At one with the countryside
Monte Bondone is an exceptionally popular destination in the summer months, and is also a mesmerisingly beautiful spot in the ‘between’ seasons, when nature awakens from its annual slumber and gets ready to return to its winter rest. Meadows, woods, an alpine botanical garden, a biotope, an integral nature reserve and a backdrop of magnificent mountains set the fabulous scene for so many adventures and unmissable experiences.
The Palon, the Tre Cime di Bondone and the Viote moor are open-air gyms for active, adventure-packed holidays. Dozens of spectacularly panoramic routes for walks, hikes, treks and mountain-bike expeditions are just waiting to be explored and loved.
If you love the mountains, the countryside and outdoor life, Monte Bondone will win your heart.
Walks and hikes
Even in the summer, the climb to the Palon summit overlooking the Panorama Hotel Brenta Dolomites is a magnificent experience, and boasts unforgettable 360° sweeping views from the Brenta Dolomites to the Adamello, the Latemar, the Fassa Dolomites and the Pale di San Martino mountains. In the absence of the chairlift, which only runs in August, you can get to the summit along an easy, picturesque sentiero dei mughi mountain-pine path which weaves its way upwards between fragrant, sweet-smelling shrubs.
The nearby Viote moor is the perfect set-off point for a hike up the Tre Cime di Bondone. Although the Cornetto, Dos d’Abramo and Cima Verde peaks are all excellent routes in their own right, you can also do all three together on the classic of all classic itineraries: the unmissable loop route. Expert climbers can also look forward to a number of excellent via ferratas, in addition to the legendary Vason ‘rock gym’ palestra di roccia trail, just a stone’s throw from the Brenta Dolomites.
Monte Bondone boasts endless opportunities for family fun at its best. The Viote plateau, with its level walking trails and superb wooden play area, is a paradise for children. The Viote MACRO tour, also accessible with baby strollers—preferably trekking strollers—is a leisurely, beautiful loop tour of the moor through meadows, woodland, historic Austro-Hungarian barracks and illustrated information panels providing a wealth of information on the incredible biodiversity of the area.
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Hop on and pedal off!
Ever since the legendary 1956 stage in a snowstorm, the Giro d’Italia has been firmly intertwined with the history of the peaceful villages of Monte Bondone, through which the greatest champions of the modern era have pedalled.
It’s no surprise, then, that Monte Bondone has reached legendary status for cyclists. If you love cycling and are in good shape, don’t pass up the chance to tackle the 42 hairpin bends of the picturesque road from Trento, the equally-challenging ascent from Aldeno, or the somewhat gentler route that begins in the Valle dei Laghi.
If you prefer dirt tracks and green meadows to tarred roads, you can pedal to your heart’s content along numerous panoramic, emotion-packed mountain-bike trails of Monte Bondone, including the classic Viote tour from Vason.
The Alpine Botanical Gardens
One of the largest and oldest in the Alps, the Viote Botanical Gardens boast over 2,000 species of rare and medicinal plants native to mountain ranges in every corner of the world, in a collection which first began in far-back 1938.
The Gardens feature three theme trails which lead through an enchanting natural setting of meadows, woods, lakes and peat bogs where the sounds, smells and colours lead you on a mesmerising multi-sensory journey. At the end of the visit, children can look forward to a wonderful playground beside a geology park, both constructed entirely in natural materials.
Open from 1 June to 30 September and upon prior booking in the other months of the years, the botanical gardens are free of charge for guests at the Brenta Dolomites.
The Terrace of the Stars
UNESCO Astronomical Heritage site, the Terrazza delle Stelle (Terrace of the Stars) astronomical observatory is an exceptionally pure area where you enjoy an incredible view of the starry skies with no light pollution whatsoever. The striking steel dome reflects the magnificent alpine countryside, while the powerful telescopes it houses provide you with the opportunity to enjoy fabulous observations of the sky, all with the skilled guidance of expert staff.
In addition to the fascinating astronomical activities on offer, the Terrazza delle Stelle is also an alluringly unusual venue for a variety-packed events programme throughout the year, in a vibrant repertoire of concerts, evening picnics, moonlit walks, theatre performances and activities for families and children.