Nestled on a terrace above the Val di Non, Fondo is a charming mountain town in the Italian province of Trentino. It serves as a gateway for exploring the rugged canyons and sparkling lakes in the surrounding hills and hosts the annual Ciaspolada snowshoeing festival during the winter months.
Things to do in Fondo
In the heart of Fondo is the Chiesa di San Rocco, which was constructed in the 17th century after a plague threatened the town. While the whitewashed exterior is relatively austere, the interior is beautifully vaulted. It houses a 16th-century altar representing the “Madonna with Child” and an 18th-century “Stations of the Cross”.
Fondo serves as the departure point for exploring the Canyon Rio Sass, which takes in suspension bridges and iron stairs along the edge of a seasonal river. Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque waterfalls, underground passages and impressive cave formations featuring stalactites and stalagmites. At the end of the trail is the Bagni di Fondo, a thermal spa no longer in use.
On the eastern edge of Fondo is La Casa dell’Acqua, a small, interactive museum that focuses on the way water has shaped the area. Watch the “Waterways and Words” film to learn about the path of water through the Val di Non and discover how a hydroelectric plant works. The ground floor of La Casa dell’Acqua is connected to the historic Bertagnolli Mill, which is open during the warmer months.
Getting around Fondo
Fondo is around 45 minutes’ drive from the centre of Bolzano and Bolzano Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Regular buses connect to Fondo and the town is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.