Hiking in Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy – Best Spots & Local Tips

Trentino-Alto Adige is a hiker’s paradise with distinct sub-regions offering unique landscapes. In South Tyrol (Alto Adige), the Dolomites dominate the scene with iconic hikes in the Val Gardena, Val Badia, and the Alpe di Siusi. Classic routes like the Seceda ridge, Sassolungo loop, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail offer sweeping vistas, limestone cliffs, and alpine pastures. These areas are well-served by lifts that shorten ascents and rifugi that provide meals and overnight options. Val Pusteria and the Braies Dolomites are home to turquoise lakes and forested trails, with Lago di Braies being one of the region’s most photographed destinations.\n\nIn the Trentino area, the Brenta Dolomites are known for their dramatic vertical faces and well-developed via ferrata network. Hikers can enjoy trails around Madonna di Campiglio, such as the Giro dei 5 Laghi or the ascent to Rifugio Tosa Pedrotti. The Adamello-Presanella group, west of the Brenta, offers quieter, glacier-fed routes. Further south, the Lagorai range and Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Natural Park provide remote, ridge-line trails with views over unspoiled wilderness. Lake Garda’s northern shore, in Trentino, combines Mediterranean vegetation with alpine backdrops. Here, routes like Sentiero della Ponale and Monte Altissimo mix history, panoramic views, and accessibility.\n\nThe region’s trail system is managed by SAT (Trentino) and AVS (South Tyrol), ensuring high-quality signage and map availability. Many routes are reachable by public transport, and hiking infrastructure includes cable cars, alpine huts, and guided tour options. Wildlife sightings—chamois, marmots, eagles—and wildflower meadows enrich the experience, especially in spring and early summer. Autumn brings quieter trails and golden larch forests. Whether you're hiking through lunar Dolomite landscapes, pine forests, or along glacier-fed streams, Trentino-Alto Adige offers one of the most complete and scenic hiking destinations in the Alps.

Top Ways to Find Certified Guides in Trentino-Alto Adige for hiking:\n\n– Crion.org to book local hiking guides in South Tyrol and Trentino, including multilingual options\n– UIAGM and AIGAE-certified guides based in Bolzano, Trento, and key mountain villages\n– Alpine schools and tour operators offering group and private treks\n– Rifugi and regional tourist offices that provide referrals to certified hiking leaders\n– Nature parks and local associations with environmental education and guided routes

Best Places to Rent & Buy Hiking Equipment in Trentino-Alto Adige:– Outdoor gear stores in Bolzano, Trento, and Brunico with top brands and rentals– Sports shops in Madonna di Campiglio, Ortisei, and San Martino di Castrozza– Rifugi and tourist offices with trail maps, poles, and emergency gear– Mountain gear retailers in Brixen, Merano, and Rovereto– Online shops offering delivery to hotels and alpine lodges