There’s a place in Val di Fassa where nature meets imagination, where every step takes you into an ancient story. It’s the Sentiero delle Leggende, a fascinating trail that winds through the woods above Pera di Fassa, designed to bring the Ladin oral traditions to life in a simple yet profound way. Here, you don’t just walk to reach a destination, but to listen, to imagine and to let yourself be enchanted by invisible creatures that seem to truly live among the trees.
An experience for dreamers of all ages.
The Sentiero delle Leggende is perfect for everyone: children who get excited at every stop, parents rediscovering the joy of storytelling and listening, and travelers seeking something different from the usual hike. Each section of the trail is dedicated to a Ladin legend, enriched with wooden sculptures, illustrated panels and viewpoints that seem straight out of a fairy tale book. Along the way, you’ll encounter fairies, brave kings, mountain witches, hardworking gnomes, in a continuous narrative that makes the walk lively and engaging.
Among the most captivating tales, you’ll find the legend of King Laurin and his rose garden, which explains why the Dolomites turn pink at sunset, or the story of the Salvàns, the benevolent spirits of the forest. You’ll also hear about the giant of Sassolungo, turned to stone by sorrow, and the tale of the witch of the Dolomites, who protected nature with her magic.
Where it is and how to reach it
The start of the trail is located in Pera di Fassa, at the Ronch de Bufaure area, easily accessible by car or public transport. The route is a loop, following wide, comfortable, and well-marked paths, making it ideal for families with trekking strollers or people with little hiking experience.
The elevation gain is minimal, and the path winds through forests of fir trees, grassy meadows and small streams, with several areas where you can stop to read, rest or have a snack, immersed in nature.
When to go and what to expect
The best time to walk the Sentiero delle Leggende is from May to October. In spring, it welcomes you with delicate blooms and full streams; in summer, it’s perfect for finding coolness and shade in the woods; and in autumn, it offers vibrant colors and enchanting atmospheres, with leaves crunching underfoot and warm light filtering through the branches.
The walk takes about an hour and a half, but the time really depends on how much you let yourself get immersed. If you want, you can slow down, read each sign at your own pace, come up with alternative endings to the stories with the kids, or simply enjoy the magic of the forest.
