08.08.2019 - Both in summer and winter seasons, it is definitely a destination to see. During our visit we saw beautiful natural places such as Lavarone’s lake, discovered Alpe Cimbra’s culture at the Documentation Center Museum in Luserna, tasted local cheese at the cheese dairy of the Altipiani and Vezzena, learned a lot about our friends bees at the Honey museum and tasted delicious dishes at the Lusernarhof.
Visit the cheese dairy of the Vezzena Highlands
In April 2005, the union between the Lavarone and Folgaria dairies gave birth to the cheese Dairy of the Highlands and Vezzena, an enchanting reality consolidated over time for the production and sale of Trentino products.
We cannot fail to mention first the excellence of the structure, Vezzena cheese.
Son of the Trentino tradition, handed down for centuries (since the 15th century), it is produced in the Vezzena valley from which it takes its name, which stretches between the Trentino plateaus where cows are grazed in the open air. Extraordinary it is the work of the dairy farmers who act as defenders of the territory by mowing the forage with which the cows are fed in the stables at the beginning of each summer.
Vezzena is a semi-fat cheese, generally needs one year of aging and it has a yellowish grainy texture and a bitter taste.
To obtain this cheese, the milk of two consecutive milkings is used, collected in the evening and placed in trays in which the resting phase occurs during rest.
The cheese dairy sells it in three versions: Mezzano, Vecchio and Stravecchio.
Mezzano is excellent if accompanied by cold cuts, Il Vecchio, with a spicy flavor, it is advisable to tie it with first courses, especially with polenta.
Finally, Stravecchio is delicious if grated or served in flakes.
The Vezzena di Lavarone malga flavors is protected by Slow Food.
The cheese dairy is located along via Guglielmo Marconi, here's how to reach it with the indications of GoogleMaps
See the honey museum of the Marigo family.
Absolutely not to be missed in Lavarone is the Honey museum of the Marigo family.
Fantastic surprise located near the Lavarone lake, it can be perfect for a stop to discover the wonderful world of bees.
Born from an idea of Amelio Marigo, the museum was opened in 2001 to reveal the world of bees in detail, how it has evolved throughout history and to share the secrets that surround the honey formation process.
The museum, structured on three floors, stands as a witness to the long-lived relationship between man and bee through the display of historical artifacts, prints, drawings but also clews and hives used by the Marigo family during the last century. The exhibition is presented as a linear and clear path in order to raise awareness and intrigue both an adult audience but also the youngest ones.
The honey museum is open all year round by reservation at the number.
In the structure there is a shop of honey and derived products. A shop where you can buy souvenirs and excellent honey produced by bees with flower honey at km 0.
Ecken Bitopo
Another interesting destination to see is Ecken Bitopo.
Located on the Alpe Cimbra at an altitude of 1250 meters, it is the remnant of an ancient lake of karst origin which today is subject to particular forms of protection.
Biotopes, in fact, are protected natural oases chosen for their particular natural (especially climatic) characteristics.
The Parks and Forests Service of the province has set up a pier and a path to allow visitors to visit the local fauna and flora during a walk or during a bicycle trip, without causing any environmental damage. Bitopo can be easily reached by car, it is located near the town hall of Folgaria, along via Monte Cornetto. Here's how to get there with -> GoogleMaps
Lavarone Lake
Lavarone lake is a pearl of nature, nestled in the greenery and surrounded by pastures, located one hour of drive from Trento; perfect for a relaxing weekend.
Reviewed as one of the cleanest lakes in Italy (recently recognized as a Blue Flag by the FEE), Lake Lavarone is located at 1100 meters above sea level and has a depth of 17 meters.
The lake is very popular in both the warmer and colder months because it meets the needs of any type of tourist.
In summer it becomes an excellent destination to enjoy the natural scenery for walking or horse riding and also, why not, for swimming.
In fact, the lake is suitable for swimming and has two beaches equipped with deckchair and umbrella rental, but also with the possibility of renting pedal boats and canoes.
The lake is also an excellent choice for sports-loving tourists.
During the summer, the lake becomes home to important sporting events, such as the Tri Week Triathlon and, in recent years, mountain bike trails and the possibility of climbing in the designated areas and free flight have been opened.
Lavarone lake is a pearl that in winter turns into a mirror of ice perfect for skating.
It is right here that with the coming of the cold season, diving tests are carried out by specialized rescue groups.
Alternatively, you could try driving fun go-karts on an ice rink at full speed, in total safety.
See the Museum Documentation Center in Luserna
If you are interested in the history of the area, Trentino offers many sites that can be made just for you.
One of these is the Museum of Documentation Center in Luserna which is proposed as a museum with exhibitions dedicated to the history and traditions of Cimbrian land, the Great War, local flora and fauna.
The Association wants to promote the employment and economic development of the local Cimbrian community.
The “Haus von Prükk” house museum
The “Haus von Prükk” house museum, located in Piazza Cesare Battisti, is one of the few sites that still fully represents a cross-section of the traditional life of Luserna, a Cimbrian culture that has characterized the Trentino area over the centuries.
It is a nineteenth-century Cimbrian country house that has undergone several renovations over the years.
The “Haus von Prükk” represents a tool for the historical memory of Luserna, a site of popular tradition and also a lively place where in the past the stories and traditions can return and be handed down.
Where to eat
As for gastronomy, I recommend the Lusernarhof restaurant in Luserna.
It is located on the border between Trentino and Veneto, their cuisine recalls traditional Cimbrian and Trentino dishes and more generally to the classic mountain cuisine trying to adapt it to modernity by creating really delicious dishes.
Typical dishes such as dumplings, potato tortèl (absolutely to taste) and meat prepared exclusively with local ingredients.
The idea of freshness of management is also represented by the Lusernarhof Cimbra House which was created to enhance Street food and make the local products known at the same time adapting to modernity.
The structure provides rooms on request.
Here's how to get to -> Ristorante Lusenarhof
