In the heart of western Trentino, at the foothills of the majestic Brenta Dolomites, stretches the Paganella plateau, a natural balcony.
In the heart of western Trentino, at the foothills of the majestic Brenta Dolomites, stretches the altopiano della Paganella, a natural balcony overlooking the Adige Valley and Lake Molveno. The peaks dominating the area are Cima Paganella, Monte Gazza and the sheer cliffs of the Brenta Dolomites. The towns of Andalo, Molveno, Fai della Paganella, Cavedago and Spormaggiore make up a lively and diverse tourist area.
In the heart of western Trentino, at the foothills of the majestic Brenta Dolomites, stretches the altopiano della Paganella, a natural balcony overlooking the Adige Valley and Lake Molveno. The peaks dominating the area are Cima Paganella, Monte Gazza and the sheer cliffs of the Brenta Dolomites. The towns of Andalo, Molveno, Fai della Paganella, Cavedago and Spormaggiore make up a lively and diverse tourist area.
The area is easily accessible by all means of transport. Those arriving by car can take the Brenner highway (A22), exit at San Michele all’Adige/Mezzocorona and continue along the SS43 and then the scenic SS421, which leads directly to the towns on the plateau.
For those who prefer to travel by public transport, the most convenient train stations are Mezzocorona and Trento, both connected by direct buses operated by Trentino Trasporti to Andalo and Molveno, with regular frequencies and reliable service.
During summer and winter, the area is also well served by seasonal shuttles and tourist transfers departing from airports such as Verona, Bergamo and Venice, allowing travelers to reach their destination comfortably even without a car.
The villages of the Altopiano della Paganella, framed by the spectacular Brenta Dolomites, offer diverse and complementary experiences, suited to every type of traveler.
Andalo is the liveliest and most well-equipped center of the area. Nestled between the Paganella and the Brenta Dolomites, it is a dynamic destination that blends sports, wellness and family-friendly services. In summer, it’s ideal for hiking, biking, playgrounds and kids’ activities, while in winter it serves as one of the main access points to the Paganella Ski area. The Andalo Life park is a key hub, featuring sports facilities, relaxation areas, a wellness center, ice rink, swimming pool and wide green spaces.
Molveno, just a few minutes from Andalo, is renowned for its alpine lake, considered one of the most beautiful in Italy thanks to its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural setting. The village combines the tranquility of the lake with the majesty of the Brenta Dolomites, offering outdoor activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, scenic hikes and well-equipped beaches. From the town, trails lead to high-altitude mountain huts and via ferratas, making it a perfect base for hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts.
Fai della Paganella, more intimate and scenic, is a green balcony overlooking the Valle dell’Adige. It’s the ideal destination for relaxing holidays, forest immersions and activities like trekking, forest bathing, yoga and slow-paced itineraries. In winter, it’s connected to the ski area with fast lifts and slopes suitable for all levels.
Nearby, Spormaggiore offers an intriguing visit to the Brown Bear Wildlife Park, where you can observe bears, wolves, lynxes and other alpine animals up close in protected environments. Cavedago, with its three ancient stone bridges, is a quiet, green village ideal for those seeking authenticity, peaceful nature walks and wide-open views over the surrounding valleys.
Summer in the Brenta Dolomites, especially in the Paganella area, is an invitation to experience the mountains in an active, exciting and accessible way. Hiking enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the wild landscapes of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, climb towards the breathtaking views from the Pedrotti alla Tosa Hut, or explore the wide-open spaces of the Altopiano della Campa, where the Dolomites rise in all their majestic splendor.
At the heart of this region, Lake Molveno – repeatedly awarded as one of the most beautiful and cleanest lakes in Italy – is the perfect place to alternate between relaxation and activity. You can swim, go kayaking, try stand-up paddleboarding, sail, rent a pedal boat, or simply enjoy the well-equipped beach, which is also ideal for children.
Families find a true paradise here: from themed trails like The World of Sciury to the suspended paths of the Forest Park and the mountain playgrounds reachable by cable car – every day becomes an adventure of discovery.
Cycling enthusiasts can choose between the well-equipped bike parks in Fai della Paganella and Andalo, or follow the spectacular trails of the Dolomiti Paganella Bike Area, with routes for all levels, winding through forests or overlooking scenic lakes.
