Azienda per il Turismo - Trento, Monte Bondone, Valle dei Laghi

Nature walks

• On Dos Trento and Monte Bondone
• The eastern mountains
• Prepared paths
• Mountain biking
• In the city
• Other itineraries

Spending a holiday in Trento means having access to the very best of culture as well as countryside, history as well as nature, and relaxation as well as healthy exercise. Thanks to its rich renaissance background, Trento stands apart from other cities in the Alps, offering visitors a two thousand year old city steeped in history, just a stone's throw from the mountains and all their Alpine splendour

Indeed, thanks to its fortunate position, along the Valle dell'Adige at the foot of mountains over 2,000 metres high, the city makes an ideal starting point for walking, cycling or mountain biking, along paths and trails which start right in the city, or along others which can be easily reached using public transport.

Apart from the art-history itineraries around the old town centre and the immediate outskirts, or those illustrating the city' Roman, medieval and renaissance features, Trento offers endless other opportunities for nature walks. The city is capable of satisfying the most diverse of requirements: a relaxing moment in the city's parks, a walk through woods and meadows in search of magnificent views and natural beauty spots or even rock climbing.

For relaxation and a breath of fresh air the city has numerous parks equipped with benches, games and recreational activities for adults as well as children. On the "Alpe di Trento" (i.e. Monte Bondone, Trento's own mountain, just 17 kilometres from downtown), a visit to the Viote Alpine Botanical Gardens with a view on the Brenta Dolomites is an absolute must. Here visitors can admire over two thousand species of mountain plants from over five different continents. And for those who wish to extend their knowledge of Alpine nature there are two interesting nature trails: one on Monte Bondone (in the vicinity of Viote, beginning at the Alpine Ecology Centre) and one on the Marzola (starting out from the Maranza Refuge).

For walking excursions in the city's outskirts, on Monte Bondone or on the other mountains which surround Trento (Calisio, Celva, Marzola, Vigolana) there are about fifty sign-posted and well maintained paths which make it easy for all and sundry to reach the mountain peaks or to wander through woods and over meadows in a magnificent Alpine setting, simply enjoying the countryside or in search of traces of art and history. Among the paths and trails there are several which are more difficult, equipped with ropes and metal ladders for a more Alpine feel. The footpaths too either begin right in the city or can be reached using public transport.

The slopes of the mountains on the outskirts of the city are perfect for mountain bike enthusiasts too, who will find cycling paths capable of satisfying the demands of athletes in search of hard climbs and rewarding views.

For those who prefer their cycling to be a little less arduous there are cycling paths leading from Trento along the river, through the Valle dell'Adige, across vineyards and orchards under the benevolent gaze of the majestic mountains which encircle the valley.

On Dos Trento and Monte Bondone

Half-day excursion
Dos Trento is the hill situated 308 metres above sea level west of the city and which, together with Dosso di San Rocco and Sant'Agata (both of which are situated on the opposite side of the valley) gave the name of Tridentum to the city. A plateau equipped as a park covers the top of the hill, and here stands a mausoleum dedicated to Cesare Battisti. There are resting areas, a fitness trail and the remains of a VI century church as well as a nature/history trail (along which it is possible to admire several "plant monuments": (spectacular specimens of black hornbeam, terebinth-tree, field maple and Norway maple). Dos Trento is also home to the Alpine Troops Museum. The hill can be reached from the suburban area of Piedicastello, briefly following the state road towards Brescia as far as Via Dos Trento which leads to the road which then climbs to the top of the hill (following the signpost for the "Museo delle Truppe Alpine").

Half-day excursion.
The suburban area of Sardagna dominates the city from the lower eastern slopes of Monte Bondone. It is easily reached by the public cableway from Ponte di San Lorenzo, on the left bank of river Adige. The hilltop station affords a magnificent view of the city. There are signposts leading to the centre of Sardagna where there is an antique church dedicated to Saints Philip and James. The church was first built in the XI century and the original Romanesque bell tower with its elegant mullion windows still remains; the rest of the church was extended and rebuilt in the Gothic style at the end of the XV century. The interior boasts frescoes from the early XVI century and the paintings that decorate the apse are by the Venetian painter Marcello Fogolino. If you wish to visit the interior of the antique church please telephone one of the following numbers: 0039.0461.983537 - 368.3826861.

