Val di Non: the alpine valley Italians don’t want you to discover

Val di Non, one of the many enchanting valleys nestled in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, is the ideal destination for those dreaming of a mountain trip amidst the spectacular Alpine scenery, discovering unique emotions.

Thanks to its breathtaking views, numerous places of historical and cultural interest, the charm of its lakes and hiking trails suitable for both adults and children, this mountain gem is perfect for a family vacation.

The Val di Non is also a top destination for food lovers, rich in local delicacies that have become a prominent part of great Italian cuisine. Here, apples are the main stars!

For many, Val di Non represents home and a quiet life, a land to protect with care and love, opening its doors to travelers seeking slow and immersive experiences.

Do you want to discover with us what to do and see in magical Val di Non? Let's go!

Val di Non, perhaps world-famous for its expanses of apple orchards, is a mosaic of picturesque towns, alpine lakes and castles that seem to have been designed straight from a fairytale. The vibrant soul of this region can be discovered especially in its small towns, nestled in the Alpine landscape like precious gems.

Places like Cles, a village overlooking Lake Santa Giustina, or Rumo, a rural gem that preserves the authenticity of mountain life. And then there are other charming treasures of slow living and custodians of a vision of sustainable tourism, such as Predaia, Sanzeno, Rumo, and Ton.

For those seeking mysticism, the Sanctuary of San Romedio is a must-see, perched on a 70-meter-high rock spur overlooking Lakes Coredo and Tavon. But the Val di Non is also a region of evocative castles, among the most picturesque in Europe; the most important is the Thun Castle, overlooking Noce River Valley (Vigo di Ton) with its noble elegance perfectly preserved over the centuries.

Nature and sports, of course, are a must-do here. Val di Non is perfect for light, relaxing hiking with the whole family, especially exploring its lakes or cycling along the area's picturesque cycle paths. Adventurers will find new challenges on the hiking trails leading to the peaks of Monte Roen (approximately 2100 meters above sea level), or perhaps exploring the mountain canyons near Fondo and Lake Smeraldo.

A trip to Val di Non, however, is not complete without sampling its delicious cuisine. Food here is taken seriously, and is based on simple, natural and traditional products, certified by DOP and Slow Food. The best time for a journey through enchanting panoramas and authentic flavors is autumn, a season when the colors of the foliage meet the food and wine events celebrating the Val di Non's local productions.

What you'll find out in this guide:

a) information and details about Val di Non apples, a symbol of the region;

b) the unmissable attractions of Val di Non, including lakes, villages and castles;

c) the best hiking and biking trails for an active holiday in Val di Non;

d) advice on Val di Non local cuisine and how to best enjoy it;

e) the most convenient travel options for visiting Val di Non.

Those who believe that an apple a day keeps the doctor away will find their dream place in the Val Di Non. The valley slopes are distinguished by their numerous apple orchards. A spectacle for the eyes, but also a joy for the palate: the apples cultivated in these areas are a delicacy that has already won over many visitors. They are in fact DOP and IGP certified products.

During spring you can admire the apple orchards in blossom, the perfect setting for a romantic walk: April is the ideal month to enjoy this wonderful view! But the summer months are no less: during the hottest season the flowers are replaced by small fruits, which colour the plants and give them a cheerful appearance. Apple time is between September and October: the excellent fruits of the trees are ready to be picked and savoured.

Have you chosen to visit Val Di Non during the warm season? If so, a visit to the lakes is a must. The panorama reflected in the water, the clean air and the beauty of the surroundings to explore make these destinations perfect for adventurers of all ages.

The largest and most central lake is Lake Santa Giustina, a scenic backdrop to some of the region's must-see attractions, such as Cles Castle, and the curious example of naturalistic art in the southern portion of the lake: the Radicosauro delle Plaze, an incredible sculpture made from dry branches with a fairytale appearance, certainly one of the most beautiful postcards for your souvenir photos in Val di Non!

But there are much more lakes in Val Di Non that can be reached on foot: each offers something unique to discover! You can venture on the gully walk of Lake Smeraldo, discover the little island that towers above Lake Tret or take a complete tour of Lake Tovel. You can also relax at the Lakes Ruffrè or reach the two Lakes Coredo and Tavon along the Viale dei Sogni (Dream Avenue).

If the two lakes of Coredo and Tavon are part of your itinerary, you cannot miss a visit to San Romedio’s Sanctuary. This little hidden gem can be counted in its own right among the most characteristic sanctuaries in all of Europe. In fact, it stands against a limestone cliff face, which forms its picturesque backdrop.

The Sanctuary is connected to the main easy hiking trails in the area, in particular the rock path from Sanzeno to San Romedio and the descent through the woods from Don to San Romedio, which follows the ancient pilgrim routes.

