My mother-in-law sent me an article about a forest in the Dolomites where Stradivari sourced wood for his violins. I then found out that there were two iconic trails that were easy day hikes in the Dolomites, and that was all I needed to know!
One of which I had already been to!
Located in the Pale di San Martino, the Paneveggio Forest isn’t just scenic, it’s legendary. Think towering spruce trees, alpine meadows, and dramatic peaks. 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 day hikes in the Dolomites: Val Venegia and Sentiero Marciò
These trails are ideal if you’re:
- Looking for family-friendly or beginner hikes in the Dolomites
- Needing a rest day between high-elevation treks (like the Alta Via 1 and 2)
- A solo traveler wanting scenic but low-effort walks
- A hiker who might have mobility issues
Val Venegia is all dramatic peaks and wide meadows. Sentiero Marciò winds through the violin forest, complete with wooden walkways and a suspension bridge over a roaring gorge.
If you want accessible, beautiful hikes in the Italian Alps, this is your starting point.
Before you move on: Have you read my First Timers Guide to the Dolomites?
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Table of Contents
Sentiero Marciò: An Easy Day Hike in the Pale Di San Martino that Your Family Will Love
Accessibility Note: This trail includes uneven terrain, some steep sections, and loose gravel. While it may be manageable for some hikers with mobility challenges, it’s not considered fully accessible. Please use your best judgment and check trail updates before visiting.
Our adventure began at the Paneveggio Visitor Center, where we parked our car (exact spot here) and set out toward Lago di Paneveggio.
I’ll be honest, I was here for the Gorge and the iconic bridge!
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!)
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)
Trail Details for Highlights of Sentiero Marciò
Starting Point: Paneveggio Visitors Center
Distance: 3.42miles
Uphill: 400ft
Trail Markers: Sentiero Naturalistico Marcio
Total Hours: 1:40min
Val Venegia: Iconic views of the Pale Di San Martino
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!
Did You Know?
Did you know that Val Venegia gets its name from Venice? Back in the day, the dense Juribrutto forest was a major source of timber for La Serenissima. The logs were cut here, hauled over the Valles Pass, and floated down the Biòis and Cordévole rivers to the Venetian shipyards. It’s wild to think that this peaceful alpine valley once played a part in building one of Italy’s most iconic cities.
The Highlights of Val Venegia
Trail Details for Val Venegia
You can easily find variations of this gorgeous trail on Komoot, but here are the trail details
Starting Point: Pian Dei Casoni Bus Stop
Distance: 4.34 miles
Elevation Gain: 550ft
Trail Markers: Sentiero Parcheggio Malga Venegiota
Total Hours: 2:00hrs
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 way 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!
Why These Trails in Pale Di San Martino make for Easy Day Hikes in the Dolomites
I love trails that everyone can enjoy, and Val Venegia and Sentiero Marciò hit all the right notes!
They’re accessible, relaxed, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. For solo adventurers, families, or hiking newbies—this is your chance to enjoy the Dolomites without any stress. These trails epitomize easy Dolomites hikes.
This gentle day set the stage perfectly for my upcoming June adventure when I’ll tackle higher elevations near Pale di San Martino. Sometimes the best hikes aren’t about conquering peaks; they’re about savoring the quiet beauty around you.
Driving Directions to the Pale di San Martino and the Panneveggio Forest
Val Venegia and Sentiero Marciò are both located in Paneveggio–Pale di San Martino Natural Park in Trentino. The two trailheads are close by and are best accessed by car if you’re coming from larger cities or mountain towns.
