Varena: Hiking Trails, Views and Local History

Varena lies at the foot of Schwarzhorn and is one of the oldest inhabited settlements in Trentino. As you plan your trip, you’ll find a range of local features to choose from: trails through the forest and to a viewpoint, the parish church of Santi Pietro e Paolo, monolithic porphyry fountains and the Presepio di Varena. If you’re looking for a hotel in Varena, you can start by considering which of these themes will matter most during your stay.

Hiking trails through the forest, an evening walk and scenic views

The Sentiero naturalistico di Varena runs above the village and climbs towards the lower slopes of Cucal. The Bosco resiliente della tempesta Vaia loop focuses on different aspects: hikers and visitors can experience the storm-damaged forest up close and observe how it is changing. The loop connects sections of the old Trozo vecio mule track with the Sentiero delle Trincee. The two trail descriptions therefore have different focuses: one follows a route above the village towards Cucal, while the other takes in the forest and connected trail sections.

The time of day may also factor into your choice. The Giro dei prati di Varena loop can be done in the late evening or at night. Its innovative ground lighting is said not to disturb stargazing; check the lighting conditions before your visit.

The Il ciliegio ed il crocifisso di Varena loop leads to a viewpoint where you can look down on Varena and see the Lagorai range. A large wooden cross stands behind the bench. The route also passes through Palù, an area considered particularly wet and valuable for its flora and vegetation. This loop thus offers two different points of interest: the view and Palù’s distinctive landscape.

The trail descriptions give you specific points of difference to consider when planning: a climb towards Cucal, a storm-damaged forest, an option for an evening or night walk, and a viewpoint overlooking Varena and the Lagorai range. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Church, fountains and the Presepio

The Chiesa parrocchiale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo brings together several historic and architectural features. Its oldest construction phase dates back to 1193; the building was subsequently rebuilt and extended through 1882. The church preserves significant 15th-century frescoes, including a depiction of the Last Supper and an Adoration of the Magi. Large stone buttresses support the building and are considered a unique example among the old churches of the Fleimstal valley.

The typical monolithic porphyry fountains are also among the village’s distinctive features. On a walk through Varena, you can appreciate them alongside the parish church as a separate part of the local heritage.

The Presepio di Varena combines a Nativity scene with scenes depicting activities that once flourished but have since disappeared. According to the municipality, the idea emerged in 1989 as a Nativity scene that broke with the usual traditions. The display follows a 700-metre-long route past a watermill, a bakery, grain threshing, a pottery workshop, a dye works, a tinsmith’s workshop and a wooden-shoe workshop. Each scene brings a different kind of work that once formed part of life in the village into view.

Getting to Varena and finding a hotel

Varena can be reached from Cavalese and Predazzo by Trentino Trasporti public buses and by ski bus. Check the timetable before setting off. When choosing a hotel in Varena, you can then weigh up your travel interests: would you mainly like to explore the trails and their different landscapes, or are the church, its frescoes and the Presepio more central to your plans? The features described here offer specific points of reference, and not all the trails have the same focus.

Discover more destinations: Ponte Arche, Eichholz, Tregiovo, Isera, Cles, Albiano, Lasino, Flavon

For the broader travel overview: Trentino.