Brenta Dolomites and the Val di Non
A loop from Trento round the Brenta group: a lake resort, a thundering waterfall, Madonna di Campiglio and a gorge sanctuary among apple orchards.
- Distance
- 129 km (80 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 47 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Italy
- Updated
- September 18, 2026
At a glance: 4-day round trip of about 129 km (80 mi) with 8 stops, starting and ending in Trento. About 1 h 47 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Italy · More road trips from Bolzano
Route description
Leave Trento westwards and climb to the Paganella plateau and Molveno, whose lake sits right under the Brenta Dolomites; a cable car and easy lakeshore paths start from the village. Then drop south through the Giudicarie valleys to Tione and turn north on the SS239.
At Carisolo, near Pinzolo, turn into the Val Genova for the Nardis waterfall; in high summer private traffic is restricted and shuttle buses run up the valley. The road then climbs to Madonna di Campiglio, a smart ski resort with walks and lifts to high huts in summer.
Cross the Campo Carlo Magno pass down to the Val di Sole and turn east into the Val di Non, a broad valley of apple orchards. A side road leads up to Lago di Tovel, once famous for turning red; arrive early in summer, as the car parks fill.
Near Sanzeno walk through the gorge to the stacked chapels of San Romedio, then visit Castel Thun before returning to Trento. The loop is best from June to October; some passes and access roads see snow into spring.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Trento
Italy - 218 km
Molveno
Italy - 325 km
Nardis waterfall
NatureCarisolo, ItalyA broad waterfall plunging over granite at the mouth of the Val Genova. In high summer the valley road is restricted and shuttle buses run from Carisolo.
- 413 km
Madonna di Campiglio
Italy - 513 km
Lago di Tovel
NatureVille d’Anaunia, ItalyA clear mountain lake under the Brenta walls that used to turn red with algae until the 1960s. A flat path circles it; in summer parking is paid and fills early.
- 621 km
Sanctuary of San Romedio
HistorySanzeno, ItalyFive small churches stacked up a rock pinnacle at the end of a gorge. The footpath from Sanzeno takes about an hour and is one of the finest walks in the Val di Non.
- 713 km
Castel Thun
HistoryTon, ItalyA turreted castle above the apple orchards of the Val di Non, with furnished rooms kept as the Thun family left them. Allow an hour and a half.
- 827 km
Trento
Italy
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Trento → Nardis waterfall · 43 km · 0 h 35 minOn the way: Molveno.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Faè (5 km); Cevedale (15 km).
- Day 2: Nardis waterfall → Lago di Tovel · 25 km · 0 h 21 minOn the way: Madonna di Campiglio.Overnight nearby, for example: Area sosta camper di Dimaro (10 km); Camping Spiaggia Lago di Molveno (14 km).
- Day 3: Lago di Tovel → Castel Thun · 34 km · 0 h 28 minOn the way: Sanctuary of San Romedio.Overnight nearby, for example: Navis Camper Stop (11 km); Camping Obstgarten (12 km).
- Day 4: Castel Thun → Trento · 27 km · 0 h 23 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Lillà (6 km); Lamar (7 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Brenta Dolomites and the Val di Non?
4-day round trip of about 129 km (80 mi) with 8 stops, starting and ending in Trento. About 1 h 47 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Brenta Dolomites and the Val di Non?
We suggest 4 days: about 1 h 47 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Brenta Dolomites and the Val di Non start and end?
It is a round trip that starts and ends in Trento.
Which countries does Brenta Dolomites and the Val di Non pass through?
Italy.
Where can you camp along Brenta Dolomites and the Val di Non?
OpenStreetMap lists 85 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Lillà, Lamar and Agricamping Bauer Trento.
When is the best time for Brenta Dolomites and the Val di Non?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
