Walk to Thun Castle in Val di Non

DESCRIPTION
An easy seven-kilometre walk to one of the best-preserved manors in Trentino.

Geographical location
Thun Castle stands in Vigo di Ton, a hamlet of the municipality of Ton, in the Lower Val di Non, in the province of Trento. The castle occupies a hill at an altitude of about 609 metres, with a view over the Lower Val di Non.

Hike
A peaceful path through woods and orchards leads to one of the best-preserved castles in Trentino. This is an easy itinerary, mostly on dirt roads, immersed in nature: it measures about 7.6 km, with a positive elevation gain of 318 metres, and is tackled at a comfortable pace, stopping whenever the valley invites you to look around. Thanks to these characteristics, the hike is suitable for everyone, including children and the elderly, and is at its best in the shoulder seasons, in spring or autumn. Halfway along, Thun Castle awaits you, a monumental building of medieval origin and the historic main residence of the powerful Counts of Thun. Its core, the Count's Palace, was born as a tower at the beginning of the 13th century and was transformed over the centuries into a sumptuous residence. Entry within the walls is free, while visiting the manor is subject to a fee: opening hours and prices change with the season and should be checked on the official website before setting off. Once inside, the audio guide accompanies the route through the various floors. On the ground floor are the Hall of Weapons, the Oven, the Pistoria and the Chapel of Saint George with its beautiful frescoes. Going up to the first floor, you encounter the Old Kitchen and the New Kitchen built in the 20th century. Going up to the second floor, the Hall of the Ancestors, with family portraits, and the Dining Room are worth a stop. On the third floor, finally, is the Bishop's Room, perhaps the most famous room, lined with Swiss pine and fir. At the entrance, on the lower level, the Carriage Gallery is worth a visit: it houses eleven carriages and four perfectly restored sledges.
For us, the visit to the castle was a very interesting experience. Those travelling with the elderly or families should bear in mind that the castle has architectural barriers and no lift. In some points along the route, moreover, the road or path is a little steep.

History and curiosities
Thun Castle was originally called Belvesino, a name derived from the hill on which it stands. In 1267 it passed to Varimberto di Tono. The Tono family later Germanised the surname to Thun. The complex, with towers, walls, bastions and moat, owes its current appearance to modifications in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Spanish Gate dates back to 1566, from which you reach the drawbridge and the first courtyard. It is built in Moorish style and, according to the story, was inspired by a trip to Spain by Giorgio Thun. Beyond the gate opens a colonnade of eighteen stone columns, guarded by two medieval towers known as the prison towers.
The most famous room remains the Bishop's Room, in its 17th-century arrangement, entirely lined with Swiss pine, with a coffered ceiling and a majolica stove. The panelling is 16th-century and was adapted for this room by Sigismondo Alfonso Thun, Prince-Bishop of Trento and Bressanone, in the second half of the 17th century.
The Thun family lived in the castle until the death of Count Zdenko Franz Thun Hohenstein in 1982. Since 1992 it has been owned by the Autonomous Province of Trento. After a long restoration, the castle was opened to the public in 2010.

ITINERARY
From the hamlet of Bastianelli (457 m) climb to the hamlet of Comino (505 m) and from there follow the Frassati Path to Vigo di Ton. Here turn right and continue following waymark 510, and at the locality of Molini - Ponte Rinassico (515 m) keep left, still on waymark 510. Once you reach the locality of Pignolè (650 m), turn left and in ten minutes you arrive at Thun Castle (609 m). After visiting the castle, exit towards the north, pass in front of the church of Saint Martin (566 m) and descend to Vigo di Ton (450 m). From there follow the asphalt road SP124 back to the starting point.

EXCURSION DATE
8 November 2026

STARTING POINT
Hamlet of Bastianelli

REFRESHMENT POINT
At Thun Castle

AUTHOR'S SUGGESTIONS
The interior visit to the castle is highly recommended, because it is truly interesting.

SAFETY ADVICE
The practicability of the proposed itinerary, like all mountain terrain, is subject to environmental changes due to natural events and weather conditions. Therefore, before setting off, consult the competent tourist offices and/or the reference mountain huts.
Our GPX tracks are indicative only, meaning the route was followed as best as possible given the trail conditions and weather on that day. Therefore, always assess what to do on site.
Also remember to assess the route based on your physical abilities, training and the equipment you have.
It is advisable to leave word with someone about the itinerary you intend to follow.
Remember that the emergency number is 112.

EQUIPMENT
It is recommended to have equipment suitable for the route, weather conditions and season: windproof and/or rainproof jacket, map and/or GPS device, sunglasses, sunscreen, hiking boots, first aid kit, specific clothing, gloves, backpack with food and drinks.

RECOMMENDED MAPS
Tabacco 064 Val di Non - Le Maddalene - Cles - Roèn - Mendola

USEFUL LINKS
https://www.buonconsiglio.it/castel-thun/

HOW TO ARRIVE
A22 San Michele All'Adige exit. Take the SS43 to La Rocchetta, then take the SP124 towards Vigo di Ton - Thun Castle as far as the hamlet of Bastianelli.

PARKING AREA
Small car park near the hamlet of Bastianelli.
GPS coordinates: 46.258638, 11.083491

Parcheggio alla frazione Bastianelli

Imbocchiamo il Sentiero Frassati

Continuiamo seguendo il segnavia 510

Siamo nei pressi di Castel Thun

Arrivati a Castel Thun

La porta Spagnola

La cappella di San Giorgio

La Cucina vecchia

La Sala da pranzo

La Sala degli Antenati

La Stanza del Vescovo

La Galleria delle carrozze

Gli orti del castello

Castel Thun visto da sud

La chiesa di San Martino