The summer experience is enriched by stops at welcoming mountain huts like Rifugio La Montanara, which combines traditional Trentino cuisine with unforgettable views over Lake Molveno. And as the sun sets, the region comes alive with open-air events: from “Lago in Musica” concerts by the lake in Molveno to lively celebrations like the **Festival of Honey and Medicinal Herbs** in Comano, which showcase local culture and flavors.
Autumn on the Altopiano della Paganella is an intimate and captivating season, filled with vibrant colors, the scents of the forest and a slower pace that invites you to listen and explore. The woods of Monte Gazza turn shades of red, orange and gold, creating perfect scenes for foliage lovers, nature photographers, or anyone who enjoys peaceful walks along quiet trails. It’s the ideal time for rejuvenating hikes on less-traveled routes like the Eagle’s Path or the chestnut trails near Fai della Paganella, where you can also gather chestnuts and mushrooms, following local tradition.
But autumn is also a season rich in flavors and events connected to the gastronomic and rural identity of the area. Autumn festivals and tastings at mountain huts offer the chance to rediscover simple yet hearty dishes, such as soups, polenta, aged cheeses and traditional desserts, often served in warm, family-like settings. The famous Ciuìga Festival in San Lorenzo in Banale celebrates this unique salami made from turnips and pork, recognized as a Slow Food Presidia product.
There are also plenty of festive and folkloric moments: the Desmontegada, the return of the cows from the alpine pastures, is celebrated with parades, music and local products in various villages of the Brenta Dolomites. One of the most evocative versions takes place in Fai della Paganella, where it is linked to ORME – The Festival of Trails, a unique event held entirely along the hiking paths in the forests of Fai della Paganella.
Winter in the Brenta Dolomites is a season full of experiences, perfect for those who love snow in all its forms. The beating heart is the Paganella Ski area, starting from the towns of Andalo and Fai della Paganella, offering over 50 km of perfectly groomed slopes, served by modern cable cars, snowparks, certified ski schools, dedicated kids’ areas, and sledding tracks. Freestyle enthusiasts can have fun at the Dosson Snowpark, while the most tireless can experience the thrill of night skiing under the stars on illuminated trails.
Even those who don’t ski will find plenty of ways to enjoy winter actively and relaxingly. Among the most enchanting experiences are snowshoe hikes through the snow-covered forests of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, all the way to the large wooden sculpture of the Martalar Bear, a symbol of nature and the strength of the territory. You can skate on ice, tackle downhill rides with fat bikes, have fun sledding, or indulge in moments of wellness at the many spa and wellness centers on the plateau.
Cross-country skiing enthusiasts can enjoy the peaceful and scenic blue Girolago trail, which runs along the shores of Lake Molveno, while families can rely on the Snow Kindergarten, cozy mountain huts and equipped chalets for a warm break between runs, such as at Rifugio La Montanara and Baita Ciocomiti.
During the Christmas season, villages like Andalo and Molveno light up with lights, music and aromas thanks to traditional Christmas markets that transform the squares into little enchanted villages. For those who love authenticity and Alpine traditions, it’s worth making a stop at San Lorenzo in Banale, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, which during this period offers historical reenactments, handcrafted nativity scenes, and a small but charming Christmas market.
As the sun sets, the fun continues with après-ski moments at high altitude, such as the charming Paganella Sunset — a toast with a breathtaking view of the Brenta Dolomites that makes every day on the snow even more special. Between February and March, fun meets tradition with the lively Paganella Carnival Fest, an event that combines creativity, performances and family-friendly activities in a mountain setting waiting to be explored.
Spring is one of the most enchanting times to explore the Brenta Dolomites. Starting from Spormaggiore, you can visit Belpark, the wildlife park where children and adults alike can observe bears, lynxes and other alpine animals up close in a protected environment. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful stroll through the narrow lanes of Cavedago, a quiet village that preserves its historic charm with ancient stone mills and tranquil views of the surrounding woods.
The mild days invite you to walk along blooming trails, practice forest bathing in the woods of Monte Gazza, or take part in open-air yoga sessions, breathing in the crisp mountain air. The Molveno Lake Loop, fully accessible from April, is an easy and scenic route, perfect for strollers or bikes alike.
With the arrival of the warm season, mountain huts and alpine dairies begin to reopen, welcoming visitors with traditional dishes featuring fresh cheeses, speck and local products. Many also offer workshops for children and families focused on Alpine culture — from honey production to bread making and even discovering medicinal herbs.
Among the must-see events is the Dolomiti Paganella Family Festival, which brings the towns to life with shows, games, creative workshops and nature-based activities designed especially for children and their families.