| Departure City | Estimated Drive Time | Recommended Route Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Vicenza or Verona | 2.5–3.5 hours | A31 or A22 → SS47 Valsugana → Predazzo → SP81 to Paneveggio or Pian dei Casoni |
| Milan | 4–5 hours | A4 to Verona → A22/SS47 to Trento → Predazzo → SP81 |
| Innsbruck | 3.5–4 hours | A22 via Brenner Pass → Ora/Egna → SS48 via Cavalese to Predazzo |
| Cortina d’Ampezzo | 2.5–3 hours | SS51 south → SS48 through Moena → Predazzo |
| Seceda (Val Gardena) | 2.5–3.5 hours | Route via Canazei → Predazzo → SP81 to trailheads |
Taxi and Private Shuttle Options
If you’re staying nearby or prefer not to rent a car, several local services offer transfers to the trailheads:
- Servizio Taxi Happy Travels Dolomiti
+39 348 6484985
www.happytravelsdolomiti.it
Offers private transfers and custom day trips around the Dolomites. - Elite Service di Flavio Origano
+39 338 6053941
Based in San Martino di Castrozza, offers local and regional transfers in Trentino. - John 55 Travel Shuttle Service & Transfer
+39 347 294 5261
Reliable and friendly shuttle transport throughout the area.
Public Transportation in the pale Di San Martino
If you’re relying on buses, Trentino Trasporti offers a seasonal service that connects:
- Paneveggio → Pian dei Casoni → Malga Venegia This makes it possible to hike one way and use the bus to return, or to connect both trails without needing a car. Be sure to check the summer timetable, as service is limited and may not run in the off-season.
Download their smartphone app so you can stay connected and buy tickets on your phone!
Transportation Tip
If you’re coming from further afield by train (e.g., from Verona, Vicenza, or Milan), take the train to Trento or Ora and connect via bus to Predazzo, the closest major town to the trailheads. From there, use a taxi or the Trentino Trasporti bus.
When to Visit Pale di San Martino
For great weather, open huts, and full trail access, aim for late June to early October. Summer offers the most services, while fall brings peace and golden colors.
What to Pack for Val Venegia and Sentiero Marciò
To keep things light and clear, here’s a seasonally friendly checklist of what you’ll want to bring on either trail.
| Item | Why You Need It |
| Comfortable hiking shoes | Flat but rocky in places; sneakers may slip in wet areas |
| Sunblock | Minimal shade in Val Venegia; strong alpine sun. I love Shiseido Clear Sunscreen for this! |
| Water bottle or hydration pack | No fountains on trail; refill at huts if open. I love my Hydroflask 32oz water bottle. The HydraSleeve HydraPak is amazing too! |
| Snacks or lunch | Ideal for a picnic or in case mountain huts are closed |
| Light jacket or fleece | Mountain weather can change quickly, I usually just like to bring my rain jacket with me |
| Camera or smartphone | For capturing panoramic views and forest bridges, I usually use my Sony Alpha 7II |
| Sunglasses | High-altitude light can be intense even on cool days– These Goodr Glasses are PERFECT! |
| Trail map or GPS app | Trails are well-marked, but it’s good to be prepared– I love Komoot though! |
| Small first aid kit | Better safe than sorry—even on easy hikes |
| Tissues/toilet paper | No public restrooms along the way—pack it in, pack it out– use these Wipes. But also bring a recyclable trash bag. |
Optional Add-ons:
Need a comprehensive packing list? Here’s what you can pack for the Alta Via 1 and 2
Where to Stay in the Pale di San Martino
Want to stay overnight in this beautiful area of the Dolomites? You can check out my blog post on “Where to Stay in The Dolomites,” but if you wanted to stay closer to the area here is an interactive map you can move around to find a place!
Your Next Dolomites Adventure Awaits!
Whether you’re craving a laid-back family outing, solo relaxation, or a gentle intro to hiking in the Dolomites, Val Venegia and Sentiero Marciò offer charm, beauty, and just a pinch of adventure. For those seeking easy Dolomites hikes, these trails are a must.
Looking for longer hikes in the Dolomites? Check out my guides on a few other hikes:
Your Guide to Hiking Lago Di Sorapis
5 Hikes Near Cortina Di Ampezzo
Is Cadni Di Misurnia Lookout Point Worth it?
Stay tuned: I’ll be exploring more trails around Pale di San Martino in June—higher elevations, thrilling landscapes, and loads more Dolomites magic coming your way!
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