Fai Della Paganella: Trails, History and Local Cuisine

History and Archaeological Traces

Doss Castel is a fortified archaeological settlement and a natural fortress on the eastern edge of the high plateau of Fai della Paganella. The Doss Castel archaeological circular trail includes fold-out information panels that introduce visitors to the world of the Raetians. The Sentiero dei Reti leads through the remains of a Raetian village. The Raetians are considered to have been a warlike people of the 2nd century BC.

The parish church of Fai della Paganella stands east of the Villa district. The presence of a place of worship at this location can be traced back to the 14th century. The historic Sentiero Ardito Alberto crosses the entire village and is dedicated to Alberto, an aviator in the Arditi of the Royal Italian Army. For those interested in culture, this dedication is a point of reference in its own right within the historic trail name. The parish church stands east of Villa, while the Sentiero Ardito Alberto crosses the entire village.

Short Trails and Practical Features

The Sentiero dei Belvedere is 1.1 km long; the walking time is approximately 20 minutes. At 1.1 km and approximately 20 minutes, the trail remains a short, clearly defined part of the day’s schedule. In Fai della Paganella, it can therefore be included between other local or nature-related activities during the day.

The Sentiero dell’Otto is easy, almost entirely paved, and accessible with a stroller. It leads through the meadows and fields of Fai della Paganella, passing typical mountain huts, gardens and small deciduous groves. Along the route there are also typical mountain crops such as potatoes and maize, as well as hop cultivation. For a short excursion in Fai della Paganella, this route combines open meadows and fields with mountain huts, gardens and small deciduous groves.

Beech Forest, Water and Local Cuisine

The Sentiero Acqua e faggi leads through a beech forest and offers resting places. Along the way, you can play with the water of the Rio Fai. Those planning a break along the way can combine the resting places within the beech forest with the water of the Rio Fai on the Sentiero Acqua e faggi. Both the Sentiero Acqua e faggi and the Parco del Respiro are located in a beech forest.

The Parco del Respiro is located in Fai della Paganella in a beech forest. Malga Fai lies in the meadows and forests of Fai della Paganella and offers simple, authentic dishes from traditional Malga cuisine. For those interested in culture, Malga Fai complements the trails and forest themes with a tangible connection to traditional cuisine.

Tradition on 5 and 6 December

In Fai, the patron saint of children and school-age young people is celebrated every year on the night of 5–6 December with the traditional “strozega dei bandoni”. During this custom, long rows of tin cans are dragged through the streets of the village.

Further destinations: Cogolo, Salobbi, Canazei, Stava, Volano, Ossana, Moena, Pozza Di Fassa

To the main travel overview: Trentino-South Tyrol.