What to see in Trentino Alto Adige? In this guide, I will take you to discover the most fabulous places in this incredible region.
Trentino Alto-Adige is the ideal destination for a holiday dedicated to sport, food, wine and culture.
This region is rich in history as it had been for many years a disputed territory with Austria. Only in 1948 did it become part of the Kingdom of Italy.
In this guide, I will tell you all the most important places to visit, from the UNESCO World Heritage Sites to the wineries of the famous TrentoDoc, told by someone who was born and has always lived here.
What are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Come and discover all the things to see in Trentino!
Want to visit Trentino? Create your tailor-made trip with the local expert of Italia Delight.
1. Memorable excursions among the Dolomites, pyramids and breathtaking views
The Pale di San Martino
What to see in Trentino Alto Adige? The Pale di San Martino are not to be missed. Located in the Panaveggio Nature Park on the border with Veneto, the Pale di San Martino are the largest mountain group in the Dolomites. They have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. The Pale are located between 2500 and 2800 metres above sea level and cover an area of 50 km2.
Once you have left your car at the Rolle Pass (1984 metres), you can reach this location by a shuttle bus that will take you to the path. From here you can reach Baita Segantini, the ideal place to stop for a whipped cream and enjoy the breathtaking view.
The Pale di San Martino are one of the most evocative and special places to see in Trentino and can be easily reached even with children or a trekking buggy.
Three Peaks of Lavaredo
The famous Three Peaks of Lavaredo are located in the Dolomites of Sesto at an altitude of about 3000 metres on the border with Austria. They are a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
This place is undoubtedly the ideal destination for trekking, mountain biking and climbing lovers. In fact, around the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, there are several paths that you can follow. If you are going to Cortina d’Ampezzo for a weekend, you must stop at the belvedere along the road to enjoy the panoramic view over the Three Peaks.
The pyramids of Segonzano
Golden in colour, up to 40 metres high and seeming to defy the laws of physics, these pyramids are a rare geological phenomenon in the world.
They are located in the Cembra Valley in Trentino and were formed by water erosion. You can visit them in any season. At the entrance, you pay a ticket. Afterwards, you can follow a guided path that will take you to discover these natural wonders.
Madonna di Campiglio
To the question: “but what to see in Trentino?” Madonna di Campiglio never fails. Located near Campo Carlo Magno in the Dolomites, this place is certainly one of the most iconic places in Trentino.
Famous for winter sports, Campiglio also has the 3-Tre slope where Special Slalom races of the Alpine Ski World Cup are held. This place is very charming, even during the summer period. Don’t miss the Vallesinella waterfalls in the Adamello Brenta Natural Park with three waterfalls.
2. What to see in Trentino? Come and discover the unique lakes and waterfalls of this region
Lake Braies
Located at an altitude of 1496 metres in South Tyrol, Lake Braies is a real gem in the Dolomites with its blue and turquoise hues. It is a place difficult to forget. Dense fir trees surrounding the lake, wooden boats almost suspended, a breathtaking landscape surrounded by mountains: it will leave you speechless.
This place is the ideal destination for trekking, mountain biking and mountain excursions lovers. It is definitely one of the places to visit in Trentino Alto Adige. Thanks to the boats, you can also treat yourself to a moment of relaxation by rowing on the lake and enjoying the enchanting panorama.
Lake Tenno
What to see in Trentino if you love alpine lakes? Lake Tenno is certainly a destination not to be missed. Located just above Riva del Garda at an altitude of 570 m, Lake Tenno is an emerald set among the mountains. Around it, the landscape is totally unspoilt. Time seems to stand still here and the dense vegetation envelops the lake, creating a unique atmosphere that gives the water almost tropical colours.
This lake has a special feature: it has a large difference in level between the summer and winter periods. In fact, in autumn, the rainfalls raise the water level by 15 metres. They submerge a small island in the middle of it, leaving only the leaves of the trees visible. On the contrary, in summer it is possible to see this island emerge and access it on foot.
All these peculiarities make Lake Tenno certainly one of the best things to see in Trentin. You won’t regret it!
Varone waterfall
Located 3 km from Lake Tenno, the Varone waterfall is definitely one of the places to visit in Trentino. Here the water from the leaks of Lake Tenno over the course of 20,000 years has carved a veritable natural museum out of the rock, with no less than a 90-metre drop.
The charm of this place also amazed the writer Thomas Mann, who described it in detail in his book “The Magic Mountain“.
As soon as you enter, you will be struck by a unique atmosphere. The intense and continuous gurgling of the water on the limestone rocks, the air currents and the vaporised water will leave you with an unforgettable feeling.
Outside the waterfall, there is a park where you can have a picnic. You can also enjoy a few varieties of non-native crops, which manage to coexist thanks to the special microclimate of this place.
3. What to do in Trentino? Local food, medieval villages, castles and much more
Bondone
The name Bondone derives from Bondù, meaning a place of refuge from danger. This village is the last village in Trentino on the border with Veneto and has always been in a position of control.
Here, too, time seems to stand still. As you walk through the village, you can see the frescoes on the walls of the houses, letting you experience the indigenous culture. Places not to be missed include the Church dedicated to the Nativity of Mary and San Giovanni Castle.
