Hike to the “Denti di Cavallo” rock formations

On this warm day in May we decide to explore the Denti di Cavallo rock formations (Horse Teeth) high above Lake Caldaro. By car we reach the small hamlet of Kreith near Campi al Lago (Klughammer, in German) and start our hike on the path no. 13 through vineyards and apple orchards. After some metres we reach a shady trail leading uphill and following an old ox cart path on the first section. Some benches along the way invite to stop and rest. After a 30-minute walk we arrive at the first junction: the path on the left leads to the Castelchiaro fortress (Leuchtenburg), the straight trail proceeds to the Denti di Cavallo (Rosszähne). We follow the latter and after another 15 minutes along a pleasant and rather flat path the last uphill section lies in front of us.

Arrived at the top, the impressive rock formations come already in sight but we make a short side trip to the hot air springs located on the back side of the Denti di Cavallo (signpost "zu den Warmlöchern"). Warm air flows freely through the rocks of this protected natural phenomenon - the reason is yet unknown. Afterwards we continue our walk to the Denti di Cavallo which really resemble horse teeth (with some imagination). Between the rocks there are some tunnels, also one of the rock formations can be climbed. The panoramic view is simply breathtaking and includes the nearby Castelchiaro fortress, famous Lake Caldaro and the villages of Caldaro and Termeno. On the other side we see the town of Bolzano, Laives, Bronzolo and Ora. After a short break we turn back along the same trail to our starting point.

Author: ED