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Val di Fumo – Spectacular Hike in Trentino, Italy

Val di Fumo – Spectacular Hike in Trentino, Italy

Hiking in Val di Fumo (aka The Valley of Smoke) was one of the highlights of our trip to the Trentino region in Italy. I already mentioned it in our post of all the amazing things we did in Trentino with kids, but this area is so beautiful that I think it deserves a dedicated article.

Val di Fumo is one of the most fascinating mountain valleys in Trentino. Known to few and visited mostly by the locals, this is a true hidden gem of the Italian mountains. Val di Fumo is just as impressive as the most iconic mountain destinations in Switzerland with an added bonus of much fewer people.

So here it is – travel inspiration and practical information for hiking to Rifugio Val di Fumo in Trentino, Italy. I hope that this post will inspire you to visit this beautiful and little known region. Find out!

READ ALSO: Best Hikes in the Italian Dolomites

Hiking to Rifugio Val di Fumo - one of the best hikes of Trentino region in Italy
 

Val di Fumo

Val di Fumo is an extremely picturesque mountain valley in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park in Northern Italy. It’s part of a bigger Daone Valley known for countless waterfalls in summer and ice climbing in winter.

Val di Fumo is characterized by the picture-perfect Alpine scenery with snowcapped mountains, wildflowers, mountain streams, and cows grazing in green meadows… it’s like walking inside a postcard. 

Valley of Smoke gets its name because it’s often covered in the clouds, but the clouds can part just as quickly as they came. When we arrived, the whole area was grey and we thought we wouldn’t see much. We started this hike with sweaters and rain jackets… Just half an hour later the clouds were gone and it was warm enough for a t-shirt.

The hike was already nice, but blue skies gave color to the landscape and turned it into the most beautiful painting. I find it difficult to describe this magical place as words don’t do it justice. It’s a simple beauty of nature at its best.

Valley of Smoke covered by clouds - Val Daone Italy
Valley of Smoke was covered in the clouds when we started the hike
Lago di Malga Bissina along Val di Fumo hike - one of the best hikes in Trentino region in Italy
Lago di Malga Bissina as we saw it at the end of the hike, after the mist had lifted
 

The 3463m Caro Alto mountain offers a fantastic backdrop to this already impressive scenery. This area is also completely different than the nearby famous Dolomite mountains – it’s less steep and much greener.

Val di Fumo looks more like Tirol in Austria or the Berner Oberland region in Switzerland than any other place I know in Italy.

Spectacular mountain scenery at Val di Fumo in Italy
Spectacular mountain scenery at Val di Fumo
 

Adamello Brenta Nature Park is home to some wildlife, such as Roe deer, chamois (goat-antelope), marmots, wild rabbits, and even eagles. The rivers and lakes are known for trout and Arctic Char.

The chances of running into any wildlife aren’t big, however, especially if you are hiking with noisy kids as we did. The only animals we got to see were cows, horses, mountain goats, and a dog.

Val di Fumo is a starting point for a big number of hikes and you could hike in this area for days. However, the easiest, most rewarding, and most popular day hike is to Rifugio Val di Fumo. This is the hike described in this article. Read on!

Family-friendly hike at Val di Fumo in Trentino Italy
We had to share the hiking trails with the cows
 

How to get to Val di Fumo

Val di Fumo is part of Daone valley that can be reached by a mountain road via Praso village. Follow signs for Val Daone and drive more than 20 km till the road stops at the big dam of Lago di Malga Bissina.

Just driving to the far end of the seemingly endless Daone valley feels like you’re leaving civilization behind you. It’s a journey deep into the mountains. At the end of the road, you reach the Bissina Dam where you’ll see a car parking area and a small café. You really can’t go wrong. Here you can see the exact location of the car parking for this hike on the map

Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, Val di Fumo is located in between extremely popular tourist destinations like Madonna di Campiglio, Lago d’Idro, and Lake Garda. To give you an idea, the starting point of the hike is just 1,5 hr drive from Riva del Garda.

Oh, and don’t worry about the road. It’s a bit narrow just like most other roads in the mountains, but easily doable (in summer). Furthermore, even in the middle of summer when we visited, there were hardly any other cars on this road.

