Folgaria, Lavarone and Luserna, three municipalities in the south-eastern Trentino that together form Cimbrian Highlands. A little known destination, but able to surprise and excite young and old: 105 square kilometers of alpine territory where you can discover pristine nature, gentle mountains ranging from 1000 to 2000 meters, dense forests, ancient traditions and fortresses of concrete and steel that still talk to us about the Great War. During the summer, the Cimbrian Highlands are rich in sunshine with cool breezes that cool the evening and nature is lit up and filled with aromas and perfumes; in winter it is not too cold so you can fully enjoy the snow-covered mountain, with the possibility of returning home with an enviable tan. It is easy to explore and experience the Cimbrian Highlands in a slow and sustainable way: there is so much to do on foot or by electric bike: here are the 10 experiences you can not miss to discover this lesser-known Trentino.
Walking around Cimbrian Highlands with donkeys
In Nosellari, hamlet of Folgaria, there is a ranch that allows you to get close to donkeys, empathic, patient and tender animals. Spending time with a donkey means learning to slow down, away from our frenzy lives. You can also hike with the donkeys along the path of the trenches of Nosellari.
Discover the Cimbrian culture in the Luserna Museum
In the Cimbrian Highlands, you can still hear the Cimbrian language, a Germanic idiom of Bavarian origin. Luserna is probably the village that best represents this particular culture and it is here that you can find the foundation that collects testimonies and documents of historical, naturalistic and ethnographic character that tells and at the same time enhances the Cimbrian linguistic minority. Don’t miss the Casa Museo – Haus von Prükk.
Trekking with goats and local cheese tasting
Amber, Zoe, Pepa, Ginepra are just some of the goats of Andrea, the young owner of Maso Guez. A genuine place, ideal for you and your family: you can spend your days with these playful and mischievous animals, taking care of them and tasting the products that come from their milk. An experience that is certainly unusual is that of taking a walk with Andrea and his goats, from the farm to San Sebastiano.
Lake Lavarone
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- Path in the woods to the Lavarone Lake
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- Lavarone Lake
Freud loved the Cimbrian Highlands. His favorite place was undoubtedly Lake Lavarone, he loved to meditate on the shores of this small lake of karst origin, one of the oldest in Trentino. If in winter it becomes a small jewel where you can skate, during the summer you can cross it by rowing boat or canoe, diving in its clear waters or trekking in the woods that surround it.
From Luserna to Roana by e-bike
From the center of Luserna there is a cycle path of almost 30 kilometers, suitable for everyone and perfect for e-bikes, which cross forests and mountain pastures, mountain pastures along the Cimbrian Highlands, and reach Lake Roana. Along the way you can meet hares, roe deer, and marmots and stop for a tasty break, discovering the typical local products.
Walk along the water path, from Carbonare to Cueli
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- Fountain in Cueli
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- Ancient mill in Cueli
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- Ancient mill in Cueli
Those who love the water, its thundering noise, can not miss this suggestive path, which follows the course of the Astico river through the woods and between high rock walls, ancient houses and historic buildings that are invaded by vegetation. You get to the tiny farm of Cùeli and his mill, a place where time seems to have stopped.
Learn to drive a dog sled
A few lessons and then you will drive a sled with of two or four dogs: a unique experience offered by Sleddog Millegrobbe that will allow you to immerse yourself in the pristine nature in full respect of the environment and the dogs that will accompany you.
With the children to discover a suggestive library in the woods
From the village of Tobia, in front of the honey museum, a perfect route for families starts. Along the path, the children will have to solve riddles and will be able to discover wooden silhouettes that depict forest animals. At the end of the path is the library in the woods: a large dug trunk that works as a bookcase, here you can stop and read one of the fairy tales with your children.
From Folgaria to Guardia, the painted village
One of the most fascinating places of the Cimbrian Highlands is Guardia, a painted town that is easily reached on foot from Folgaria. You will be fascinated by the incredible colors and the beauty of the murals that adorn the walls of the houses in the small historic center.
Ofentol waterfall
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- Itinerary to the Ofentol waterfall
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- Ofentol waterfall
Along the route from Folgaria to Guardia you will come across a breathtaking landscape: the Ofentol waterfall. This pearl of the Cimbrian Highlands is hidden in a deep natural gorge and it amazes you with every season, the water jump in spring and summer is surrounded by greenery, while in winter it freezes creating a beautiful play of lights and ice.
A green stay in Cimbrian Highlands
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- Malga Campo, refuge in Luserna
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- La Fonte, organic farmhouse in Folgaria
In Folgaria there’s La Fonte farmhouse, an accommodations that has solar panels and a phytodepuration system. You can sleep in a green and comfortable cabin surrounded by woods, and you can also participate in various courses on agricultural life.
In Luserna, on the beautiful trail of Imaginary, the Malga Campo Refuge offers local products and full immersion in the nature of the Cimbri Highlands.
Cover photo: © Silvia Ombellini
Hotel Grizzly – Green Hotel in Folgaria, Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige, IT 
Vacanza in famiglia e natura – Green Hotel in Folgaria, Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige, IT 
