Madonna di Campiglio to Trento – San Vili Path (low)

This Collection documents the six stages of the San Vili Path (low route) – a network of routes that form a religious pilgrimage. The path is named after Saint Vigilius – the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Trento and the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone. Legend has it that the path traces the evangelical route taken by the bishop in the 4th century AD.

Regardless of your beliefs or spiritual orientation, the San Vili Path is an exciting journey through the Brenta Dolomites. This magnificent pilgrimage visits the various chapels that honour the martyrdom of Trento's patron saint and passes through spectacular structures and natural landscapes, including Terme Val Rendena, Bosco Arte Stenico and the Lamar Lakes, to name but a few.

The route was conceived in 1988 and is maintained to this day by the SAT (Società degli Alpinisti Tridentini). Two variants exist for hikers: a low and high itinerary. This Collection r guides you along the low Itinerary, which connects SAT trails 300, 613 and 627. You can walk in both directions, but bear in mind that hiking towards Madonna di Campiglio has more climbing.

The Tour is 109 kilometres (67 mi) so around 35 hours of actual walking. It’s possible to complete the Tour in just four days but if you want to spend more time at interesting places along the way, I suggest taking six days. Each stage finishes close to accommodation, but I recommend booking in advance if you choose to do the walk during the high season (July/August).

To reach Madonna di Campiglio from Trento and check trains along the route, see the extra urban train line B201: trentinotrasporti.it/viaggia-con-noi/extraurbano/regione-2. This line traces the provincial roads on the valley floor so you can easily drop down to a station.

This route is suitable for almost all fitness levels: the average daily climbing is moderate (440 m/1,443 ft) and the walking time is just over five hours. Although you’re never too far from civilisation, I recommend that you take sufficient water and food with you. The paths aren’t particularly rough, except for two short sections; in stage 4 (between San Lorenzo in Banale and Ranzo) and stage 5 (between Monte Terlago and Vela). A good, light hiking shoe is ideal footwear. The altitudes aren’t too high: the highest point is at 1,520 metres (5,000 ft), so the walk is comfortable in spring, summer and autumn.

This is the San Vili Path, which takes you from Val Rendena through the Giudicarie and Valle dei Laghi valleys to the Trentino capital. If you want to live a pilgrimage to the fullest, you can use your ‘Credenziale’, your hiking document. You can pick one up at the Tourist offices of the Madonna di Campiglio Tourist Board (Via Pradalago 4) and the Trento Monte Bondone Tourist Board (Piazza Dante 24). There are five stamps to collect along the route; you can request them in the Tourist offices and in the accommodation affiliated with each stage.

Happy walking!