Lago di Malga Bissina dam in Daone Valley in Trentino region in Italy
Bissina Dam and Lago di Malga Bissina – the starting point of Val di Fumo hike
 

Hiking to Rifugio Val di Fumo – what to expect

Val di Fumo hike is a relatively easy hike with little elevation and is, therefore, something everyone in reasonable physical condition should be able to do. It’s a family-friendly hike, also doable for families with young children (from +- 4 years and up).

Hiking to Rifugio Val di Fumo with kids - easy but very rewarding hike in Trentino Italy
Even the first part of the hike along the flat gravel road is really scenic
 

The hike starts at the Bissina Dam from where you follow a narrow service road along the left (western) side of Lago di Malga Bissina. The scenery here is already very nice and you pass quite a few waterfalls and mountain streams.

Small waterfall along Val di Fumo hike in Italy
Small waterfall near Lago di Malga Bissina
 

At Malga Breguzoo, the road changes into a mountain trail. From there the views just get better and better with every step that you take.

TIP: You could bike the 3,5 km to Malga Breguzzo and only hike the last (and the most scenic) part. If you come here with little kids, you could also cover this first part of the hike with a stroller.

After you pass Malga Breguzzo, follow trail #240 and later #222 to Rifugio Val di Fumo – this mountain hut is your final destination. Pretty soon, just before the wooden bridge, you’ll see a beautiful little waterfall. Make sure to stop here – it’s one of the nicest places of this hike!

Waterfall and wildflowers along Val di Fumo hike in Italy
Scenery along the Val di Fumo hike
 

While you are busy admiring the scenery, make sure to check the signs for the right path. The road splits here and you can choose to walk on the left or on the ride side of the Chiese river. Both trails should lead you to the same place, but a local guide recommended choosing the trail on the left (and all the other people we met were doing the same).

So if you do the same as we did, there is no need to cross that picturesque bridge, unless for some beautiful pictures, of course.

From here on you’ll be hiking inside a postcard-like scenery. The landscape is really that beautiful and no pictures do justice to this place. It’s a lush green valley surrounded by high mountains; we never knew that a place like this existed in Italy. This just proves once again how incredibly diverse this country is. I’ve said it many times already – no matter which part of Itay you visit, it will blow your mind. This country is simply amazing!

Hiking in Val di Fumo is like walking in the most beautiful painting - it's one of the most beautiful hikes in Trentino Italy
Val di Fumo
 

After a bit more than an hour of hiking, we saw Rifugio Val di Fumo in the distance.

The mountain hut is located somewhat higher than the rest of the trail, so the last part requires some uphill walking. However, it’s such a short part and the scenery is so nice that before you even realize that you’re climbing, you already reach the mountain hut.

Rifugio Val di Fumo - Shelter of the Valley of Smoke in Trentino Italy
Rifugio Val di Fumo
 

Rifugio Val di Fumo – Shelter Valley of Smoke

Opened back in the 1960’s Rifugio Val di Fumo (Shelter of the Valley of Smoke or Val di Fumo mountain hut) is a simple mountain hut surrounded by the most spectacular landscape.

If you come here at the beginning of summer, you might be lucky to see this valley transform into a colorful flower garden. We visited in July and there were still quite some flowers in bloom around the hut. It’s also here that we saw some cute mountain goats.

Mountain goats near Rifugio Val di Fumo - Italy
Mountain goats near Rifugio Val di Fumo
 

Val di Fumo mountain shelter is a place where multi-day hikers can stay for a night.

There are many hiking paths in this area, all quite demanding but extremely rewarding with magnificent views. The further you go, the more chance you have to run into some wildlife, mostly chamois and ibex.

So if you are fit and have more time to spare, you may want to explore this area a bit deeper. For us, our hike stopped here.

Stunning scenery at Rifugio Val di Fumo - one of the most beautiful mountain valleys of Trentino region in Italy
View from Rifugio Val di Fumo
 

There is a small restaurant at Rifugio Val di Fumo that also caters to day visitors. They have to fly in or carry their supplies, so the menu is a bit limited, but the food was absolutely delicious.