The five churches that make up the sanctuary were built from the year 1000 onwards over a period of 900 years. Today they are joined together by a spectacular flight of 130 steps. They are guarded by two friars of the Order of St Francis of Assisi, but they are not the only guests in the sanctuary.

Since 2013, Bruno, the bear, has also lived at the sanctuary: an animal that has always been part of the iconography associated with St. Romedius, the bear is a permanent presence at the sanctuary. Since 1955, in fact, specimens that cannot be released because of their particular backgrounds have been taken in here, one at the time. The first was Charlie, rescued from a circus by Count Gian Giacomo Gallarati Scotti.

Speaking of mountainous areas, we should not be surprised by the large number of fortresses and strongholds present. But Val Di Non still manages to amaze us: one of the areas in Europe with the highest concentration of castles, some of which are still inhabited today. All you have to do is let your gaze wander along the slopes to immediately spot one of these ancient dwellings, which particularly characterise this corner of Trentino Alto Adige.

Thun Castle is certainly the most famous, you can admire this in Vigo di Ton. Originally called Castel Belvesino, today it bears the name of the family it housed, one of the most powerful and illustrious families of the Trentino nobility that ruled the valley for centuries. Built in the mid-13th century in Ton, in the province of Trento, the castle still houses the original 16th century furnishings, as well as art collections, a picture gallery and library.

Val di Non is also a paradise for cyclists, offering a perfect blend of scenic relaxation and pure adrenaline for all travelers. Thanks to its landscape, which ranges from gentle plateaus covered in apple orchards to lakeshores, not to mention more adventurous views through canyons carved into the rock of the mountains, over here cycling options are numerous.

The main route recommended for everyone is Alta Val di Non Cycle Path: a approximately 32 km loop that winds through the villages of Malgolo, Fondo, and Romeno, a mostly flat route (with slight slopes in some sections) that it's also perfect for families, passing through picturesque scenery of green meadows, orchards and fragrant woods with breathtaking views of the Brenta Dolomites.

The area also offers plenty of areas dedicated to mountain biking, allowing you to discover mountain huts and panoramic viewpoints, and unique experiences such as guided e-bike tours to the blossoming apple orchards or along the paths that skirt Lake Santa Giustina.

Visiting a region also means discovering its flavours. And Val Di Non, besides the already mentioned apples, has much to offer! The typical local products give rise to many excellent recipes, capable of making your stay even more enjoyable.

The particularity of Val Di Non makes it the ideal place for growing potatoes: this is how tortei de patate (potato cakes) come to life, a dish of the local “cucina povera” (poor cuisine) that has nothing to envy from more elaborate dishes. And if you appreciate this kind of product, you cannot miss the potato and pottery festival held in Sfruz at the end of August.

Canederli (dumplings) also come from the peasant tradition: born as a stratagem not to waste stale bread, today they can be enjoyed in many delicious variations, with butter and parmesan cheese or in broth. Those who love cured meats, on the other hand, should try the mortandela, which stands out for its smoky flavour and rounded shape.

And to end on a high note, how could one miss apple strudel? The very popular dessert, here prepared with ingredients “freshly picked from the tree”, will conquer your palate.

Getting to Val di Non is easy thanks to a well-developed network of connections, both private and public. By car, the main route is Autostrada del Brennero (A22); the recommended exit is Trento Nord for those coming from south, or San Michele all'Adige for those coming from north, continuing on the SS43 Val di Non state road.

For those who prefer public transportation, the Trento train station is the main point of reference. The scenic Trento-Malé-Mezzana local railway departs from here, a scenic train that passes through the orchards and serves the main villages of this Alpine region. Alternatively, several regional bus lines connect the area from the Trento station as well.

If you also need to fly, the closest airports to consider are Verona Catullo (mainly for domestic flights), or Venice Marco Polo Airport and Milan Linate Airport for international flights. All airports offer easy access to bus or train connections to other cities, in the case of Val di Non to Trento.

The difficulty of hiking in Val di Non varies greatly, depending on the type of experience you're looking for. They range from easy, smooth walks among apple orchards and lakes (like the tour around Lake Tovel), to moderate canyoning trails, and even challenging hikes and via ferratas in the Brenta Dolomites and the Maddalene Group.

The best time to admire the apple blossoms in Val di Non is the second half of April, when the valley transforms into a white and pink expanse. Spring offers a delicate visual and olfactory spectacle, ideal for photo opportunities. Autumn (September and October) is the season of fruit ripening, harvest and of colors of nature turning red and gold, perfect for those interested in food-related experiences and the lively rural festivals.

To get to Val di Non from Milan by train the quickest option is to take a high-speed train from Milan Central Station to Trento (about 2 hours and 30 minutes trip). From Trento station, then, you can easily reach the station for the Trento-Malé-Mezzana local railway, a panoramic train that directly connects the city with the main towns of Val di Non, like Cles.