Brenta Dolomites Walking Holiday

From Verona Airport, a private transfer will take you to the Val di Sole, a remote valley on the western edge of the Dolomites nestled between the Ortler-Cevedale range and Brenta Dolomites. The small towns at the heart of the valley are strategically good for reaching the key features of Val di Sole and the nearby Val di Rabbi. Originating from Sulis, the Celtic goddess of waters, the region has reputable thermal spas at Rabbi and Peio. Almost every valley in the Alps produces its own unique cheese, and this one is no exception. Indeed, Casolet is integral to the valley’s culinary traditions, used on pizza, in salads, and any dish that is accompanied by cheese.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Val di Sole (B&B basis)

Route Statistics: 13km, Ascent 620m, Descent 880m, Walking Time – 5hrs

In the morning, a short transfer takes you to Daolasa, where a cable car whisks you from the valley up to your trailhead at 2050m in the Presanella massif. Today’s trail meanders through pine forests and traverses high meadows above the treeline, passing lakes as you go. It is a charming walk, and you will marvel at the overwhelming views of the Brenta Dolomites from the slopes of Presanella. The two mountain groups stand one in front of another. Presanella is famed for its many lakes, some hidden in the forest, others out in the open overlooking the Brenta. The day ends at the picturesque Lake Nambino, which is surrounded by the forest and frequented regularly by fishermen and photographers.

Accommodation: Rifugio Nambino (half-board)

Route Statistics: 13km, Ascent 660m, Descent 910m, Walking Time – 6hrs

Today the trail continues along the slopes of the Presanella with more beautiful lakes to savour, almost exclusively at a higher altitude above the treeline. The Five Lakes hiking route is among the most renowned walks of the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park. Immersed in bewitching scenery, the profuse flora will enchant you. Today’s route is planned so that you reach the lakes and other special landmarks well before the day visitors, who come up by lift from Madonna di Campiglio. This is a day spent in a perfectly preserved and protected area, abundant in crystal-clear lakes, which are flanked by rhododendrons and gentians. The Adamello-Brenta Nature Park also has a healthy population of chamois, many of which you will see in the morning if you are relatively early on the trail. At the end of the day, you descend to Madonna di Campiglio, a well-known alpine resort, where you can stroll its attractive streets and relax before heading back into the wilderness for another 3 nights.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Madonna di Campiglio (half-board)

Route Statistics: 11km, Ascent 860m, Descent 200m, Walking Time – 5hrs

You start in Madonna di Campiglio and walk straight to the heartland of the Brenta Dolomites. The Vallesinella waterfalls are your first highlight, a calling card of the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park. You will reach the waterfalls in the morning while traversing the pine forests that cover the terrain below 1800m. The trail snakes up the slope with multiple crossings of a stream.  A series of wooden bridges allows you to approach the cascades, breathe the cool air, and take photos. From the waterfalls, the trail gradually ascends out of the forest, as you approach the monumental walls of the central Brenta. Your overnight hut awaits you at 2200m, and as you get nearer to it, beautiful views open up to the west of Brenta, where the Adamello group still preserves its glaciers.

Accommodation: Rifugio Brentei or Alimonta (half-board)

Route Statistics: 8km, Ascent 570m, Descent 310m, Walking Time – 4hrs (Recommended extension to Orti della Regina – add 2hrs).

The heartland of Brenta will astound you with its beauty and natural splendour. You will now walk the trail at the foot of Cima Groste toward the Passo Groste pass. Cima Grostè is the most impressive peak of the Brenta Dolomites, although not the highest. The trail runs on typically Dolomitic rocky terrain at 2300m. The walk to Passo Groste along the direct trail takes less than half a day and comes with compelling views of the Presanella and Adamello ranges to the west of Brenta. For some extra paleontological wonder, we recommend a 2-hour extension to Orti della Regina to see thousands of fossils, the area’s prehistoric mollusc residents 230 million years ago. Finally, the rockfaces of the Brenta are famed for the depth of their fiery red colour, which intensifies so dramatically as the sun sets. Don’t miss it!  Your walk finishes at Passo Groste and you stay overnight at the foot of the Pietra Grande, perhaps the reddest of all the Brenta’s mountains at sunset. This phenomenon is called the Enrosadire and it could make your evening here simply unforgettable.

Accommodation: Rifugio Stoppani (half-board)

Route Statistics: 14km, Ascent 50m, Descent 1270m, Walking Time – 5hrs

This stage connects Passo Groste with Lake Tovel on a trail running through the meadows of Val Flavona. Whilst Lake Tovel is the highlight of the day, the Turion tower is another icon of the Brenta Dolomites. Making a remarkable sight, it is a 160m high formation of layered rocks, resembling a man-made fortress, simply standing in the meadows. The hike to Lake Tovel represents a considerable descent throughout the day but it is not strenuous or fatiguing, as the incline of the trail is not steep and the terrain is good. Lake Tovel is notable from both a wildlife and aesthetic perspective, a highly photogenic location. Reflected in its pristine waters is a chain of stunning mountains, which adds to the wonder of this beauty spot. Until 1964, the water here turned red in July, due to an algae called Tovelia Sanguinea. This algae no longer exists, but Tovel is still widely known as the Red Lake.

Accommodation: Albergo Lago Rosso at Lake Tovel (half-board)

Route Statistics: 13km, Ascent 1100m, Descent 330m, Walking Time – 6hrs

The morning views at Lake Tovel will mesmerise you. Wake up early and take a short walk to the northern tip of the lake. Here, indulge in the sunlit mountain tops while the lake remains in the shade with its silky surface reflecting the skyline. Today, you hike in the northern part of Brenta, the least visited and most diverse area of the Brenta Dolomites, featuring red rock mountains, lush green pastures, and pine forests. Other hikers are few and far between. Your destination is Monte Peller, a peak in the extreme north of the Brenta. Shortly before your overnight hut, there emerges a farm surrounded by meadows where curious marmots observe you. It is the renowned home of some traditionally manufactured cheeses. Be sure to stop and have a taste, as these are unique specialities.

Accommodation: Rifugio Peller (half-board)

Route Statistics: 10km, Ascent 45m, Descent 1300m, Walking Time – 5hrs

There are several options for today’s itinerary. You can start the day with a relatively demanding ascent to Monte Peller on a protected trail that runs to the top on an exposed slope. Monte Peller stands alone and will appeal to anyone who craves a little solitude. The reward for this ascent is a 360-degree panorama taking in the northern and central Brenta and the adjacent Ortler-Cevedale group. Alternatively, an easier option is the walk towards Lake Salare, an hour away from Rifugio Peller. It is a highly scenic experience, and the lake is certainly worth visiting before your descent into the valley. Often frequented by landscape artists, the lake is nestled in verdant upland pastures with rare fir trees and gorgeous surroundings. Once ready, it’s time to descend to Val di Sole on a 3-hour woodland walk, bringing your adventure to its conclusion.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Val di Sole (B&B)

Unless you have made alternative arrangements, a private transfer from the Val di Sole to Verona is provided, and timed to get you to the airport in good time for your flight