Normally, we would pack a picnic for a day trip like this, but we opted to have lunch there and it was such a special experience to eat a homemade traditional local meal in a real mountain hut. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Even if you aren’t planning to have lunch here, you can still get some cake or a drink and enjoy the scenery before you head back.

READ ALSO: Traditional Italian Food by Region

Polenta e cinghiale - polenta with a wild boar stew and mushrooms - traditional dish in Trentino region in Italy
Polenta e cinghiale – polenta with a wild boar stew and mushrooms – traditional dish in the Trentino region
 

TIP: There is a horse stable at Malga di Fumo, just near Rifugio Val di Fumo. It’s only 5 minutes walk, over a wooden bridge to the other side of the river.

We were planning to go horseback riding here, but they told us it was too early in the season and the horses weren’t ready (don’t ask me why). From late July through August you should be able to do some horse riding here or back down in Daone Valley. It’s best to ask the locals about the specific location as it seems to vary depending on when you come.

Combine hiking with some horse riding and visiting Val di Fumo makes for a wonderful summer day trip in the Trentino region!

Horses at a stable of Malga Val di Fumo, Trentino Italy
Horses at Malga Val di Fumo – horseback riding in this scenery must be an unforgettable experience
 

Val di Fumo hike practical information

  • The starting point is at the parking lot of Lago di Malga Bissina. The hike ends at the Refugio Val di Fumo. Here you can see the hike on the map (don’t mind the distance – it’s a bit shorter in reality).
  • Val di Fumo hike is not circular – you go to Val di Fumo mountain hut and back the same way. You can choose to take a different path for a small part of the hike between Malga Breguzzo and Rifugio Val di Fumo (see the picture below – the hiking trail is indicated in yellow).
  • Hiking distance is about 5,5 km one way (so 10-11 km total). It takes about 1,5-2 hours each way.
  • Elevation change is less than 200 m. You’ll be hiking at an altitude of around 1800-1900 m.
  • There are restaurants and bathroom facilities at both ends of the trail.
  • Make sure to take plenty of drinking water with you.
  • Hiking shoes are a must. Even in summer, you should take a light sweater and a rain jacket
  • A big part of the hike goes through a valley with no shade whatsoever, so sun protection is a must.
Map of Rifugio Val di Fumo hike in Val Daone, Trentino in Italy
Rifugio Val di Fumo hike is indicated in yellow
 

So, this was our experience hiking to Rifugio Val di Fumo – one of the most beautiful hikes in the Trentino region in Italy.

If you are looking for more ideas of things to do in this beautiful part of Italy, please check the following articles as well:

And here you can find more inspiration with some of our favorite hikes and lakes in the Italian mountains:

TIP: For more information on other popular tourist destinations in Italy, please also check our Italy travel guide.

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it for future reference and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

Best hiking in Trentino Italy - Rifugio Val di Fumo hike
 

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Agneta

Wednesday 4th of September 2024

Hi! Thank you for this very useful information. We were planning to take the hiking route Val di Fumo, but then realised it takes a full day if starting from Riva del Garda, as it takes almost 2 hours each way to get to the hiking trail's starting point. So I was wondering, if there are closer to Riva del Garda hiking trails we can take instead? Dolomites? Are they easy to explore by yourself? Because we still have to get to our hotel near Verona in the evening after the hiking. Thank you for your help!

Jurga

Wednesday 4th of September 2024

Hi Agneta, there are tons of hikes in the Dolomites and Trentino region, lots of great options to choose from and explore on your own. But most of the top places are at least 2 hours drive from Riva and not really on the way to Verona. I am thinking of places like Seceda ridge which is reachable by cable car from Ortisei or Alpe de Siusi that are reachable by cable car from Siusi. But these are 2 hours drive (vs 1h35 to Val di Fumo). If the weather is nice, you could simply take the Monte Baldo cable car in Malcesine and do some hiking at the top, e.g. Cima delle Pozzette. Otherwise, you could visit Santuario Madonna della Corona. It's not exactly a hike, but there is some walking involved and the views are impressive. But if you are looking for real mountain hikes, then you'll have to go further north. For example, drive to Molveno, about 1 hour north of Riva. There, you can take a cable car to the top and do some hiking as well. Hope this helps.