Half-day excursion
The starting point for this excursion is from the suburb of Sopramonte, which can be reached by public transport (bus line No. 14). Right in the centre of the town is a magnificent "plant monument". In the grounds of the villa belonging to the Turcati Barons, now a municipal office, there is an enormous 14 metre high yew-tree, which has a circumference of over two metres. Just a little above the bus station, on the right side of the road, there is a sign-post pointing the way to Sant'Anna (838 metres above sea level), home to a delightful little church and just over half an hour away. Here the footpath becomes a little steeper and after an hour's walk one comes to the green plateau of the Malga Brigolina (998 m a.s.l.). In the vicinity of this Alpine summer pasture, on the road for Val Bogion, there is a magnificent example of a beech-tree, 26 metres high with a trunk measuring almost four metres in circumference. The Alpine summer pasture can also be reached by way of an easy to follow dirt track, which leads downhill on the way back (for about 20 minutes) as far as the tarmac-covered road which climbs up to the turning for Candriai where the bus-stop is.

Full day excursion
Trail number 614, which is initially a tarmac-covered road, starts out from the parking lot near the church at Ravina (a suburb of Trento on the right bank of the river Adige at the foot of Monte Bondone), just beyond the bridge over the Gola stream. After roughly two kilometres, a turning on the right leads to Villa Margon, a XVI century villa boasting portico, loggia and battlements as well as historical and allegorical frescoes. (The villa is privately owned and can be visited on Wednesdays and Saturdays. For opening hours and information: Cantine Ferrari ph. 0039 0461 972311). Coming back along trail No. 614, one comes to the Maso del Grillo mountain farmhouse, from where the path climbs upwards and southwards along the old mule track which used to join the village of Garniga to the valley: the footpath, made of cobblestones, is known as the "Guardadocio" and affords splendid views of the Valle dell'Adige. After reaching Garniga Vecchia the trail leads along the road to Viote as far as the fourth hairpin bend. From here one follows the forest road (trail No. 692) as far as the intersection with trail No. 693 bis, which then becomes 693 and leads along the edge of the woods and back to Ravina. Buses No. 12 and 18 link Ravina to the city.

Full day excursion
The Alpine Ecology Centre, an organisation established by the Autonomous Province of Trento for ecological research and for the development of Alpine communities, is situated at Viote, on Monte Bondone at a height of 1,500 metres. Here there is a nature trail made up of 15 different stations, each of which illustrates the characteristic features and peculiarities of the Monte Bondone National Forest. The brochure entitled "Il percorso natura del Centro di Ecologia Alpina nella foresta demaniale del Monte Bondone" (Nature trail at the Alpine Ecology Centre of the Monte Bondone National Forest), published by the Alpine Ecology Centre, gives a detailed description of the nature trail.

Two thousand species of plants from five different continents, grouped according to large areas of origin and spread over a fenced-in area of ten thousand hectares: these are the Alpine Botanical Gardens situated at Viote, at a height of 1,500 metres on Monte Bondone, an annex of the Tridentino Natural Science Museum (ph. 0039 0461 948050), open to the paying public from June to September. Within the Botanical Gardens is an easy and attractive nature trail (about one kilometre long), which accompanies visitors through several environments typical of Monte Bondone. The Botanical Gardens are also the ideal starting point for an excursion to the Tre Cime of Monte Bondone Nature Reserve, which takes its name from the peaks (Cima Verde, Dos d'Abramo, Cornet) which encircle the valley of Viote, all three of which can be reached by way of magnificently panoramic footpaths.

The eastern mountains

Half-day excursion.
On the immediate eastern outskirts of the city, in the direction of Valsugana, there is one of Trentino's most fascinating places both in terms of view and of geological origins. It is called "Orrido di Ponte Alto" (Ponte Alto Gorge), and consists of a narrow canyon excavated into the rock along which flows the Fersina stream, giving rise to two waterfalls. The first fall is about 50 metres high. A path runs along the sides of the canyon of red sandstone, leading to a spiral staircase that permits access to a small terrace dug into the rock cliff above the second waterfall. The Orrido di Ponte Alto can be reached from Cognola, a small suburb connected to the city by bus (line No. 9). Cognola can also be reached by walking the route Piazza Venezia – via della Saluga - via delle Laste – San Vito - Cognola. Once in Cognola, via ponte Alto in a few minutes leads to the mouth of the gorge.

