Val di Non

But Mount Macaion, Corno di Tres and Penegal are also perfect for outdoor adventures, both in summer and winter, and their peaks are splendid lookouts from which to admire the surrounding area. The Maddalene Range, with peaks above 2,000 meters, including Mt. Luco, Mt. Vedetta Alta, and Mt. Cornicoletto, is a quiet and relaxing place among picturesque mountain lakes, alpine pastures, and cozy mountain huts.

The road from Kaltern in South Tyrol up to the Mendel Pass, with a seemingly endless series of hairpin bends, is one of the most iconic climbs in Trentino-South Tyrol. Often included of the Giro d'Italia stages, it is a fun challenge for racing bike enthusiasts. Repaying the effort, however, are the clean mountain air and spectacular views. Those who want to can do a 99-kilometer loop that allows them to cross the entire Non Valley from Cles, then rejoin the South Tyrolean Adige Valley before returning to the Mendola Pass via the aforementioned climb.

Over the centuries, the waters of the streams running through this land have carved into the rock and formed canyons, some narrow and mysterious, others wider, but all spectacular. What's more, the fresh air of these wild places is ideal for escaping the summer heat!

The Santa Giustina Canyon and the San Romedio Canyon, as well as the Ravine Canyon between the village of Fondo and Emerald Lake and the Koflertal Gorge, where you can admire the stunning Tret Waterfall,can be explored independently, while to visit Rio Sass Canyon and Novella Canyon one must be accompanied by experienced guides and be equipped with safety gear. Mondino Canyon does not require the company of a guide, however it is a route reserved only for experienced hikers, as there are some fairly exposed spots.

The Novella Canyon can also be visited from a different perspective, namely by traveling down the creek in a canoe or kayak directly from Lake Santa Giustina.

After visiting the sanctuary, on the way back to Sanzeno it is worth stopping at the Rhaetian Museum, which houses important artifacts that tell the story of the Val di Non, from Prehistory to the early Middle Ages, with a particular focus on the Reti people, who lived in the area before the arrival of the Romans. From the sanctuary you can easily reach the Tavon and Coredo lakes, surrounded by a beautiful forest and equipped with a picnic area and a children's playground.

Also in the Spormaggiore Wildlife Park, on the other side of the valley, you can see brown bears, as well as foxes, lynx, wolves, deer and farm animals, all free to roam in very large spaces. An ideal destination for families! For an even more hands-on experience with animals, we recommend one of Non Valley's riding stables and educational farms.

Would you like to know even more about the Non Valley? Fear not because it only takes a few steps on trails suitable for everyone, young and old!

If you want to find out more about apple cultivation in Val di Non (does the name Melinda sound familiar?), you can take a walk among the apple orchards in bloom or follow the "AlMeleto" nature trail.

If, on the other hand, you prefer to enjoy the blossoming of the heather, which occurs around the end of February, choose the Heather Trail, starting at Emerald Lake, or the Merlonga Walk, which offers splendid views of the Tavon and Coredo lakes and the Sanctuary of San Romedio.

Families will love walking among the green fields of the Predaia Plateau or strolling along the so-called "lezi," the ancient irrigation canals, all of which are flat. Most are also passable by bicycle and in winter.

Did you know that Sissi and Franz Joseph stayed in Val di Non, especially at Mendola? Follow in their footsteps on the"Kaiserpromenade" from Ronzone to Malosco or the"Sissipromenade" between the villages of Ronzone, Sarnonico and Cavareno.

One cannot leave Val di Non without seeing at least one of its castles. In fact, the area boasts the highest concentration of castles (over twenty!) in Europe: some are open to the public, some are now ruins, and some are still private residences.

There are five castles that can be visited: the splendid Thun Castle, one of the best preserved in all of Trentino, Belasi Castle, where perfectly preserved frescoes can be admired, Castel Nanno, which resembles a 15th-century Italian villa and is the subject of interesting stories and legends, Castel Valer, with its tower as high as 41 meters, and Coredo Castle, an elegant mansion situated on a hill (the last two can only be visited with a guide).

Three fascinating ruins are also worth going to see - if only to take a walk and enjoy the view! - namely Castello d'Altaguardia, Castel Sporo and Castel Corona.

The fascinating Cles Castle, which stands on a hill above Lake Santa Giustina, is currently inhabited but is much photographed. The best spot for great shots? The Doss de Pez viewing terrace!

Imagine pedaling through a picture-postcard landscape, where green meadows and the scent of apple orchards blend with the majestic spectacle of the Alps: the Alta Val di Non bike path, winding through the mountain villages of Malgolo, Romeno, Salter, Cavareno, Sarnonico, Ronzone, Malosco, and Fondo offers just that. This bicycle route, which can be ridden in its entirety (about 25 km) or only in part, is an enjoyable experience for families, groups of friends, and solo cyclists. In addition, numerous rest stops along the route invite you to take a break with local specialties.