Soprabolzano
Soprabolzano, known in German as Oberbozen, is the main resort of the Renon plateau above Bolzano
Updated 21 July 2026
The story
The story of Soprabolzano
Soprabolzano: the green balcony above Bolzano
Soprabolzano, or Oberbozen in German, is the main village of the municipality of Renon (Ritten), the plateau that rises above the Bolzano basin in South Tyrol. At around 1,200 metres above sea level, the village enjoys a broad panorama stretching from the surrounding mountains to the Dolomite peaks, in a predominantly German-speaking area where life still revolves around forests, mountain farms and upland meadows. Its elevated position makes it a refreshing alternative to the city down in the valley.
The history of a mountain retreat
Since the late 19th century, Soprabolzano and the Renon plateau became a favourite summer retreat for Bolzano's middle class, seeking relief from the city heat below. Transport links played a decisive role: first the Renon narrow-gauge railway, then the cable car that replaced its lower section, made the plateau easily accessible from Bolzano and encouraged the growth of hotels and mountain-style villas. Today these two historic means of transport remain the symbol of the area's tourist identity.
Nature, earth pyramids and Dolomite views
The Renon plateau is famous for its earth pyramids, striking spire-shaped rock formations created by erosion, each topped by a boulder that shields it from rain and slows the wearing process. Several trails link Soprabolzano to these curious formations, set amid larch and fir woods. From the village's viewpoints and surroundings, the eye sweeps across the Dolomite peaks, including the Catinaccio and Latemar groups, which offer striking views on clear days, especially at sunset.
Things to do in Soprabolzano
The village is an excellent base for walks and hikes of varying difficulty, suitable both for families and for those seeking more demanding routes through the plateau's woods and mountain farms. A not-to-be-missed experience is a ride on the Renon railway, which links Soprabolzano to Collalbo through rural landscapes, or the descent by cable car towards Bolzano, with panoramic views over the entire city basin. In winter the plateau also offers cross-country ski trails and snowshoe routes through the quiet snow-covered forests.
South Tyrolean flavours and traditions
Soprabolzano's cuisine reflects South Tyrolean mountain traditions: canederli dumplings, speck, alpine-pasture cheeses and desserts such as apple strudel feature on the menus of local huts and restaurants, often paired with wines from Alto Adige. On the plateau's mountain farms visitors can discover genuine products tied to livestock farming and mountain agriculture, while the timber architecture of traditional houses and small seasonal markets speak of a culture still strongly rooted in the land and the German language.
Not to be missed
- A ride on the historic Renon cable car from Bolzano to Soprabolzano
- The scenic narrow-gauge train journey to Collalbo
- The hike to the earth pyramids through the plateau's forests
- The viewpoints looking out over the Catinaccio and Latemar peaks
- A stop at a typical mountain hut to try local canederli and speck
Routes · Trovido Route
