Runkelstein Castle and Maretsch Castle

If you are coming from the Prati del Talavera, you have probably already seen Maretsch Castle on you right side, perched in between the mountains and the vineyards. Castel Mareccio is a private castle that can be rented for conferences and events and usually not open to visitors. From here it’s an easy 20 minutes walk to Runkelstein Castle partly through the managed promenade, and partly through the paved road. If you are coming from the centre, there is a free shuttle bus going all the way from Walther Square to Runkelstein Castle. Castel Roncolo, as it is called in Italian, is the most known fortified complex in Bolzano, built in the 13th century on top of a cliff and frescoed with a cycle of paintings depicting literary themes like King Arthur and Tristan and Isolde as well as hunting scenes, dances, games and scenes of nobiliar life.
In the interior courtyard, there is also a restaurant where local delicacies can be relished. The castle also hosts events and temporary exhibitions, and the full price to visit the interior and its exhibitions is 8€ per person. While Runkelstein Castle is just a few kilometres from the city centre, it feels like in the middle of the nature, a perfect place to relax out of the crowds.