An enchanting mountainous region between Lake Garda and Lake Idro, Val Vestino is a paradise for lovers of Nature, Sport and Serenity. The village of Cima Rest is notable for its characteristic barns featuring steep roofs made from straw.
An enchanting mountainous region between Lake Garda and Lake Idro, Val Vestino is a paradise for lovers of Nature, Sport and Serenity. The village of Cima Rest is notable for its characteristic barns featuring steep roofs made from straw.
They are currently the only known example of a thatched-roof building still standing anywhere in the Lombardy Alps, testament to the Austro-Hungarian rural tradition. They have been converted into accommodation, extending a special welcome to the tourist in search of stillness and freedom… a fairy-tale getaway!
Falling under the municipalities of Magasa and Valvestino, the Valley is an area of natural value situated in the green heartland of the Alto Garda Bresciano natural park, its ethereal beauty and extraordinary cultural heritage conserved and promoted by the Valvestino Ecomuseum.
Its history, linked to the fate of the Austro-Hungarian Empire that ruled here up until 1915 when it was occupied by the Italian army, makes it unique, distinct from the surrounding territories. Moreover, the Valley’s isolation has ensured that the landscape remains unspoilt and tradition and ancient knowledge is preserved.
Marvel at the mountains, listen to the bubbling streams, amble among ancient beech trees and through lush meadows with breath-taking views. A holiday or even a day out in Val Vestino will help you recharge and restore your wellbeing.
The Val Vestino area offers tourists a wide variety of sports in nature. The environment provides entertainment options for trekking and mountain biking lovers. It’s the ideal destination for all trip types: from fairy-tale walks in the woods suitable for the young and old alike, to excursions for experts; from nature trails to historical ones, specially designed to highlight the Valley’s ethereal beauty and rich cultural heritage of traditions, customs and legends. Along the path leading to Monte Tombea and Monte Caplone, battlegrounds in the First World War, you’ll come across old military deposits dug out of the rock, trenches and strategic posts made of masonry or dug into the ground, as well as the remains of a cable car mountain station.
Thoroughly worth experiencing is a “Starlit Evening” at the Cima Rest Astronomical Observatory: the valley, unspoilt by atmospheric or light pollution, provides ideal conditions for observing celestial bodies.
“Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things,” said Cicerone.
With the invaluable local museums, a visit to Val Vestino becomes a fascinating journey back in time, bringing historical crafts back to life.
Download the folding map brochure Journey to the Discovery of Val Vestino… Let yourself be inspired!
How to get here:
From Idro (14 km) or from Gargnano (19 km) travelling along the shores of Lake Valvestino… Even the journey is a sight to see!
At this moment Val Vestino can only be reached from Valle Sabbia Idro – Capovalle.
In Molino di Bollone, where Lake Valvestino is born, you will find the Tourist Office – Infopoint in Lombardy Val Vestino. You will be provided with all the information and useful advice to allow you to discover the beauties of the area according to your needs and curiosities. Present bookshop with trail maps, publications on the Valvestinian territory and typical products.