Val di Sole is an alpine valley that lives off the mountains in every season. In summer the Noce river runs through it, one of the most loved in the world for rafting; in winter the snow arrives and the ski slopes open. All around there are clear lakes, waterfalls, nature parks and peaks that rise above three thousand metres. In this guide we tell you what to do in Val di Sole and what to see nearby, starting from the village of Dimaro and basing ourselves only on places we know and that are truly worth a visit. At Italy Holiday we have been welcoming guests to this area for a long time, and this is the itinerary we would suggest to a friend.

What to see and do in Val di Sole

Val di Sole is perfect for anyone who loves being outdoors. Within a few minutes by car from Dimaro you can go from the river to an alpine lake, from a waterfall to a castle, all the way to the heart of a national park. Here are the places we recommend, all close by and easy to reach.

1. Val di Sole and the Noce river, the valley of sport

Val di Sole is a wide alpine valley in Trentino, set between the Brenta Dolomites and the Adamello and Presanella ranges, inside the Stelvio National Park. The Noce river flows through it, considered one of the best rivers in Europe for rafting. Right in Dimaro, on its banks, you will find one of the largest river-sport centres in Italy, where the raft descents set off.

It is not only about rafting: the valley is a paradise for hiking, mountain biking and, in winter, skiing. The Dimaro area is part of a large ski domain that links the different valleys. It is a destination for the whole year, perfect from May to September for the water and the trails, and from December to March for the snow.

2. Lago delle Malghette, a mirror of water beneath the Brenta Dolomites

A few kilometres from Dimaro, climbing towards Madonna di Campiglio, the Lago delle Malghette awaits you. It is an alpine lake at around 1,900 metres of altitude, in the heart of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, surrounded by conifer woods and facing the peaks of the Brenta Dolomites. Its clear waters mirror the mountains, and it is one of the most beautiful walks in the area.

You reach it on foot with a walk through the woods, for example starting from Madonna di Campiglio or from Passo Campo Carlo Magno. On the shore there is a historic mountain hut where you can rest and eat something local. The best time to go runs from early summer to autumn, when the trails are clear of snow.

3. Lago dei Caprioli and the Gnomes' Trail, a corner for families

Above the village of Pellizzano, set in the woods of the Fazzon area, you will find the Lago dei Caprioli, a small mountain lake with emerald-green waters at around 1,280 metres of altitude. It is surrounded by conifer forests and green meadows, and it is one of the most photographed spots in Val di Sole, perfect for a picnic and a day of relaxation on its shores.

What families love most is the Gnomes' Trail, a path through the woods dotted with wooden sculptures that leads up towards the lake. It is a climb that takes a little effort, so it is not suitable for prams, but in return it gives children an adventure among the trees. You can also reach the lake by car. The best time runs from late spring to early autumn.

4. Val di Pejo, thermal waters and glaciers

A short distance away, Val di Pejo opens up as a higher side valley, in the heart of the Stelvio National Park. It is surrounded by three-thousand-metre peaks such as the Vioz and the Cevedale, with glaciers, mountain lakes and thermal springs. The healing waters of Pejo have been known since 1650, and to this day they remain the heart of the village's spa tradition.

In summer it is an ideal base for walking the park's trails, riding the cable car towards three thousand metres and discovering the alpine lakes. In winter there is a small ski area that climbs high, with scenic descents. It is a destination that combines the wild nature of the park with the wellbeing of the spa.

5. Castello di San Michele, a medieval fortress in Ossana

If you love history and old villages, the Castello di San Michele dominates from above the village of Ossana, in Val di Sole. It is a medieval fortress built on a rocky spur, with sturdy walls, a drawbridge, an old chapel and an imposing keep, the main tower, 25 metres high. From up there you enjoy a wide view over the upper part of the valley.

The castle has more than a thousand years of history and is lovely to visit in any season. At Christmas it becomes even more enchanting: Ossana is famous for its many nativity scenes, and within the castle walls a nativity scene dedicated to the Great War is set up. It is easy to reach from the centre of the village.

6. Madonna di Campiglio, the mountain in every season

A little beyond Dimaro, climbing among the mountains, you reach Madonna di Campiglio, a well-known alpine resort at around 1,550 metres of altitude. It is surrounded by the Brenta Dolomites on one side and by the Adamello and Presanella glaciers on the other, with waterfalls such as those of Vallesinella and mountain lakes nearby.

In winter it is one of the most loved ski destinations in Trentino, part of a large domain with over 150 kilometres of linked slopes. In summer it becomes the starting point for hikes among the peaks, including the famous via ferrate of the Brenta group, reserved for those with experience and the right equipment. It is a year-round destination, scenic in every season.

7. Val di Rabbi and the Saent waterfalls, nature and quiet

Val di Rabbi is a still little-known alpine valley, inside the Stelvio National Park, made of conifer forests, pastures and ancient thermal springs. The most loved destination is the Saent waterfalls, reached with a walk that follows the Rabbies stream through the woods, suitable for families too.

Along the way you can cross a long suspension bridge that spans a deep gorge, above the Ragaiolo waterfall, a thrill in any season. It is a valley that offers pure mountain nature and calm, ideal for those who seek silence, walks and clean air. The best time runs from summer to autumn.

8. Cascate di Vallesinella, water and woods near Campiglio

Near Madonna di Campiglio, the Cascate di Vallesinella are among the most beautiful in Trentino. They are a group of waterfalls, lower, middle and upper, where the water tumbles down loudly through fir and larch woods, in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, with the Brenta Dolomites in the background.

You reach them with a family-friendly walk, immersed in the greenery and the fresh mountain air. The Vallesinella car park, from which the trails branch off, is connected to Madonna di Campiglio by a shuttle bus service. It is a perfect destination for a summer day among nature and water.

9. Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, the wildest mountains

A few kilometres away, the Stelvio National Park is one of the largest nature parks in the Alps. Its Trentino part stretches along the Pejo and Rabbi valleys, which open out from Val di Sole, with the glaciers of the Ortles-Cevedale massif, waterfalls and clear mountain lakes.

It is a kingdom of untouched nature, where with a little luck you can spot marmots, ibex and chamois. A dense network of trails crosses some of the most spectacular high-mountain landscapes in Italy, suitable for every level, from easy walks to the more demanding hikes. It is the natural setting that makes the whole valley unique.

A practical tip before you set off

Many of these places change their hours and services depending on the season, and some activities, such as rafting or cable-car excursions, need to be booked in advance. Before planning your day, check the up-to-date hours on the official websites, so you avoid surprises and always arrive at the right moment. For high-altitude walks, bring suitable shoes and something warm, because the weather in the mountains changes quickly.

Where to stay in Val di Sole

The best way to experience Val di Sole is to have a home of your own in Dimaro, from which to set off each morning towards the river, the trails or the slopes, and where to return in the evening after a day in the open air. With Italy Holiday you will find well-kept stays in the Dimaro and Val di Sole area, designed for families and travellers who love the mountains and sport.

Discover where to stay in Val di Sole and book your stay with Italy Holiday: your ideal base for exploring the valley and everything around it.

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