If you have the chance to visit the village in August, you can take part in the “Bondone in strada” event. An event where you can taste typical dishes of Trentino cuisine such as polenta, malga cheese and Arctic char.
Vipiteno
Vipiteno, a medieval town on the Austrian border, is part of the association “borghi più belli d’Italia”. It is a small town of about 6000 inhabitants with unique views. You can’t miss the Torre delle Dodici (Tower of Twelve), the Gothic-style town hall and the neo-Gothic Madonna della Palude church, built on the remains of a Romanesque church.
Vipiteno is without doubt one of the unmissable places to visit in Trentino.
And if you are wondering what to do in Trentino, you should know that just a few kilometres from Vipiteno there is the largest toboggan run in Italy, 10 km long, as well as many ski facilities.
The Buonconsiglio Castle
Located in the historic centre of Trento, this castle will leave you speechless with its majesty. It contains all the history of Trento since the 13th century.
Each part of the castle has its own architectural style, from the Gothic-Venetian style of the loggia to the Renaissance style of the Palazzo Magno and the Baroque style of the most recent structure, the Giunta Albertina.
Important historical events took place in this castle, including the approval of the Counter-Reformation in the Catholic world.
The Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento is undoubtedly one of the most amazing castles to visit in Trentino. It is also possible to taste the traditional Trentino cuisine thanks to the restaurants located nearby.
Tures Castle
Continuing our itinerary to discover what to see in Trentino Alto Adige, we find the majestic Tures Castle. This is an ancient medieval castle located in Val di Tures, in Val Pusteria in South Tyrol.
With 64 rooms, including the Princes’ Room, library, armoury and dungeons, this castle is one of the best places to visit in Trentino Alto Adige.
Several films and TV series have been filmed here and there are sometimes exhibitions and concerts.
4. Museums and churches to see in Trentino
MUSE
In the “Le Albere” district, designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano in the centre of Trento, stands this innovative museum that tells the story of the mountains, nature, technology and sustainability. An absolute must-see in Trentino.
The structure of the building is reminiscent of the jagged mountains of Trentino and the Dolomites. Inside, each floor is dedicated to a particular characteristic of the mountains. You can venture among the glaciers, watch the seasons evolve and delve into Alpine prehistory.
MART
What to see in Trentino? Contemporary and futuristic art lovers should not miss the MART. In fact, it is one of the most famous and recognised museums of modern and contemporary art in Italy, with around 20,000 works from 150 years of history.
Both buildings contain many Futurist works by Trentino artists such as Depero, as well as internationally renowned artists such as Hayez, Boccioni and de Chirico. At the end of the visit, you can taste the dishes of Michelin-starred Chef Ghezzi under the museum’s dome.
Abbey of Novacella
Built in the 12th century and located just 3 km from Brixen/Bressanone, the Abbey of Novacella is one of the most important architectural complexes in South Tyrol. Inside you can admire Baroque and Rococo decorations.
What is there to see inside this magnificent place in Trentino Alto Adige?
While entering, you will be impressed by the library with its valuable manuscripts. Also fascinating is the wine cellar with its world-famous wine production, as well as the conference centre and the boarding school.
Collegiate church of San Candido
If you are still wondering what to see in Trentino Alto Adige, the Collegiate Church of San Candido is a unique place to visit.
This church is considered the most significant Romanesque sculptural work in the entire Eastern Alps. It dates back to the 8th century but was rebuilt in 1200 after a fire. Inside this church, there are several notable works of art including a cycle of frescoes and a Romanesque group of the crucifixion of Christ. You will also admire the Crypt, the only work that has remained intact since the 8th century AD.
5. Mountain biking, surfing, sailing, food and wine
Sports in Upper Lake Garda
What to do in Trentino if you love sport? The ideal destination for kiteboarding, sailing and mountain biking lovers is undoubtedly Upper Lake Garda, a magical place.
For mountain bike lovers, Upper Lake Garda offers an infinite number of cycle paths and trails with enchanting views. Among the most famous paths, I would like to point out the Ponale path, which leads to Punta Larici. Once there, you can admire Lake Garda from the best vantage point on the lake.
On the other hand, If you are a water sports enthusiast, Upper Lake Garda offers everything you need to set off and challenge the waves of the lake. In fact, between Riva del Garda and Nago-Torbole there are several sports centres that provide all the equipment you need to enjoy a weekend on the lake.
Ferrari winery
After an intense day of sport, a good meal is a must to round off the day. Trentino has a lot to offer in this respect too.
One of the places I would suggest is a visit to the Cantine Ferrari of the Lunelli group, the iconic TrentoDoc sparkling wine famous throughout the world. Ferrari winey is one of the best places to visit in Trentino.
With more than 100 years of history, the wine cellar contains 24 million bottles. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and you will be able to go on a real journey into art among cuisine, bubbles, architecture and frescoes.
At the end of your wine tour, I recommend Locanda Margon, a starred restaurant of the Lunelli group with an amazing view over the whole city of Trento. Thanks to the talent and imagination of the great chef Edoardo Fumagalli, you can taste Trentino’s ingredients cooked in a way never seen before.
Now that you know what to see in Trentino Alto Adige, take a look at all our travel ideas… Have a good adventure!
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