Full day excursion.
On bus line No. 7 reach via Marconi (Solteri district), travel it all the way to the end and then turn left. Immediately after the newsstand, to the right begins the Mesotrekking path (sign-posted) that in about 15 minutes leads to Riparo Gaban, an important prehistorical settlement (Mesolithic – Bronze age). Proceed onwards until you reach the town of Martignano (close to the cemetery) where you take trail No. 401. A full hour of walking is necessary to reach the Rifugio Monte Calisio (820 m a.s.l). From there a forest road continues towards Montevaccino (about 30 minutes). At the crossroads above the town, turn right to take trail No. 420 and then No. 421 in the direction of Santa Colomba (922 m a.s.l.), reached in 1½ hours. Along the path that starts from Montevaccino (in Val Larghe district) you can admire a Black pine with a trunk 2.5 m in diameter and 23 m tall. Once at lake Santa Colomba, you can travel the 3 kilometres of the "Sentiero delle Canope" path, that will allow you to see a peculiar aspect of Mount Calisio: the "canope". These are entrances to the silver mines, disseminated throughout the forest, used in the Middle Ages when Calisio, then also known as Mons Argentarium, was one of the most important mining sites of Europe. You can return to Trento by bus from Sant'Agnese (30 minutes away along the carriage road or from Albiano (40 minutes away along trail No. C49).

Full day excursion.
Once you have reached the Oltrecastello suburb (bus line No. 5), behind the church is the entrance to the steep trail No. 419 that in about 1½ hours leads to the summit of Mount Celva. Follow indications for Forte Cimirlo. Once there you will see the remains of the building from which proceeds the path towards Passo del Cimirlo (733 m a.s.l.). From there, travel along the carriage road that runs on the western side of the Marzola. About 6 km of leisurely walking will take you to the pastures of the Rifugio Maranza (1,100 m a.s.l.). A little further down the valley, close to a cluster of houses, there is trail No. 412 leading to the Pino Prati refuge in the Bindesi district (604 m a.s.l., about 1 hour's descent) from which to enjoy a splendid view of the city. The path turns into a road that steeply leads to the Grotta di Villazzano district, from which you can return to the city by public transport (bus line No. 6).

Half day excursion.
Once you have reached the town of Vigolo Vattaro (724 m a.s.l.) (connected to the city also by a bus line), go towards the sports field (signpost 450 bis), from which starts the forest road that will eventually lead you to a crucifix (known as "del Verzer"). Just a little further on, the road ends and turns into a steep climbing path that in about half an hour takes you to where it crosses trail No. 450. This path leads to Malga Derocca in about 2 hours, on the slopes of the Vigolana. Along path signposted as 435 bis you reach the Doredondo district and then Malghetto, and continue until you reach Forte Fornas (750 m a.s.l., about 70 minutes). From there, proceed to the right along trail No. 446 bis that in about 20 minutes takes you to national road No. 349, just above the town of Valsorda. The bus stop from where you can return to the city is just above the town.

Full day excursion.
On the slopes of the Marzola, beginning and ending in Maranza, there is a "nature-forest" trail (created in 1996 by the "Trento-Sopramonte" Forestry Dept.), within an area that features a forest environment of considerable biodiversity that makes it unique, at least around Trento. The trail that develops along a ring slightly over 5 km long consists of easy ups and downs along paths, forest roads and timber haulage tracks. The average time required to complete the circuit, obviously including various stops, is about 70 – 80 minutes (there is also the possibility of early return to the Maranza refuge via the Prà dei Albi and Malga Nova districts). The trail also leads to several plant monuments (specimens of Norway spruce, Sycamore, beech) present in the mountains of Trento. The Maranza refuge (1,067 m a.s.l.) can be reached on foot starting from the Grotta di Villazzano district (bus line No. 6) and then by walking along trail No. 412 towards Bindesi. A detailed description of this path is available in the "Guida al percorso naturalistico – forestale di Maranza" (Guide to the nature-forest trail of Maranza), on sale at the city's Forestry Dept "Trento – Sopramonte", via Fersina 23, ph. 0039.0461.934680.

