Moena
A town of myths and legends, supporting green tourism
At dawn and dusk, the peaks of the Dolomites surrounding the town turn pink: that is why Moena is known as the Fairy of the Dolomites, in the heart of Val di Fassa.
Where to find it
Moena, the Latin name for which means swamp, is a town of about 2,000 inhabitants in the province of Trento and located in Val di Fassa, just a short distance from Val di Fiemme, at just over 1,100 metres above sea level. In summer, it is surrounded by green and flowered pastures, and in winter by snow-covered Dolomite ranges, like the famous Sella, Catinaccio and Latemar: all year round it welcomes tourists who are enthusiastic about outdoor sports and the Ladin traditions.
What to do
Recently prised with the Green Destinations Award as a destination that promotes sustainable tourism (the centre, in high season, becomes a pedestrian area, with alternative means of transport, and numerous e-bikes), Moena has the good fortune of being located at the feet of the most beautiful Dolomites in Trentino.
Here, in summer, you can relax with long walks and excursions - on foot or by mountain bike, go for a swim in the swimming pools and whirlpools of the accommodation facilities, or go shopping among the craft stores and typical markets of the centre. And then, taste the local products like the renowned Puzzone di Moena DOP, a cheese that has been listed as a Slow Food presidium for years, with an unmistakable taste of Alpine pasture herbs.
The Ladin culinary traditions are alive here and supported by restaurants and food and wine events like A tavola con la fata delle Dolomiti, in the winter time, and Sapori d’autunno in September, two moments that celebrate and focus on local ingredients.
In winter, you can try the slopes of the Ski Area Alpe Lusia - San Pellegrino, a ski district with a functional network of ski lifts and slopes in unique settings.
On the other hand, those who enjoy cross-country skiing will find - at the Centro del Fondo Alochet, just two kilometres from Passo San Pellegrino - beautiful tracks that wind their way among ample clearings and snow-covered woods. In addition, Moena is the starting point of the famous Marcialonga di Fiemma e Fassa, the most important Granfondo [ski marathon] in Italy, which is held in January.
How to get there
Those travelling by car can reach Moena along motorway A22 Modena-Brennero, taking the Egna/Ora exit, and following directions provided along the SS 48 delle Dolomiti, or exiting at Bolzano Nord and continuing along SS 241, the Grande Strada delle Dolomiti. Roads SP 346, SP 641, SS 48, and SS 242 connect Moena with the other valleys and surrounding areas. Once you reach the town, pay attention and ask the tourist office for information: part of the town centre has vehicle traffic restrictions.
By train, you can stop in Trento, Ora/Auer or Bolzano, and continue by bus with the Trentino Trasporti company or with a shuttle service.
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