In its wonderful position on the Bolzano-Merano axis, between the Mendola and Palade
Passes, the Valle di Non offers the ideal scenery for a holiday, for interesting alpine
excursions and walks through its woods and a chance to relax and recharge your batteries.
Every year about 300 million kilos of apples are picked in Trentino and most of the
production comes from Valle di Non, the garden of the sweet smelling Golden Delicious
and the Renette Canada, perhaps the best known and liked of this mythical fruit.
The people of this valley owe their fortune to apples and a thriving agriculture, although
the tourist activity, run on family lines in 38 communes lying between 400 and 1200 meters
a.s.l., has contributed considerably to improving the appearance of many villages.
The Val di Non varries from heavily treed, steep topography in the upper valley
to the agriculturally rich apple orchards that characterize the lower valley.
The valley itself has been inhabited by people since the fifth century B.C. and
possesses a rich and varried cultural past.
The Val di Non is now the most populated valley in Trentino province. Its 38,000
inhabitants live in 38 communities spread sparsely throughout the valley. The
elevation ranges from 400 to 1,200 meters above sea level.
Most of Trentino's 300 million kilo apple production comes from the Val di Non. Varieties
include the Golden Delicious and famous Renette Canada.
In addition to apples, the region also produces the "gropel" grape, famed for
centuries in the making of local mountain wine. Other products include a variety
of cheeses, including the "Grana Trentino."
The Val di Non is a sub-alpine valley located in the extreme northern part
of the Trentino province of Northern Italy. It is accessible by road from
Bolzano to the Northeast, from Merano to the Northwest or from Trento to the
Southeast. From Merano, the upper part of the valley is accessed via the
Passo Palade, which can be picked-up from the town of Lana near Merano.
One proceeds up and over the Passo Palade and enters the highest section of
the valley near the small village of Senale. Proceeding into the valley, the
small villages of San Felice and Tret are encountered prior to arriving at
the town of Fondo. At Fondo, the road forks. To the right, the road takes
you down into the lower valley, passing the towns of Cloz and Brez and
finally arriving at the town of Revo near Lago di San Guistina.
From Revo one can pass over the lake by bridge and on to the town of Cles, which connects
to the main road back to Trento. If one stays left at Fondo, they will proceed down the
upper valley past Cavareno and Romeno, finally arriving at Lago di San Guistina. Once
you have reached the shores of the lake, you can bear left and take the main road to
Trento, the capital of Trentino province.
From Bolzano, one drives over the winding Passo Mendola, arriving at either Fondo or
Cavareno, depending on whether you bear to the right or left when you reach the small
village of Belvedare. At Fondo, one may proceed to the left back down the upper valley
past Cavareno, Romeno and, bearing left at Lago di San Guistina, on to Trento.
What To Do
Because of its diverse topography, the Val di Non offers an endless variety of recreational
opportunities. For those of you who love nature, these is a very well maintained network
of hiking trails, each individually numbered. From these trails, one can traverse most of
the upper valley by foot and enjoy all that the forested area has to offer: lakes, small
streams, beautiful trees, majestic mountains and an abundance of sub-alpine wildlife.
There is good fishing available for those who are interested and don't mind walking into
the various small lakes and streams. Generally, a provincial non-resident fishing license
is required. Day tags are also required on some of the streams. It is best to check with
local sports shops in the larger cities for local regulations.
For those who seek information about their roots, the many churches and cemeteries can
provide a wealth of information.
The valley's many castles, which may be found from Castel Fondo to Cles, offer a rare
look into the past culture and history of the Val di Non.
Don't forget eating as an event. The food in the Val di Non is simply marvelous and unique
to the region.
During the first two weeks of October, the valley's best chefs offer a unique
eating experience allowing guests to sample the region's very best cooking in each of the
valley's participating restaurants.
While visiting the Val di Non, enjoy the people and their hospitality. Above all, enjoy
your heritage.
More info are available on the Official site of the
Tourist Board of Val di Non