Prepared paths

Among the paths through Trento's mountains, some are equipped with rope railings and metal ladders to help hikers on especially difficult and exposed passages. This is so as to render the alpine environment safe for any hiker wishing to enjoy a walk in the mountains. Following are three itineraries on three different mountains that require specific equipment. They are suitable for well-trained people who do not suffer heights.

For expert and suitably equipped excursionists; full day outing.
The eastern wall of the Palon (one of the peaks of Monte Bondone, 2,098 m a.s.l.) can be climbed along the laid path called "Pero Degasperi". To reach the path, start from Baita Montesel (get off at the bus stop just outside the town of Vaneze on Monte Bondone). From there proceed southwards towards Doss de la Cros, along trail No. 690, until after two hours of walking you reach the beginning of the rock ascent that leads towards the centre of the wall. Halfway up, metal ladders cross over a small overhang. Once at the summit of Palon, it is possible to descend to Baita Montesel along the ski runs. Mandatory for the "Pero Degasperi" path – that requires practice and no fear of heights - is the use of a sling with spare rope, friction plate, two snaplinks and helmet.

For expert and suitably equipped excursionists; full day outing.
Travel along the forest road that from Passo del Cimirlo leads to the Rifugio Maranza (see itinerary No. 5); after about one kilometre you'll see a sign indicating, to the left, the beginning of trail No. 418 that will take you to the Chegul peak (1,454 m a.s.l.). The path climbs up through the forest, alongside splendid rocky pinnacles that offer breath-taking views of the city, its outskirts and the surrounding mountains. The final section of the path crosses over a few rocky crags but walking is made safe and easy by steel ropes and two ladders. For the way back, you can choose to return directly to Passo Cimirlo along trail No. 411, or to reach the Rifugio Maranza (a short section of trail No. 413 and then along No. 426, known as "Sentiero delle pegore") or, for the more athletic, to climb (trail No. 411) up to the summit of the Marzola (1,738 m a.s.l.) and from there descend along trail No. 412 to the Rifugio Maranza (then joining itinerary No. 9).

For expert excursionists; full day outing.
The path that from Vigolo Vattaro leads to Malga Derocca on the Vigolana (itinerary No. 10), offers the chance to enjoy an interesting although demanding variation. After passing Malga Derocca, instead of continuing towards Sass de l'Aquila, you can climb (trail No. 435) on a prepared path up to the Bivacco Madonnina (2,030 m a.s.l.). The bivouac takes 1½ hours to reach and is located near a rocky pinnacle (also visible from the city) called "Madonnina" because of its peculiar profile. From the bivouac, another 1½ hours of walking will take you down (along trails No. 444 and No. 445) to Malga Doss del Bue and then to Vattaro (public transport service for return to the city), or you can climb up again to the Becco di Filadonna (2,150 m a.s.l.) and from there travel westwards along the crest of the mountain (trails No. 450 and then 434) to Becco della Ceriola (1,935 m a.s.l.) from where it is possible to reach the Sass de l'Aquila district (trail No. 446) and thus get back onto itinerary No. 10, Vigolo Vattaro – Malga Derocca.

Mountain biking

Trento and its mountains offer mountain bike enthusiasts a rich carousel of itineraries: on Monte Bondone alone, the "Alp" of Trento, there are dirt road trails amounting to a total of 100 km, at all levels of difficulty. Here is an example.

Time required: 4½ hours
Difficulty: demanding due to the difference in altitude along the legendary climb from Trento to Bondone.
Total length: 40 km
Total difference in altitude: 1400 m

This itinerary touches all of the sides of the mountain, offering a truly complete range of panoramic views and environments. It includes the famous "ascent" that made the history of the Giro d'Italia after the legendary lap in 1956 won under the snow (it was in June!) by the great cycling champion Charlie Gaul. There are also various alternative routes for returning to Trento. At the feet of the Doss Trento, the starting point is the parking area in the square Divisioni Alpine along the former national road No. 12 called "Gardesana occidentale". After entering Via Brescia, after about 100 metres you turn left at Cà dei Gai to start a stiff climb up along the ancient road towards the town of Sardagna that is reached by travelling over stretches of paved road alternated with dirt road short cuts.

