Rittner Christbahnl – Renon Christmas Train Market

A Christmas market that travels by train

The Rittner Christbahnl – Renon Christmas Train Market is one of the most original Christmas markets in South Tyrol. Its most famous feature is the stalls shaped like railway carriages, which pay homage to the historic Renon train and turn holiday shopping into a charming journey through time. The market is not concentrated in a single square but is distributed across several locations on the plateau, all linked by the Renon railway.

The market locations

The stalls and events take place in different parts of the Renon municipality, in the Province of Bolzano:

• Soprabolzano (Oberbozen) – the station square, arrival point for the cable car from Bolzano;
• Collalbo (Klobenstein) – the station and the town centre;
• Costalovara (Wolfsgruben) – the historic Plattnerhof farm, set in a picturesque rural landscape.

The Renon train (Rittner Bahn) connects Soprabolzano and Collalbo with departures every half hour, making the journey between markets part of the experience itself.

Atmosphere and program

Unlike the larger, more crowded markets, the Renon Christmas Train Market focuses on an intimate and almost mystical atmosphere: soft lighting, Christmas carols, snow, and the quiet of the plateau. The various locations host musical performances featuring traditional singers and groups, afternoons dedicated to fairytales and magic for children, and events celebrating the South Tyrolean rural Advent (Bauernadvent). Visitors will also find high-quality handicrafts, local products, mulled wine, and South Tyrolean culinary specialties.

How to get there

The most scenic way to reach the market is to take the Renon cable car from Bolzano up to Soprabolzano and continue on the characteristic narrow-gauge train. The Renon plateau, overlooking the Dolomites, offers snowy winter panoramas that complete the magic of the holiday season.

An event in the heart of South Tyrol

The Rittner Christbahnl has become a staple of the Advent season in South Tyrol, celebrating the traditions of both the German and Italian-speaking communities of Renon. It is an event designed for families, couples, and travelers looking for an authentic Christmas experience away from the crowds, nestled in the mountains of the Province of Bolzano.