Ilya

Tuesday 24th of May 2022

Nice place. We are used to the Dolomites, but was thinking of some change of pace and going here next year (this year Val Gardena + Losen, both 1 week).

Any tips on proper accommodation? In what villages should we start looking? We're used to apartments higher up the mountains (not in valleys). Where to start our search?

Any idea if it's possible to do a short mountain hut tour. We're with two kids (7 and 9 by then) but next year might be a good time to start with a simple multi-day trail...

Also. We were thinking of combining it with a different area (so 2 weeks total, of which one in this Val di Fumo area). Lake Garda comes to mind, but I remember a visit a long time ago and it was hot, flat and crowded (lower right side, so maybe that's the most touristic area?).

Cheers!

Jurga

Wednesday 25th of May 2022

Hi Ilya, you can find our itinerary and all recommendations for this area in this article: Trentino with kids. There are indeed not that many hotels there, but there are some smaller ones and also some agriturismo's. Depending on the places you want to visit, I would consider staying closer to Riva del Garda. That side of the lake is amazingly beautiful and the scenery is totally different (mountainous) than on the southern side (flat). You can find some more info in our guides to Lake Garda. As to how busy it will be, it depends on when you travel. Lake Garda is a very popular destination in summer. But - in general - the northern side should be quieter, and if you don't stay directly by the lake, it should be much quieter too. Unfortunately, I can't help you with the multi-day hikes. We haven't done or even considered any. For additional destination ideas - there are just so many. You could also look at the Tirol region in Austria. We have quite some info on various places in that region on the blog. Take a look at this article (and many others are linked from it): Tirol with kids. I seem to recall there's a nice and not too difficult multi-day hike along the huts of Stubai Valley near Innsbruck. Good luck with the planning!

Mary Clarke

Saturday 9th of January 2021

Hi Jurga Can you suggest a way to get to this trek without hiring a car ? We will be staying in Riva is there a bus route or some other option?

Jurga

Sunday 10th of January 2021

Hi Mary, I'm not sure 100%, but I don't think there is a bus going up there. I haven't seen any information about there being one and all I can find is that people drive there by car. I also see no bus stops in the area on Google Maps, so I'm afraid that it's not really an option. I just checked and see that you can rent a car in Riva del Garda and the prices are very reasonable. Even in high season, it costs about 40-50 EUR for a car for a day. So maybe that's a better option and if you rent a car for a few days, you can explore more of the beautiful mountains and lakes nearby.

Zsolt Horváth

Wednesday 16th of September 2020

Dear Jurga, Due to your fascinating post, we made a trip to Val di Fumo last week. I couldn’t stand not to write you because this was the crown of our one week stay around lake Garda. It is fully comparable to the spectacular view I had at my Grand Canyon trip 30 years ago. I really appreciate your tips and your blog. Best regards, Zsolti (Hungary)

Jurga

Thursday 17th of September 2020

Hi Zsolti, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this feedback and share your experience. Happy to hear that you enjoyed Val di Fumo as much as we did! Happy travels and maybe you'll find more inspiration for your future trips on our blog as well!

Jeanne Spira

Sunday 13th of October 2019

Ciao Jurga! I am staying in Verona for 6-weeks with a programme of Road Scholar during which we study Italian. I want to make the most of the area so I would take a day or two to do Lake Garda and include this beautiful hike to the Val do Fumo. what do you think might be the best way to do it taking both those areas over two or three days from Verona?

Jurga

Monday 14th of October 2019

Hi Jeanne, if you mean that you're staying there now, then I'm not even sure if you can still hike at Val di Fumo. If the roads are still ok and there is no snow in the mountains, then I'd say go there sooner rather than later. The best way to get there is to rent a car and it's probably best to make a day trip of it. Lake Garda, you can visit any time. If you are traveling by public transport, then find which town would be the easiest to get to from Verona and then stay there for a weekend. You can take a boat between different towns and see several towns each day. If you are looking for more info for visiting Lake Garda, please take a look at our guide to the best places to visit in Lake Garda and also Lake Garda itinerary suggestions.

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