After passing the houses of the town, the provincial road takes you through seven bends in rapid succession, after the last of which you enter a dirt road towards Maso Camioncino that then joins the provincial road leading up from Sopramonte. Follow the provincial road up to the turnoff for Malga Mezavia (sign-posts) that is reached over an easy and fairly flat forest road that crosses through Malga Brigolina (a farm-inn). From Mezavia the itinerary continues uphill along a forest road that leads westwards above the Sopramonte mountain farmhouses and the saddle near Col Castion located on another slope, from which you can admire the Brenta and Adamello ranges. Continue along the winding path until, at the Lavachel district, you take a dirt road leading towards the spectacular Viote hollow.

In the centre of the large plain, sign-posts will direct you in a few minutes to a small parking area from which begins the Alpine trail towards the Tre Cime. At this point, you continue eastwards along a cart track that also passes by the former Austrian barracks (First World War), today headquarters to the Centro di Ecologia Alpina (Alpine Ecology Centre). This is another slope of Monte Bondone, that which faces out onto the Valle dell'Adige. Along the easy road that runs next to the building complex, after passing a few equipped rest areas (I Fogolari) there is the indication for Malga Albi - Garniga (a farm-inn). From there, continue through the meadows of Perdiana and then take a cart track downhill onto the provincial road above the houses of Garniga Nuova, a spa renowned for its hay baths. From the town you can choose to go down to the valley bottom and return to Trento along the provincial road to Aldeno (and then via Romagnano, Ravina), or to reach Aldeno you can take the old bridle-path through the small valley of Zobbio (hamlet of Garniga).

This route is also present in the Web site of the APT del Trentino together with interesting mountain bike itineraries throughout Trentino.

In the city

Whether you seek to rest in a green park after visiting the city's historical sights, or to spend a few peaceful hours with a good book, Trento offers a nice range of city parks, the largest of which is the "Gocciadoro" while the "Parco delle Coste" provides a splendid view of the city.

Located in the south-eastern outskirts of Trento, the Gocciadoro is the city's largest park. From downtown it is easily reached on foot or by taking a bus of lines No. 7, 2 or 1. The park area consists of a line of hills and is crossed through by the Salè stream that forms there a narrow and charming valley. The luxuriant forest that has grown there also contains many specimens of white hornbeam, among which one over 21 metres tall. The park is also equipped with a fitness area, children's games and ample lawns.

Located on a hill at the feet of Monte Calisio, near Cognola (bus No. 9 and No. 10), the park offers a splendid view of the city. The area in which it is located is called "Coste" (shores) because of its arid and pebbly appearance. In addition to a small lake, the park contains three children's playground areas. It can be reached, even on foot, starting from the city (piazza Venezia - via della Saluga - Laste - San Vito - Parco le Coste).

The mountains and hills surrounding Trento contain about twenty "plant monuments", namely trees and shrubs that are especially significant due to their size or shape or their uniqueness within that specific botanical environment. Some of these monuments can be reached on foot, as suggested below.

• Itinerary nr. 1: Field maple, Norway maple, Hophornbeam, Terebinth-tree;
• Itinerary nr. 3: Beech, Yew;
• Itinerary nr. 8: Black Pine;
• Itinerary nr. 9: Norway spruce, Sycamore, Beech;
• Gocciadoro park: Hornbeam.

The features of each of these "plant monuments", their location and the detailed description of the route to reach them, are found in the publication "Alberi dei boschi di Trento – guida alle più significative presenze arboree della montagna di Trento" (Trees of Trento's forests – guide to the most significant trees of Trento's mountain), on sale at the city's Forestry Dept. "Trento – Sopramonte", via Fersina 23, ph. 0039.0461.934680.

Other itineraries

The cycling path of the Valle dell'Adige – the longest in Trentino – extends about 92 km along the banks of the Adige river, between the border with the province of Bolzano (to the north) and that of Verona (to the south). This geographical and historical "backbone" of Trentino that is the Adige valley abounds in artistic, monumental and urban-architecture attractions that make the landscape extremely stimulating and varied. The cycling path allows to reach a large number of localities and some places of special interest, such as the Museum of Uses and Customs of the Trentino people in San Michele all'Adige, Castel Beseno, the "dinosaur paths" at Lavini di Marco, Castello di Sabbionara in Avio.

The cycling path is accessible from the city from various points: San Giorgio bridge, Lung'Adige Leopardi, San Lorenzo bridge, via Sanseverino (at the crossroads with via Monte Baldo), Ravina bridge, via Fersina (Palazzetto dello Sport).