3 Short But Sweet Hikes in Trentino, Italy
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The Dolomites are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, so unique that in 2009 they were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are located across Northeastern Italy and shared by the regions of Trentino: Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.
My parents introduced me to the Dolomites when I was just 10 years old; I feel in love. On my first hike, I realized that I enjoyed the pain in my legs, being short of breath and puffing all the way to the top to enjoy the views below. Paradise for adventurers and hikers, there are fantastic trails, climbs and via ferrata in the Dolomites. Many long distance trails lead to beautiful, hidden “rifugi" (mountain huts). Other trails are short and sweet but lack nothing when it comes to scenery.
During my last trip to Trentino, I decided to go on 3 short hikes in Val di Fassa and Val di Fiemme. They were rich in rewards, both in terms of the workout and the views.
1. Val San Nicolò, Val di Fassa
Val San Nicolò is a gorgeous, almost surreal place in Val di Fassa. It can be reached from Pozza di Fassa, one of the nicest villages in Trentino (and incidentally home to QC Terme, where I recommend spending a full day of pampering while enjoying stunning mountain views). From Pozza di Fassa, continue to Sauch, which is little more than a few scattered houses. Here, the tar road ends, and a trail winds though the forest, where more trails can be found.
This is the kind of place where you find tiny, rustic mountain huts where families and groups of friends spend the weekend in peace and quiet. An added bonus, there’s no phone reception. Cows graze, and marmots peek through the grass. There are many trails in the area, including a challenging trek to Passo Sella, but I picked a nice and easy trail with stunning views and waterfalls.
With easy access and plenty of family-friendly trails, Val San Nicolò gets busy on the weekends. If possible, avoid weekends or venture out early in the morning to have the place to yourself.
2. Alta Via Dei Monzoni, Val di Fassa
Alta Via Dei Monzoni may be a short hike, but step-for-step it's one of the most rewarding. I enjoy hiking to culturally and historically significant sites, and Alta Via Dei Monzoni is the perfect combination of scenery and significance. The trail follows what used to be Austrian and Italian trenches during World War I.
The best starting point for this hike is Seggiovia Costabella, a ski-lift station in Passo San Pellegrino, which is fairly easy to reach from Moena by car or bus. Take the ski-lift or walk to the trailhead. Follow the trail through through the beautiful pastures of Campagnacia to reach the Rifugio Passo delle Selle, 2528 meters above sea level.
The view from the Rifugio is stunning, but continue on the trail along a very narrow path to reach sniper and cannon stations. On a clear day, it's possible to see the Cimon del Bocche massif, Lagorai, Latemar, Catinaccio and Pale di San Martino peaks.
The hike takes between 5 and 6 hours to complete, and you're in for a real treat if you decide to go back through the Colifon. Try the local specialties at the fantastic Rifugio Paradiso; the polenta is a must! There are several other trails in the area that follow the trench lines and offer incredible views.
3. Corno Bianco, Val di Fiemme
Val di Fiemme actually spreads across Trentino and Alto Adige. Corno Bianco is technically in Alto Adige, but it's most easily accessed from Passo Lavazé in Trentino. From the beautiful village of Cavalese, there are buses that go all the way to Passo Lavazé and then to Passo Oclini, where the trail starts.
There are several trails that go to the top of Corno Bianco. I took trail K to start, and then continued onto trail W. For a short hike, Corno Bianco is tough and incredibly steep and the beginning. The terrain is mostly smooth, except close to the peak, where it is rocky and quite technical.
The hike takes no more than 3 hours. On a nice day the views at the top expand all the way to Bletterback Canyon.
When to Visit Trentino
I'm a fan of the mountains any time of year. Trentino is a fabulous winter destination for skiing, and the mountains are gorgeous in spring and fall. Yet, I highly recommend visiting Trentino in summer. The days are long; the vegetation is in full bloom; the chances of rain are slimmer; and the altitude keeps temperatures pleasant while the rest of Italy is suffering from the heat.
More Places To Visit In Trentino
If you think the mountains are all there is to see in Trentino, think again! This beautiful region houses some of the prettiest villages in Italy. Castello di Fiemme wows its visitors with a church that peaks through the valley and can be seen from a distance.
Cavalese, also in Val di Fiemme, is home to a very interesting museum, Pinacoteca. Learn the valley's history on guided tours and visit the former jail on the ground floor. I also recommend visiting the former jails located on the ground floor. There’s also a small but nice art gallery, with permanent and temporary exhibitions, not to mention plenty of workshops for adults and children.
Moena is one of the nicest villages in Val di Fassa. My favorite area there is the Quartiere Turco, named after the legend of a lone Ottoman soldier who settled and started a family after the war. Moena has some of the best accommodations and restaurants in the area.
More Things To Do In Trentino
If the hiking and picturesque villages are not reason enough reasons to visit Trentino, rest assured: this incredible region has even more to offer.
The region is home to Suoni delle Dolomiti, an incredible music festival that lasts pretty much all summer. Free concerts are held outside and often feature world famous artists. Imagine how incredible it is to listen to jazz tunes while admiring sunrise from the top of the Dolomites!
Like the rest of Italy, the food in Trentino is delicious. Just the thought of it makes my mouth water. Try the local carne salada. This cured beef is sliced very thinly and usually served as an appetizer or on sandwiches. Polenta is accompanied by grilled sausage or cheese. Don't miss the slowly roasted pork shank and apple strudel for dessert.
Did I say that Trentino makes some of the best wines in Italy? If this was not enough, there’s all the grappa, a byproduct of wine that uses the leftover skins and seeds. I went on a guided tour of Distilleria Marzadro in Rovereto, and learned about the history of grappa. The setting is gorgeous too!
One of the nicest things to do in Trentino is enjoy a day at a spa. I went to QC Terme in Pozza di Fassa and spent a full day going from one treatment room to the next, dozing on and off in the relaxation rooms, all the while enjoying the most incredible mountain views.
What to Pack
Trentino is a fairly easygoing place. The typical dress code is smart casual smart so anything from KÜHL is perfect on the trails and in town.
Here’s what went in my backpack:
- Hiking boots with proper ankle support
- Women's hiking pants - The SKÜLPT SKINNY transitions from mountain to village and dresses up with a nice top.
- Women's hiking t-shirts - Personally, I love the KYRA SS and NORA TANK.
- A women's sweater - My favorite is the LEA PULLOVER
- A wind and rain proof jacket - The lightweight JETSTREAM JACKET packs down to pocket size.
- A 20 liter backpack for shorter hikes
- A flask - Tap water is good to drink in Trentino, and a good flask keeps it cold and saves on plastic.
- Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen
- Camera to capture the stunning views
Claudia is a former human rights lawyer who changed careers to follow her true calling. She’s now traveling around the world in search of adventures and unique hiking experiences. Follow her travels at My Adventures Across the World.
