The Rastenbach Gorge in Caldaro (Kaltern) with kids

There are several ways to explore the gorge, but we recommend starting from the bottom and hiking uphill. That way, the return is a relaxed downhill stroll. Alternatively, you can begin your hike in Altenburg and descend through the gorge via the Bärental trail. In either direction, strollers are not an option.

Getting there (family-friendly route): From Bolzano, follow the South Tyrolean Wine Road and turn right just after Lake Caldaro at the Sonnleitenhof. Pass Vogelmaierhof and follow the signs to “Rastenbachklamm.” The road is narrow in places, but perfectly manageable. Parking is clearly marked near the entrance.
Start your hike early! The lower section of the trail is exposed to the sun – the cool stream appears further up. After about 20 minutes of walking through the forest, the first steps begin. At a fork in the path, you can take a short detour to a scenic viewing platform or continue straight into the gorge.

A brief side trail leads to the first large waterfall – absolutely worth seeing! After that, the path climbs steadily until you reach a lovely streambed with small coves. It’s a perfect spot for kids to cool off and play – we often end up spending hours there!

Tip: Let the kids play further upstream – near the lower waterfall there’s a stone wall that can be dangerous.

It takes about 45 minutes to reach the streambed. From there, you can continue hiking toward Altenburg, but we usually turn around at the sign for Sonnegghof – that’s usually far enough for our kids.

Good to know: Even on hot days, wear sturdy shoes – some parts of the trail near the water can get slippery. If your kids want to splash in the stream, it’s worth packing some water shoes or sandals.