Within the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, it is famous for its unspoilt nature, alpine villages such as Madonna di Campiglio and countless outdoor activities.
Val Rendena, nestled between the Brenta Dolomites and the Adamello-Presanella massif, is a valley within the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, famous for its unspoiled nature, picturesque alpine villages and countless opportunities for outdoor activities.
Val Rendena, nestled between the Brenta Dolomites and the Adamello-Presanella massif, is a valley within the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, famous for its unspoiled nature, picturesque alpine villages and countless opportunities for outdoor activities.
Its most imposing peaks, such as Carè Alto (3,463 m) and Monte Adamello (3,539 m), offer breathtaking views and attract hikers and mountaineers from all over the world. Here you will also find spectacular alpine lakes such as the San Giuliano Lakes, Lago Nero and Lago Salmerino, perfect for excursions immersed in the tranquillity of the mountains.
Reaching Val Rendena is easy thanks to the SS239, which connects Trento to Madonna di Campiglio, the most famous resort in the valley. Those travelling by train can get off at the Trento or Mezzocorona stations and continue by bus, while in summer the BiciBus allows bicycles to be carried free of charge, making the valley even more accessible to two-wheel enthusiasts.
The administrative and cultural centre of Val Rendena, Pinzolo is known for its ski area, which is part of the Campiglio Dolomiti di Brenta Val di Sole Val Rendena SkiArea, and for being a reference point for summer hiking. The Church of San Vigilio, with its famous Danza Macabra, is an important historical site.
Famous worldwide for its ski slopes and international alpine skiing events, Madonna di Campiglio is the most exclusive resort in the valley. In summer, it is the starting point for spectacular treks in the Brenta Dolomites and offers luxury facilities, exclusive boutiques and gourmet restaurants.
Located at the entrance to the Val di Genova, Carisolo is known for the Church of Santo Stefano, with medieval frescoes, and for being the gateway to the Nardis Waterfalls. It is an excellent starting point for excursions in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park.
A quiet village surrounded by greenery, Giustino is the ideal base for those wishing to explore the valley in an authentic way, far from mass tourism. Here you will find excellent mountain bike trails and scenic paths, in what is the smallest municipality in Trentino.
Caderzone Terme combines wellness and tradition, thanks to the waters of Fonte Sant’Antonio, known for their beneficial properties. It also hosts the Malga Museum, dedicated to rural life and the production of typical cheeses.
Home to the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, Strembo is an excellent choice for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and observe wildlife, including the brown bear. It offers numerous hiking and educational trails within the park.
A characteristic village that retains a rural charm, Bocenago is known for its traditional architecture and proximity to the Rendena Golf Club, one of the most spectacular mountain golf courses in Italy.
One of the most historic centres in the valley, Spiazzo is home to the Church of San Vigilio, with ancient decorations. It is also a point of reference for local traditions and gastronomy, with typical products such as malga cheese.
As a small town with a strong historical imprint, Pelugo is famous for its Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, which preserves valuable frescoes. It is an ideal starting point for excursions into the forests and less-travelled areas of the valley.
Born in 2016 from the union of the municipalities of Darè, Vigo Rendena and Villa Rendena, Porte di Rendena preserves the authentic soul of the valley, with ancient barns and historic villages. Vigo Rendena is famous for its master craftsmen, while Villa Rendena offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.
Summer in Val Rendena is the ideal time to explore the unspoilt nature of the Dolomites through trekking and panoramic walks. Alpine guides accompany hikers along spectacular itineraries such as the Val Genova Waterfalls or the San Giuliano Lakes, perfect for those seeking tranquillity and breathtaking scenery. For those who love water adventures, rafting on the River Sarca offers adrenaline and fun, with rapids suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Outdoor sports enthusiasts can try their hand at the Dolomitica Run, a half-marathon that crosses the most evocative landscapes of the valley, or walk the 30 km of the Val Rendena cycle path, which connects Madonna di Campiglio to Villa Rendena. The mountain bike trails, immersed in the woods and Alpine valleys, offer adrenalin-pumping experiences. Those who prefer to relax can play a game at the Madonna di Campiglio Golf Club, located at an altitude of 1,500 metres, in an exclusive setting surrounded by greenery.
At the end of August, the Giovenche di Razza Rendena (Rendena Heifers) event is worth a visit: a traditional festival in Val Rendena, dedicated to the only native breed of cattle in Trentino-Alto Adige. Every year, in Pinzolo and the villages in the valley, the heifers return from the mountain pastures, parading through the streets adorned with cowbells and floral decorations, celebrating the link between cattle breeding and the territory.
In addition to the parade, the event offers markets of typical products, alpine cheese tastings, folk music and educational workshops. The highlight is the prize-giving of the most beautiful heifers, highlighting the quality and sustainability of local cattle breeding.
In autumn, the San Giuliano Lakes offer evocative scenery with their crystal-clear waters surrounded by golden forests, while the San Colombano Hermitage and the Nardis Waterfalls in Val Genova are the destinations for those seeking tranquillity and spectacular views. The Adamello Brenta Nature Park, with its paths wrapped in the warm tones of autumn, is the setting for regenerating walks and moments of pure immersion in nature.
Autumn is also the season of traditional festivals and markets, celebrating the authentic flavours of the valley. The Sagra della Ciuìga in San Lorenzo in Banale celebrates the typical salami with turnips, and the Festa della Patata del Lomaso (known as Montagnina) is an opportunity to savour local products: meat, malga cheese, honey and seasonal vegetables. To make the atmosphere even more authentic, the Compagnia del Canto carries on the musical tradition of the valley with events dedicated to Alpine folk songs, spreading local folklore in the squares and villages.
Winter in Val Rendena means skiing: the Campiglio Dolomiti di Brenta – Val di Sole Val Rendena ski area has over 150 km of slopes and 60 ski lifts, connecting Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo and Folgarida Marilleva. In addition to alpine skiing, the valley is perfect for panoramic snowshoeing, such as the route leading to Lago di Ritorto. Those looking for alternatives can enjoy tobogganing or ice skating at the Pinzolo Ice Stadium.
Winter in Val Rendena is enriched by popular events, such as the Telemark World Cup in Pinzolo, which attracts athletes and fans from all over the world. During the festivities, the villages come alive with Christmas markets, concerts and traditional events (including the Krampus), creating a magical and evocative atmosphere.
For a true mountain experience, go to one of the refuges in the area, such as Rifugio Doss del Sabion and Rifugio Lago Nambino, near Madonna di Campiglio and reachable by snowshoeing through the snowy forests. Some facilities are also accessible with guided hikes, snowmobiles or snowcats.
Spring in Val Rendena is the ideal time to rediscover nature as it awakens and enjoy outdoor activities. The paths of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park reopen, offering splendid hikes towards panoramic destinations such as the Mandrone Hut and the Cornisello Hut, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. More relaxing walks lead to villages steeped in history, such as Pinzolo, famous for the frescoes in the Church of San Vigilio, and Caderzone Terme, where you can take a regenerating break at the thermal springs. With the thaw, the valley is coloured with alpine flowers and the watercourses regain their vigour, creating ideal settings for hiking and cycling.
Spring is also a season of events that enliven the valley with sports and local traditions. The Top Dolomites Outdoor Festival combines cycling and trail running in a unique natural setting, while festivals and events celebrate Alpine culture and local flavours. At the reopening, the malghe and refuges in the valley offer tastings of cheeses and traditional Trentino dishes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local gastronomy: malga cheeses, craft beer produced in the valley’s brewery and Trentino carrot cake.
