A midsummer’s night dream: unusual thrills at high altitude

Why go to bed when you can have dinner in a cable car, explore the woods or stay up late to watch the stars?

Whoever said that night-time is for sleeping? After the sun goes down and the stars come out, the atmosphere is laden with mystery and emotions travel quickly in the dark that cloaks the mountains. It’s almost a sin to go to bed early, when there’s so much to do out there!

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the woods by torchlight, searching for animal tracks and listening for their calls. If you’re more romantic on the other hand, you can spend the night outside admiring the stars. If you want to try something new and feel like taking off, you can always have dinner in a cable car!

Here are four unusual nocturnal activities that you can try out here in Trentino: which do you prefer?

#1

Hanging out for a meal

Of course, there are plenty of places to have a fine meal with a splendid view on the Dolomites. But on August 4th things go one step further. Hop on the Pinzolo-Campiglio Express cable car and enjoy a meal by the Michelin-starred chef Alfredo Chiocchetti, suspended metres above the ground with a view across the Brenta Dolomites at dusk. Remember to book!

#2

In the meadows counting stars

In the mountains, the stars seem a lot closer: maybe it’s because we feel closer to the sky, or maybe because our view is simply unhindered by the city lights. Lie down on the grass, wrapped up in a warm blanket, and test your knowledge of planets and constellations. For example, are you able to point out the Cassiopeia constellation?

#3

Uncovering the forest’s secrets

What a life in the Adamello-Brenta Natural Park! Enjoy the magic of a walk at nightfall, overlooking San Lorenzo in Banale. Armed with nothing but a head torch, follow the trails in the woods listening for the calls of the resident wildlife and maybe following their tracks. You will be overwhelmed by a sense of  silence and mystery. Just stunning.

#4

Dining under the stars 

In July and August, treat yourself to a special evening! Take advantage of the evening cable car service to Pradel, overlooking Lake Molveno. You can enjoy dinner at the Montanara hut. Then, stay on for a while to gaze up at the starry sky in the company,  of experienced  astronomers. Return to Pradel from the hut on foot and then get  the last cable car to Molveno at 11pm.

Published on 06/06/2023