Vallagarina, the Trentino valley carved by the Adige River between Rovereto and Ala, serves as an ideal gateway to plateaus and side valleys rich in medieval history and Great War testimonies, perfect for day trips starting from B&B Ai Colli. Geographically bordering Veneto and Lake Garda, it creates a mosaic of alpine biodiversity, strategic fortresses and ancient trade routes that uniquely blend nature and culture.
Brentonico Plateau and Monte Baldo Park
Northwest of Rovereto, the Brentonico Plateau lies at 1530 m above sea level and immerses itself in the Parco Naturale Locale Monte Baldo, established in 1999 to safeguard the unique flora of the so-called “Garden of Europe”, with endemic species distributed between 800 and 2000 meters. Historically a land of Cimbrian pastures and military routes, today it invites exploration of themed trails, botanical gardens like Palazzo Baisi and family-friendly ski areas, all reachable in under 30 minutes from the B&B.
Alpe Cimbra: Folgaria, Lavarone, Luserna and Vigolana
Alpe Cimbra, stretching from 1000 to 2200 m northeast of Vallagarina, unites Folgaria, Lavarone, Luserna and Vigolana in a landscape of fir woods and dolomitic formations like Becco di Filadonna. It was a crucible of the Great War, with trenches and forts still visible, and today offers over 300 km of MTB trails – including the famous “100 Km dei Forti” – plus family bike parks and winter snowshoeing amid breathtaking panoramas.
Trambileno, Terragnolo and Vallarsa
Trambileno, with its Pasubio at 1200 m, together with the Leno valleys like Terragnolo and Vallarsa, forms a karst area on the Veneto border, deeply marked by the First World War with tunnels, fortifications and active malghe. The Rifugio Vincenzo Lancia at 1835 m provides a welcoming base for historic treks, while the Forte Pozzacchio in Vallarsa, recently restored, allows visitors to relive Austro-Hungarian architecture through guided tours and special events.
Valle di Gresta and Lago di Cei
Valle di Gresta, winding between 400 and 1900 m from the Adige to Monte Stivo, is renowned for its dry-stone wall terraces that enable the cultivation of cold-resistant organic vegetables in one of Europe’s coolest environments. Nearby, the Lago di Cei at 1170 m near Mori is a natural post-glacial lake, surrounded by ancient beech woods, water lilies and local legends, ideal for moments of relaxation especially in autumn.
The Castles of Vallagarina
Along the Adige course lie medieval jewels like Castel Beseno in Besenello, Trentino’s largest fortified castle and site of the historic Battle of Calliano in 1487. Equally impressive is the Castello di Avio-Sabbionara managed by FAI with its medieval frescoes, Castel Noarna integrating a historic organic winery, Castel Corno in Isera and Castel Pradaglia, strategic ruins overlooking Rovereto. From the B&B, these sites lend themselves to a convenient and fascinating stage-by-stage itinerary.