Situated between the Southern Alps and Venice and dominated by the spectacular Dolomites, the northern Italian province of Trentino boasts an amazing natural environment that will grab your attention and not let it go. The region offers an enticing mix of scintillating scenery, endless outdoor activities, intriguing local culture, and wholesome flavors. This is one of those rare places where you can breathe in the fresh air and experience a natural high along with an uplifted enthusiasm for life.
Spectacular Mountain Scenery
A UNESCO Natural Heritage site, the truly spectacular Dolomites showcase stabbing sawtooth peaks and vertiginous walls that provide thrilling scenery and superb sport year-round. While sightseeing among unique landscapes and geological features may be enough for many, others are drawn to the outdoor activities that beckon them to the Dolomites. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking among jagged peaks, climbing steep walls, cycling curling mountain roads, mountain biking on superb off-road trails, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and fishing in lakes and rivers is akin to being in heaven on earth.
Legendary Lakes
An advantage of the spectacular mountain scenery is that along with the mountains come valleys, rivers, and lakes – and Trentino is blessed with a stunning array of 297 gorgeous lakes. Best known is Lake Garda, a watersports paradise loved by sailors, windsurfers, kite surfers, and kayakers. Lake Ledro is legendary for its crystal-clear waters, while Lake Molveno, beneath the towering Brenta Dolomites, is regularly nominated for ‘Best Lake in Italy’. Moreover, if you prefer a secluded alpine lake, there are plenty to choose from.
Hiking and Cycling
An astounding array of excellent trails, suitable for all levels of hiking and trekking, crisscross Trentino and the Dolomites, linking green valleys, alpine lakes, appealing mountain huts, and remote villages. There are towering peaks to climb for unforgettable views, hut-to-hut trails offering multi-day challenges, and wide, easy trails suitable for family strolls. Alpine Guides of Trentino provide a variety of climbs and tours with a local flavor, catering to both challenging and relaxed experiences that will immerse you in the delightful Dolomites.
Furthermore, Trentino is a cyclist’s dream come true. Its legendary road climbs are regular features on the Giro d’Italia, and top cycling stars have raced on these remarkable mountain roads. Each route is signposted every kilometer, indicating the degree of difficulty, average gradient, height above sea level, and areas of interest. Off the roads, there are 400km of family-friendly paved cycle paths, along with trails and bike parks that cater to everyone from novices to hardcore experts.
Winter Sports
Trentino is indeed the place to be for those who love snow, whether it’s gliding down endless kilometers of groomed pistes on alpine skis or making use of broad mountain passes and flat-bottomed valleys for cross-country skiing in a pristine environment. Whichever activity you choose, the jaw-dropping peaks and cliffs of the Dolomites provide an extraordinary backdrop. Facilities are top-notch, with options to stay in ski-in ski-out hotels and rejuvenate at mouth-watering mountain restaurants and lodges.
Castles and Culture
Trentino’s bustling capital is rich in arts and history. Further afield, tiny towns nestled in tributary valleys can be reached via winding roads, while fairy-tale traditional villages perched on steep mountainsides await exploration. The region is also dotted with historical castles and forts, many housing intriguing exhibits. Notably, Buonconsiglio Castle, the largest, served as the residence of the prince-bishops of Trento and symbolizes the city. Rovereto Castle hosts the Italian Historical War Museum, while visitors yearning to stay overnight within castle walls can do so at Castel Pergine in Valsugana. In summer, the ‘Castle Route Train’ operates on Saturdays, guided by experts from Trento, connecting castles such as San Michele, Caldes, Valer, and Thun.
Interesting Museums
Trentino is home to captivating museums. In Trento, Muse, designed by Renzo Piano, stands out as an impressive science museum focusing on the effects of altitude on ecology, while the Monzoni Museum of Minerals in Vigo di Fassa showcases rocks, crystals, and minerals sourced from the Dolomites. In Rovereto, MART boasts one of Italy’s most significant collections of modern art, and Castello del Buonconsiglio hosts engaging temporary exhibitions for families and children. For a unique experience, the Museum of the Scarecrows in Valsugana highlights the ingenuity of farmers from across the province.
Local Flavours
With its stunning mountains, lakes, and valleys, Trentino features a multitude of microclimates that foster a diverse food culture. Each valley boasts its own signature products, so it’s worthwhile to indulge in local specialties, including unique Trentino cheeses, cured meats, organic vegetables, berries, and Italian olive oil, as well as smoked and cured trout and char sourced from the lakes and rivers. Here, the Mediterranean meets the Alps, providing opportunities to savor delicious culinary creations at lakeside cafes, Michelin-starred restaurants, and cozy mountain lodges along hiking trails.
Additionally, Trentino produces an excellent range of locally crafted wines and beers. The region, with its suitable climate and terrain, is home to three indigenous grape varieties: Nosiola, Marzemino, and Teroldego. Trentodoc, a prized sparkling wine from the mountains, is complemented by thriving varieties like Müller-Thurgau and Chardonnay. For beer enthusiasts, a growing number of niche breweries are blending traditional brewing methods with Trentino’s unique character and flair.
