Heather Route (Sentiero dell’Erica) in Fondo, overlooking the Smeraldo lake
Hiking trail • Val di Non
Heather Route (Sentiero dell’Erica) in Fondo, overlooking the Smeraldo lake
<p>This walk takes place directly above the Smeraldo Lake in Fondo. The Heather Route (Sentiero dell’Erica) makes a loop and leads through a beautiful forest full of heather and ferns. The many panoramic viewpoints above Lake Smeraldo and the Brenta Dolomites are enchanting. It is a comfortable and easy route, which is also beautiful to walk in autumn and spring.</p>
<p>In spring, this walk is particularly popular for its undergrowth covered with large purple cushions of flowering heather. In summer, in July and August, it is also possible to visit the botanical garden located at the start of the walk.</p>
recommended route
Hiking trail
· Val di Non
Heather Route (Sentiero dell’Erica) in Fondo, overlooking the Smeraldo lake
APT Val di Non Verified partner
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Photo: Silvia Gentilini, APT Val di Non
This walk takes place directly above the Smeraldo Lake in Fondo. The Heather Route (Sentiero dell’Erica) makes a loop and leads through a beautiful forest full of heather and ferns. The many panoramic viewpoints above Lake Smeraldo and the Brenta Dolomites are enchanting. It is a comfortable and easy route, which is also beautiful to walk in autumn and spring.
In spring, this walk is particularly popular for its undergrowth covered with large purple cushions of flowering heather. In summer, in July and August, it is also possible to visit the botanical garden located at the start of the walk.
Author’s recommendation
Along the way, you can read the amusing signs with proverbs and sayings. Once you reach the scenic viewpoint halfway along the route, take advantage of the view of the Dolomites and of Lake Smeraldo to relax and take a photo.
APT Val di Non Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
As you can imagine, the practicability of routes in a mountain environment is closely linked to conditions and therefore depends on natural phenomena, environmental changes and weather conditions. For this reason, the information contained in this sheet may be subject to change. Before setting off, find out about the condition of the route by contacting the relevant tourist office.
Tips and suggestions
At lake Smeraldo there are two establishments where you can stop for a snack or lunch: the Hotel Lago Smeraldo and the Restaurant Pizzeria Folon. Picnic tables are also located by the lake. Via the short ravine walk, it is possible to reach the village centre of Fondo, where you can take advantage of all the other facilities.
Roadbook
Once in the village of Fondo, follow the directions to Lake Smeraldo. Upon reaching the lake, near the car park next to the 'Lago Smeraldo' hotel, follow the signs for the Botanical Garden (route no. 10). The beginning of the walk is easy to recognise because it starts from a wooden staircase alongside the road. A fifteen-minute walk takes you to the Fondo Botanical Garden, which is only open in the summer months. This is where the actual Heather Route begins, a ring-route through the forest and along the northern side of Lake Smeraldo. The walk is 3 km long in total, with an enchanting scenic viewpoint halfway along, and takes you back to the starting point in about an hour.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Accessible by public transport. From Trento to Dermulo with the Trento-Malè railway line. From Dermulo to Fondo with the Trentino Trasporti bus line 630 Cles-Passo Mendola. (visit the website www.trentinotrasporti.it)
Directions
From the A22 Brennero motorway, take the Trento Nord exit and continue in the direction of Val di Non on the SP235 and then the SS43. In Dermulo, follow the directions to Fondo-Bolzano-Passo Mendola along the SS43 road and continue straight on following the signs to Fondo. Once in Fondo, pass through the village square and head towards Lake Smeraldo, turning left after passing the church.
Parking
Some free parking spaces are available shortly after the start of the road leading to Lake Smeraldo.
Coordinates
Equipment
Hiking shoes or comfortable boots are sufficient.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
