Easy Day Hikes in the Dolomites: Val Venegia & Sentiero Marcio

My mother-in-law sent me an article about a forest in the Dolomites where Stradivari sourced wood for his violins, and I immediately knew I needed to see it for myself. As I started researching, I realized something even better: this legendary forest is home to two iconic, easy day hikes in the Dolomites—and one of them I’d already visited before.

Located in the Pale di San Martino, the Paneveggio Forest isn’t just scenic, it’s legendary. Towering spruce trees, wide alpine meadows, and jagged peaks surround you—but here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to experience it.

With limited time, my husband and I set out to hike two of the best easy trails in the area: Val Venegia and Sentiero Marciò.

These hikes are ideal if you’re:

• Looking for family-friendly or beginner hikes in the Dolomites
• Planning a rest day between high-elevation treks like the Palaronda or the Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2
• Traveling solo and want something scenic without the stress
• Dealing with mobility concerns but still want a true alpine experience

Val Venegia delivers dramatic peaks and open meadows with very little effort. Sentiero Marciò winds through the famous “violin forest,” complete with wooden walkways and a suspension bridge over a roaring gorge.

If you’re searching for accessible, beautiful hikes in the Italian Alps, this is exactly where to start.

This Post Pairs Well With:

• Have you read my First Timers Guide to the Dolomites?
• The Palaronda Trek: 4 Day Itinerary for Solo Hikers
• Here’s what you can pack for your first hut-to-hut trek
• Five Hikes Near Cortina Di Ampezzo

At A Glance: Val Venegia and Sentiero Marcio

Time of year we hike Val Venegia: Early May as the snow was melting

Difficulty Level: Easy only on the valley floor

Where to Stay: San Martino di Castrozza and Passo Rolle.

Best time to Hike Val Venegia: Late Spring into Late Summer. You’ll find more people on the trail in Late Summer and fall. This trail is awash with colors

Walking through the enchanting spruce forest known as the “Foresta dei Violini” I could practically hear the echoes of violins in the trees. These are no ordinary trees—they’re the legendary spruce trees Antonio Stradivari himself chose for his world-famous violins.

The area is having a bit of a tough time with a vicious bark beetle infestation and you’ll see this for yourself.

However, the trail is fun, flat, and full of delightful surprises!

Crossing the Travignolo stream over a partial glass-bottomed bridge was a fun start to the walk.

You’ll pass through sections where you can walk down by the river and as you keep walking you’ll see signs for the suspension bridge….

You’ll probably want to save this for last and head to the Lake first. Trust me!

SAVE THE BRIDGE FOR LAST!

After reaching Lago di Paneveggio, we had a small picnic lakeside. We saw so many fishermen out getting their daily catch, or at least trying to.

You can continue on the trail that will take you to Castellaz dal lago di Paneveggio (I have included an embedded map below the trail details!)

You can continue on the trail that will take you to Castellaz dal lago di Paneveggio (I have included an embedded map below the trail details!)

The Ponte Sospeso

We finished our lunch and headed toward the “Tibetan-style” suspension bridge, which was the absolute highlight for me.

This bridge is known as Ponte sospeso – Forra del Travignolo.

I could hear the sound of the roaring waterfall as we approached

However, the dramatic views of lush greenery clinging to the cliffs made this an unforgettable moment.

This stunning suspension bridge gently sways as you cross, suspended high above a rushing river that cascades through a picturesque gorge.

Informational signs along the trail shared fascinating insights into wildlife, local history, and the unique story of the violin-making trees.

If you have kids, they can get in on the action and play a little guessing game as to what animals live in the area.

Granted, it’s all in Italian, but that doesn’t matter; you can translate it. It’s actually quite easy to understand.

Don’t miss the deer enclosure, we didn’t add this to the mix but you certainly can!

We made our way to the parking lot, hopped back in the car and drove to Val Venegia to continue our adventure, truly enjoying a laid-back day immersed in the Dolomites’ magic that these easy day hikes offer.

Highlights of Sentiero Marciò (Geigenwaldweg)

Val Venegia: Iconic views of the Pale di San Martino

The Highlights of Val Venegia

Val Venegia might just be one of the Dolomites’ best-kept secrets—gorgeous scenery without the thigh-burning climbs! It’s a well-marked area that is off the beaten path for most tourists.

Hiking along the grassy hills of Costazza and Castelaz, you get a front-row seat to one of the best views in the Dolomites. Right across from you are the dramatic peaks of Monte Mulaz and Cimon della Pala—it’s the kind of spot that makes you stop, stare, and think, “Wow, this place is fucking unreal.”

Seriously, my camera got quite a workout!

Halfway through, the valley bursts into life with charming meadows full of wildflowers and happy grazing cows (during the summer season, of course!)

Bring the kids, pack a picnic, or indulge in some delicious local cheese and apple strudel at Malga Venegia or Malga Venegiota. Talk about a perfect day in the Dolomites!

You’ll want to pay attention to the season, though, as most Rifugios and Malgas will open mid-June till early September.

Regardless, Val Venegia can be explored via snowshoe in the winter season, and in April/May when the snow starts to melt. I’ve been here twice, Early April and mid-May, both were BEAUTIFUL!

Combine Val Venegia with the Senterio Marcio for an advanced hike

Park your car at the Panevaggio parking lot and experience both hikes!

This route will be longer, and you’ll gain some elevation; however, along the wa,y you’ll see waterfalls and hear the river running alongside the path to Val Venegia.

You can add Ponte sul torrente Travignolo loop from Paneveggio to the Panorama for a beautiful start!

For this particular trail, I advise those of you with small children to take heed that this might be a bit more demanding. It’s NOT stroller-friendly!