Naturalistic botanical footpath

The route begins at the small town of Grauno, known for its historic Carnival rites, and ends at Capriana, in Valle di Fiemme.

Before you make your way into the forest it is worth stopping off to visit the pretty town of Grauno and wander through its maze of steep streets, the ‘frone’, and large historic fountains in the clearings between houses. It was in Grauno that Father Atanasio Cristofori – 1885-1961, friar and expert in herbs as well as author of Piante ed Erbe Medicinali della nostra Regione Tridentina (1931) on the medicinal uses for wild plants – was born. You will come across info panels on him along the route and around the town.

Straightforward and well-signed with waymarking and nature info panels, the itinerary starts near the church dedicated to patron saint Martin. Leaving the church to your right, take a cobbled mule track uphill for around one hundred metres and turn onto an even forest road through mixed pine and chestnut woods with interesting views over the valley.

The route takes you to the town of Capriana surrounded by flower filled meadows. A visit to Capriana is recommended, along an interesting historic route with info panels at significant points of interest featuring attractive period photos and captions packed with insights.

The return journey is on footpath SAT 481 which climbs up to Fontana D’Ao forestry shelter before descending to Grauno once again.

The trail from Grauno to Capriana ventures into the wood slightly above Grauno church on the top of the town. Leaving the church on the right, after around 100 mt. uphill on a cobbled mule track, take the flat forest road on the right following the road signs to Capriana. This itinerary is quite easy and signaled with directional arrows and as well as with information panels on the nature of the place. After reaching Capriana you can choose either to go back on the same trail or to take path SAT 481, which goes uphill (around 300 mt.) to the mountain hut Fontana D’Ao and then back down back to Grauno.  

To drive here from Trento, you need to follow the main road S.S. 612 north to the town Grauno, where you can park in the forecourt on the right close to the shed used for the town events on the bottom of the town.

To drive here from the valley Val di Fiemme, you need to follow the main road S.S. 612 south to the town Grauno, where you can park in the forecourt on the right close to the shed used for the town events on the bottom of the town.