What You Need to Know: Useful Information
When the summer sun melts the winter snows of the Dolomites, an ancient, rhythmic migration takes place in northeastern Italy. Dairy farmers lead their herds of cows, sheep, and goats up steep mountain passes to the malghe – traditional stone and wood farmsteads nestled in lush, high-altitude meadows.
This seasonal migration (alpeggio) is the absolute lifeblood of Trentino’s mountain culture. Far more than just shelters for animals, these historic outposts are active guardians of biodiversity and a centuries-old cheese-making tradition. Up here, between 1,500 and 2,200 meters above sea level, the livestock feed on wild grasses, clover, and alpine herbs, producing a incredibly rich, aromatic milk that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
Getting There
Because malghe are scattered across nearly every valley in Trentino (with dense concentrations in the Val di Sole, Val di Fiemme, and the Lessinia plateau), your route will depend on the specific region you choose.
By Car:
From Trentino's main urban hubs like Trento or Rovereto, follow regional valley roads (such as the SS48 for Fiemme or SS42 for Sole) toward the base of the mountains. Many trails leading to a malga have a designated parking lot at the trailhead below.
On Foot / By E-Bike:
The most authentic way to arrive. Park your vehicle or disembark from a mountain ski lift and hike or rent an electric mountain bike to climb the panoramic dirt paths leading up to the pastures.
By Public Transport:
During the peak summer months, several valley tourist boards operate specialized shuttle buses (often called Bus Navetta) connecting major resort towns directly to the trailheads of the most popular farmsteads.
Below you'll find the location marked on Google Maps. Click on it to open the location directly on your device's maps.
Useful Contacts
- Trentino Association of Malghe (Associazione Allevatori): +39 0461 432111 | [email protected]
What to Bring & Pro-Tips
- Pack dynamic layers. The weather at 2,000 meters can switch from hot, brilliant sunshine to a biting, windy alpine chill in minutes.
- Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners are required to navigate the muddy, grassy fields surrounding the farms.
- Sit at a rustic wooden table and order Polenta con Formaggio di Malga. Remember to book in advance.
The “Hidden Gem“
Known as the “Garden of Italy“, Monte Baldo completely escaped glaciation during the last Ice Age. Because of this, the pastures around this malga are packed with ancient, rare floral species that exist nowhere else on earth. When the cows graze on these specific rare botanicals, it gives the local cheese an extraordinarily complex, floral, and deeply yellow profile that is highly coveted by culinary insiders.
