Hike to the Horse Teeth rock formations

Near the Castelchiaro Fortress above Lake Caldaro there’s another highlight, the Horse Teeth rock formations (Denti di Cavallo)

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Video : Hiking tip: Horse Teeth and Castelchiaro
First we follow the signposts indicating “Leuchtenburg” (Castelchiaro Fortress) on the path no. 18. As the sign below warns, the presence of ticks has been reported in this area.
Foto: LG, © Peer
The trail snakes its way through the forest and provides shade on hot summer days.
Foto: ED, © Peer
The first section is rather exhausting.
Foto: ED, © Peer
Before we continue our walk to the Horse Teeth, we make a side trip to the hot air springs. The photo still shows the old trail marker no. 13, which has recently been replaced by no. 18
Foto: AT, © Peer
Once the summit is reached, a splendid view on the Bassa Atesina area can be enjoyed.
Foto: AT, © Peer
View on the Valle dell’Adige valley and the town of Bolzano.
Foto: ED, © Peer
The Horse Teeth rock formations in Caldaro are a protected natural monument.
Foto: AT, © Peer
One last glimpse back on the rock formations, than we turn back to Kreit, our starting point.
Foto: AT, © Peer
video : Castelchiaro in Caldaro as seen from above

The destination of this hike, the impressive rock formations high above Lake Caldaro, really resemble horse teeth. They rise into the sky close together and offer a beautiful panoramic view on the valley. Our hike starts in the small hamlet of Kreit above Campi di Lago, where we park our car. We follow the signposts indicating "Leuchtenburg" (Castelchiaro Fortress, no. 18) through vineyards and apple orchards.

Shortly afterwards we enter the forest and the path gets steeper. After a 30-minute walk we reach the first junction - the path on the left leads to the Castelchiaro Fortress, we follow the trail straight to the Denti di Cavalli, or Horse Teeth. The path gets flatter and after another 15 minutes we reach our destination. Before we ascend to the rock formations, however, we make a short side trip to the hot air springs nearby. This protected place is a special natural phenomenon: from the holes warm air pours out for - yet - unclear reasons.

We continue our hike to the Horse Teeth to explore these bizarre rock formations. The view from this place is breathtaking - it opens up on Caldaro, its lake, Termeno and the villages of Ora, Egna and Laives. Finally we turn back along the same way to Kreit, our starting point.

Author: ED

suited for families difficulty: easy

Starting point:

Kreith near Campi al Lago.
Time required:

01:55 h
Track length:

5,6 km
Altitude:

from 307 m to 599 m
Altitude difference:

+292 m | -292 m
Route:

Kreith - hot air springs - Horse Teeth rock formations
Signposts:

no. 18 (identical to no. 13 mentioned in outdated reports)
Destination:

Horse Teeth
Recommended time of year:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Download GPX track:

Hike to the Horse Teeth rock formations
More information:

The parking area is located on the right side of the first hairpin bend on the road to Vadena. Trail no. 18 can also be accessed directly from Campi al Lago, near the Leuchtenburg Guesthouse (+15 min).