventure between hikes or ski runs.

Take a day trip to Bolzano

Add a little city buzz to your alpine escape with a visit to Bolzano, just 40 minutes from Castelrotto. This cultural crossroads mixes Gothic spires with Aperol spritz, German street names with Italian style. Between the famous Ötzi museum, lively piazzas, and cable cars floating above the vineyards, there’s no shortage of things to do in Bolzano. The surrounding wine country is also top-notch, think guided Bolzano wine tours with crisp whites, mountain reds, and sun-drenched terraces. It’s a great way to spend a day between mountain hikes and village strolls.

Uncover mountain wines with a view

Just outside the hustle and bustle, Tenuta Pfitscher delivers wine, landscape, and history with serious style. Three generations of winemakers work together in high-altitude vineyards where cool nights and warm days sharpen flavors. Book a tasting or tour and you’ll end up on a sunlit balcony sipping wines that speak of mountain soil, cultural craft, and vineyard pride. It’s not just a wine stop, it’s an experience that reveals why Trentino‑Alto Adige wineries punch far above their weight in every glass.

Plan the perfect Dolomites itinerary

If you’re planning to visit Castelrotto, you’re already on the right track for an unforgettable Dolomites itinerary. This charming alpine town is the perfect starting point to explore Seiser Alm’s sweeping meadows, hop over to Ortisei for panoramic lifts, or enjoy a glass of local wine in a quiet mountain hut. From scenic drives through the valleys to hidden chapels and high-altitude hikes, building your route around Castelrotto lets you dive into the best of South Tyrol, with postcard views at every turn.

Good to know before visiting Castelrotto