A sunny terrace from which to set off on walks and excursions — from the valley floor to the Monte Cornetto on Monte Bondone — in an area rich in flora and fauna, such as the Viote Integral Nature Reserve and the Alpine Botanical Garden of Viote.
At 800 meters above sea level, on the eastern slopes of Monte Bondone, Garniga Terme is a natural garden bathed in sunlight, surrounded by forests and rocky peaks. Curiously, the municipality stretches from 240 meters to the 2,100 meters of Cima Verde, making it a strategic point for scenic walks, trekking, and mountain bike excursions.
Exploring the hamlets of Garniga is a journey into rural community life — moving at the slow rhythm of nature and discovering authentic local products. Just a few steps from the town center, visitors can reach a panoramic viewpoint on the “Dos dei Nòzi”, where the ancient Church of San Osvaldo still overlooks the valley. At night, the illuminated church can be seen from afar.
After the first Bavarian settlers, groups of German miners arrived, hoping to find mineral riches. Their search was a complete failure — they found “absolutely nothing,” or “gar nichts” in German: legend has it that this is the origin of the name “Garniga.”
The area’s natural wealth, however, persuaded settlers to remain as shepherds, farmers, foresters, and hunters. The seven hamlets that make up the present-day municipality are the natural evolution of these early farmsteads.
Although geographically close to Trento, Garniga remained isolated for a long time: a carriage road was only built in 1956. Even today, the inhabitants vividly remember — or still live — the rhythms of farming and traditional crafts. Ancient routes and historic paths form the backdrop to traditional haymaking on Bondone and to the crafts of the past, which are revived during local festivals organized by community associations.
