Vigo Rendena: Mountain Village, History and Trails

Vigo Rendena lies partly on the eastern slopes of Corno Basso and partly on the valley floor, at the edge of an extensive agricultural area. Stone houses, wooden hay barns and fountains along the main streets are part of the character of this traditional mountain village. The village’s history is also marked by a major turning point: a devastating fire destroyed Vigo Rendena in 1929, after which it was almost entirely rebuilt. Village architecture, local history and trails offer different points of interest to consider when choosing Vigo Rendena as a destination for a hotel stay.

Churches, Art and Local History

The Church of San Lorenzo in Vigo Rendena dates back to before 1384. Nearby is the Chiesa di San Valentino on Monte Nizzone. It was consecrated on 20 July 1405 and built by the communities of Vigo Rendena, Darè and Javrè to protect the herds driven up to the alpine pastures. The church preserves frescoes attributed to Simone Baschenis. They depict the Annunciation, Christ and the Evangelists.

Another historic landmark in the village is the Capitello delle Quattro Facce. According to tradition, it was built in 1348 as a votive offering against the plague and enlarged in 1630. In the hamlet of Fisaröl, in the upper part of Vigo Rendena, is the Grotta di Lourdes. Built in 1959, this small shrine is a faithful replica of the Grotto of Lourdes. It houses statues of the Madonna and Saint Bernadette, created by sculptor Ermanno Moroder of Ortisei. These various structures connect local history with religious art, though they do not all date from the same period.

Walks, a Loop Route and Cycling Options

There are different routes to explore on foot. The Giro dei Comuni di Porte di Rendena is a walk through Vigo and other villages in Porte di Rendena, passing through Val San Valentino. The Tour Malga Praino No. 985, by contrast, is a loop route: it starts in Vigo Rendena and passes through Val San Valentino and Val di Borzago. The difference is in the type of route described: a walk through several villages versus a loop starting in Vigo Rendena.

The hilly areas around the village also offer trails with views over the Sarca Valley. Vigo Rendena is also a starting point for hiking and cycling routes connecting villages in the lower Val Rendena. For cycling, the Bicigrill Vigo Rendena is another specific option: it rents out e-bikes on the Sarca cycle route in Val Rendena. At the sports fishing pond in Parco Sarca in Vigo Rendena, the Bicigrill also offers assistance, refreshments and information. If you plan to rely on these services, check the latest information locally.

Local Offerings and Natural Surroundings

The Bicigrill Vigo Rendena serves typical Trentino sandwiches, Trentino carne salada and artisan ice cream. The Laghetto Salmerino Alpino in Vigo Rendena is another place associated with sport fishing: it comprises two sport fishing ponds stocked with brown trout, rainbow trout and Arctic char.

In the wider area around Vigo Rendena, Val di San Valentino extends into the heart of Parco Naturale Adamello Brenta as a wild, unspoilt side valley. Excursions there take you between waterfalls and mountain huts. Together with the village trails, the loop route and local cycling options, this gives an overview of the different landscape and activity themes associated with Vigo Rendena.

Discover more destinations: Giovo, Ruffrè-Mendola, Mattarello, Cogolo, Castellano, Stilfs, Celledizzo, Tenna

For the regional travel overview: Trentino.