Top 18 Gorges around Varena

Varena is home to several impressive natural formations. Highly recommended are the Latemar Labyrinth, known for its unique landscape of rocks and stones, and the Bletterbach Gorge, often called the 'Grand Canyon of South Tyrol,' featuring waterfalls and significant geological history.

Yes, the Latemar Labyrinth is a hiking route through a large boulder and rock field that is suitable for children. Additionally, the Suspension Bridge over the Rio di Nova is considered family-friendly and offers a unique experience over a gorge.

The region is rich in geological wonders. The Bletterbach Gorge, for instance, was formed about 15,000 years ago and is famous for its various rock layers and fossil finds, offering a glimpse into millions of years of geological history. You can learn more at the Bletterbach Geopark Visitor Center.

The difficulty varies. The Latemar Labyrinth is a hiking route suitable for children, implying a moderate difficulty. The Bletterbach Gorge and its descent are rated as intermediate to challenging, especially if you venture to the end where waterfalls are prominent. Sure-footedness is an advantage in some areas.

Parking is available at the Bletterbach Geopark Visitor Center. There is an entry fee for the Geopark, which includes admission to the gorge and the visitor center, as well as the free rental of a helmet for hiking through the gorge.

While not strictly necessary for navigating the trails, a guided tour of the Bletterbach Gorge is highly recommended for the explanations and the trained eye of a guide. They can point out plants, animals, and geological features trapped in the rock, making the experience of traveling back millions of years even more exciting.

Beyond exploring the gorges, the Varena area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes like the Schwarzhorn Summit Trail or the Corno Nero - Passo Cùgola Loop. There are also extensive options for cycling and gravel biking, with routes like the Lavazè Pass loops.

Visitors frequently praise the magnificent natural beauty and the unique geological insights offered by the gorges. The Bletterbach Gorge is particularly appreciated for its wild nature and geological interest, with many finding the waterfalls beautiful after sufficient rain. The Suspension Bridge over the Rio di Nova is also a popular attraction due to its suspended structure and the experience of crossing it.

While the Suspension Bridge over the Rio di Nova offers a great experience, dog owners should be aware that it is completely made of grating. This can be very paw-unfriendly for dogs, and some visitors have had to carry their pets across.

While specific seasonal recommendations are not detailed for all gorges, the Bletterbach Gorge is particularly impressive after rainfall, as the waterfalls are at their most beautiful. Generally, spring, summer, and early autumn offer pleasant conditions for hiking and exploring the outdoor areas around Varena.

When descending into the Bletterbach Gorge, a steep staircase leads down, and some levels can be higher. Sure-footedness is an advantage, especially if you plan to go to the end to see the waterfalls. A protective helmet is provided with your entry ticket from the Bletterbach Geopark Visitor Center and should be worn to protect against falling rocks.