On the doorstep of Trento, Lavis is a picturesque Italian town in the mountainous Trentino-South Tyrol region. In the summer months, it provides a base for hiking to sparkling lakes and mountain peaks while in the winter months, it’s a gateway to the ski slopes of Paganella.
Things to do in Lavis
On the eastern side of Lavis is the Giardino dei Ciucioi, a magnificent hanging garden incorporating several ruins. It was built for Tommaso Bortolotti in 1850 and draws on Romanticism in its design. Wander along the artificial terraces and ascend to the Casa del Giardiniere before admiring the Renaissance loggia. Also within the gardens is an unfinished castle with an impressive colonnade.
East of Lavis is Lake Santa Colomba, where its reflective waters attract hikers and anglers hoping to lure trout, pike and carp. It can be accessed along a network of hiking trails that traverse the Ecomuseum of Argentario, a forested plateau that was once the most important mining area in Trento. To learn more, follow the Sentiero delle Canope that leads past silver mines that existed between the 12th and 15th centuries.
On the other side of Lavis is the 2,125-metre-high peak of Paganella, whose slopes are home to several ski resorts. Backed by the UNESCO-listed Brenta Dolomites, there are 50 kilometres of wide ski slopes to explore across a 1,100-metre drop. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there’s also the opportunity to go tobogganing, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing.
Getting around Lavis
Lavis is around 15 minutes’ drive from Trento and 40 minutes from Bolzano Airport, which has flights to destinations across Italy. Regular trains connect to the Lavis railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Lavis can easily be explored on foot.