Discover Fai Della Paganella

Archaeological traces, historic trails and beech forest landscapes give Fai della Paganella a variety of attractions. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can plan your visit around whether you are interested in history, trails through the cultural landscape or destinations in the forest.

Archaeology and local history

Doss Castel is a fortified archaeological settlement and a natural fortress on the eastern edge of the Fai della Paganella plateau. From Fai, you can reach the site on foot in about 20 minutes; it is freely accessible and has information boards. The archaeological trail includes interactive panels that introduce visitors to the world of the Rhaetians. The visit to the settlement and its historical context come together on this circular route.

The parish church of Fai della Paganella offers another perspective on local history. It stands east of the Villa district; a place of worship has been documented at this site since the 14th century. Doss Castel represents archaeological traces, while the church connects with the long history of worship at this location.

Trails with different points of interest

The Sentiero dei Belvedere is 1.1 kilometres long and takes about 20 minutes. The walk from Fai to the archaeological site of Doss Castel is also listed as taking about 20 minutes. Although the durations are similar, the focus differs: the Sentiero dei Belvedere is a short trail, while the walk from Fai focuses on access to the archaeological site of Doss Castel and its information boards.

The Sentiero dell’Otto is considered easy, is almost entirely paved and is suitable for pushchairs. It leads through the meadows and fields of Fai della Paganella, past traditional mountain huts, gardens and small deciduous woodlands. Potatoes, maize and hops are among the typical mountain crops along the route. The trail surface and cultural landscape offer a different focus from the archaeological destinations.

The Sentiero Acqua e faggi leads through a beech forest. There are rest areas along the trail, and you can also play in the water of the Rio Fai. The Parco del Respiro is also located in Fai della Paganella, in a beech forest. The two destinations share a forest setting, while rest areas and the water experience are specific to the Sentiero Acqua e faggi.

Historical connections and local tradition

The Sentiero dei Reti passes through the remains of a Rhaetian village. The Rhaetians are described as a warlike people of the 2nd century BC. The Sentiero Ardito Alberto has a different historical connection: this trail crosses the entire village and is dedicated to Alberto, an airman in the Arditi corps of the Royal Italian Army. If you choose trails by theme, the archaeological remains here are contrasted with a historical dedication and a route through the village.

Every year, on the night of 5–6 December, Fai celebrates the patron saint of children and school-age young people with the traditional “strozega dei bandoni.” Long strings of tin cans are dragged through the village streets. If you would like to experience the tradition, check the dates for your travel year.

Forest, cuisine and tour planning

Malga Fai is set among the meadows and forests of Fai della Paganella and serves simple, authentic traditional mountain-hut dishes. Menus and opening arrangements may vary by season. If you would like to eat there, check the latest information in advance.

The Fai Zone is connected to the bike areas of Andalo and Molveno by forest roads or enduro trails. Conditions and access may vary; check them in advance if you plan to include the connection in your route. To get there, take the SP64 from the San Michele all’Adige exit of the A22, via Mezzolombardo, towards Andalo–Fai della Paganella–Molveno. Fai della Paganella is reached after about 10 km. Check the current road route and conditions before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Cogolo, Neustift, Cimego, Avio, Siror, Monclassico, Sagron, Lago

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