Christmas in Trentino is a magical season, with Christmas markets and mountain villages turning into tiny nativity scenes. Among the countless events awaiting visitors this winter, one stands out as absolutely unmissable: the Castle Train, a journey usually undertaken in the summer, departing from Trento and stopping at some of the region’s most evocative castles, which this winter arrives in the Winter or Xmas edition, the winter version.
A slow voyage through the most beautiful valleys of Trentino, aboard a comfortable train that guides you to discover enigmatic manor houses and the legends they cradle.
The Castle Train
It is a one-day tour through the Val di Non, the Val di Sole, and the provincial capital. The Castle Train Winter Edition begins its journey right in the heart of Trento, at the Trento–Malé station. In the company of expert guides, you embark on a captivating voyage through history, art, and timeless landscapes, exploring some of the most evocative castles and nativity scenes in Trentino, with a stop at Trento’s Christmas Market. A special stop: Ossana, the Village of 1000 Nativity Scenes, and one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. During the trip, passengers are treated to tasty snacks made from local products.
The Castle Train Route
The train departs from Trento and heads toward Castello San Michele, in Val di Sole. Located in the Ossana village, it features a keep towering 25 meters and a robust surrounding wall, still intact. Its origins are unknown, though it likely dates back to Lombard times. It passed through various noble families before becoming the property of the Province of Trento. Recently restored, it is now open to public visits.
Upon arriving in Ossana, there is time to explore the famous nativity scenes of the ancient village, followed by a visit to the residence of Castel Valer, in the small village of Tassullo: perched in a panoramic spot, it boasts the tallest tower in the province and is a private property that opens to the public only on exceptional occasions (in summer, Castel Caldes and Castel Thun are also open).
Between visits, a healthy breakfast provided by Melinda and SOS Trento, a lunch accompanied by wines from the Rotari Winery, with local products at the Giardino di Cles restaurant, and finally the return to Trento for a visit to the Christmas Market with a final toast of mulled wine.
Comfortable shoes and very warm clothing are advised. Access to the castles requires walking on uneven stretches, which can be challenging for some. Pets are not allowed, even small ones.
The timings and prices of The Castle Train
Here are the departure and arrival times for the Castle Train Winter Edition, which runs every Saturday from November 28 to December 19, 2026:
8:10 a.m.: participants meet with guides and the escort at the Trento-Malè railway station;
8:40 a.m.: departure by train;
10:20 a.m.: arrival at Mezzana, coach transfer to Ossana;
10:30 a.m.: entrance and guided visit to Castel San Michele and the Ossana nativity scenes;
12:00 p.m.: departure from Ossana toward Cles;
12:45 p.m.: arrival at Cles and lunch at Il Giardino restaurant;
14:15 p.m.: departure from the restaurant toward Castel Valer;
14:30 p.m.: entrance and guided visit to Castel Valer;
16:15 p.m.: departure for the return to Trento;
16:45/17:00 p.m.: arrival at the Trento-Malè station. From here, a short walk brings you to the Trento Christmas Market in Piazza Mostra.
Prices for the train are as follows:
- full price: €110
- youth under 16: €100
- children up to 4 years (not yet completed): free
- disabled persons, with a disability certificate exceeding 74% (a copy of the certificate must be sent after booking, indicating the certificate number in the subject line, to [email protected]): free
- companion for disabled person: 50% discount (€55).
Booking is mandatory: the ticket must be purchased on the official Castle Train website or at the APT Trento, Monte Bondone Information Office.
