Castel Roncolo (Schloss Runkelstein)

Step back in time and discover the medieval marvel perched above Bolzano, Italy: Castel Roncolo, known in German as Schloss Runkelstein. Renowned as the "Picture Book of the Dolomites" due to its extraordinary, secular fresco cycle, this castle offers a journey through history even before you step inside.

This short, 0.9 km (0.5 mile), out-and-back walk leads visitors up a stone trail to reach the historic medieval castle where you'll find centuries-old artifacts, frescoes, and more.

Your Guide to Castel Roncolo / Schloss Runkelstein

The adventure begins on the scenic stone trail leading up from Via Sant'Antonio, where historical information signs guide you through centuries of ownership, renovations, and the noble families who shaped its destiny. Once you reach the gates of the castle itself, prepare to be captivated by well-preserved artifacts and the magnificent frescoes — a family-friendly experience accessible for a 10 euro entrance fee per person.

For visitors who wish to appreciate the castle and explore its courtyard without paying, you can still enjoy the exterior of the castle walls and its inner courtyard without having to pay an entrance fee; however, the most impressive parts about Castel Roncolo (Schloss Runkelstein) is its interior and especially the storybook-like frescoes!

A World of Frescoes: Exploring the Interior of Castel Roncolo

After paying the entrance fee, visitors will walk up a series of stairs that leads further into the castle's interior. Here, in the first building of the West Palace, you'll find several floors of renovated castle history, frescoes, and artifacts, like a crossbow from the 13th century and more. In the first building, visitors will also find an original floor from the 12th century that is now used as a ceiling. Look close enough at this star-printed ceiling to locate a sun and moon carved into the wood. You'll also find, at the top-most floor, a ceiling that resembles the shape of a ship's hull as the original architecture of the castle used an old ship's hull to create the ceiling. What you see today is a replica of that ship hull ceiling.

Storybook Frescoes: The Summer Palace - Tristan and Isolde and the Arthurian

After exploring the multi-leveled West Palace, the walk leads north to reach the Summer Palace after you cross through the courtyard by following a raised balcony. Along the balcony, visitors will find unique views of Castel Roncolo's inner courtyard and an entire wall of vibrant frescoes, painted onto the south side of the Summer Palace. Once you enter the Summer Palace, visitors will find a large room with frescoes that circle the entire space above your head. This first room includes frescoes that tell the story of Tristan and Isolde with a large fireplace in the center. Entering the room located to the west, visitors will find even more vibrant frescoes that tell the story of King Arthur, with yet another massive fireplace.

Views, Kitchen, and the Castle Keep - Exploring Roncolo's East Palace

Once you're done enjoying the vibrant frescoes of the Summer Palace, the walk leads to the East Palace by following the raised balcony through the castle's courtyard. Along the way, you'll first reach the kitchen, which was where all of the food was prepped and cooked for the castle's owners and workers. Next, the walk leads further into the East Palace where you'll find historical artifacts and short movies that play on projectors (spoken in Italian and/or German) where you can learn more about the castle and its history. Finally, you can head to the southeast tower of the castle where a series of staircases lead up to reach the top of the tower where you'll find beautiful views of Bolzano, Italy and the surrounding Italian Alps.

Exploring Castel Roncolo's Courtyard & Chapel

The last part of this walk leads visitors through the courtyard of Castel Roncolo. Simply follow the raised balcony back through the courtyard, passing through the West Palace, and exiting at the main entrance. In the courtyard, you'll you'll find a small chapel located in the East Palace. This tiny chapel was used for centuries by the castle's various owners for church service and worship. More frescoes can be found on the walls of the small chapel.

Return Walk

Once you're done exploring Castel Roncolo / Schloss Runkelstein, the walk leads back down the stone path to reach the parking lot for a short 0.9 km (0.5 mile) walk.

Parking & Directions: How to Get to Castel Roncolo / Schloss Runkelstein

For visitors who plan to drive to Castel Roncolo, you'll find a small parking lot at the coordinates provided (46.515381, 11.358428), located on the west side of Via Sant'Antonio in Bolzano, Italy. The parking lot can accommodate approximately 25 vehicles, or less, as of September 2025.

Entrance Fees & Hours of Operation

During our visit in September 2025, the entrance fee was 10 euro per person. Hours for the castle may change and depend on the season; however, as of 2025 the castle opens at 10AM Tuesday - Sunday and closes by 5PM or 6PM. For Castel Roncolo's operating hours, please see their official website.

Warning

Steep, slippery trail: The trail that leads up to the castle is often steep in many places. Due to the rock that comprises the path, after it's rained or when the rocks are wet, the trail can be very slippery. Watch out for the extra-slippery glass "stones" that illuminate the trail when it's dark.

Stairs: While Castel Roncolo / Schloss Runkelstein is one of the best medieval castles in northern Italy, full of vibrant frescoes, the only way to view the interior of the castle is by following stair cases, so the castle is not necessarily universally-accessible for everyone.