Alpe Cimbra Unfiltered: Forts, Lakes, and a Culture That Speaks Softly

We’re in Trentino, in northern Italy, among the towns of Folgaria, Lavarone, Luserna, and the Vigolana plateau. This is a land that stretches gently between meadows and larches, almost brushing the sky.Alpe Cimbra is easy to reach: from the Adige Valley, from the Valsugana, or via the A31 motorway, a common route for visitors coming from the Veneto region.

The road climbs in curves, revealing ever-changing light and landscapes, until it opens onto the first wide alpine pastures.

And already here, it’s clear: this isn’t just a tourist destination. It’s a piece of Italy suspended between the Latin world and Central European roots.

Seven. Like the notes in a scale, or the chapters of a story carved into stone. These are the forts built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the early 20th century:

Cima Vézzena, Busa Verle, Werk Lusérn, Belvedere-Gschwent, Cherle, Sommo Alto, and Dosso delle Somme.Today, they remain as solid ruins — tunnels, trenches, walkways — still echoing with the memory of soldiers. Some can be visited, others are found along hiking trails, often in a silence more powerful than any memorial plaque.The most famous is Forte Belvedere, in Lavarone. Inside, the rooms tell the story of garrison life, nights under bombardment, and the resilience of those who had no choice.

Climb to the roof, and a breathtaking view opens up: the entire plateau, with its green waves and the silhouette of the Dolomites on the horizon.

Then there’s Lake Lavarone. Small, round, of karst origin, with waters that change color with the sky. In summer, it becomes a natural refuge: families, solitary readers, wet dogs, and rowboats gliding slowly across the surface.

In winter, when the cold sets in, the surface freezes, carrying the voices of skaters.Surrounding it are beech and fir forests, holding a resin scent that clings to your clothes — like a childhood memory you can’t quite forget.

Alpe Cimbra is made of paths more than roads. You can explore it on foot, by bike, or on skis — depending on the time of year.

In winter, the ski resorts of Folgaria and Lavarone offer over 100 kilometers of slopes, with small villages that seem to pause and watch the skiers pass by.As soon as the snow melts, walkers and cyclists return — following old military roads between forts, across flower-filled meadows and alpine huts still in use.

One of the most beloved routes follows the old trail of the “100 Km of the Forts” — a path that blends sport and memory, physical effort and landscape.

In Luserna (Lusérn), one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, life moves slowly and authentically. Here, people still speak Cimbrian, an ancient Germanic-rooted language kept alive through the centuries by families who passed it down to their children.As you walk through the streets, you’ll see bilingual signs, and people greet you with an accent like no other.

It’s as if time here has chosen to slow down just enough — enough to preserve the soul of this place.

You don’t need to be an athlete or a historian to fall in love with Alpe Cimbra. All you need is curiosity.

This is a land that doesn’t show itself at first glance — it asks to be listened to, step by step.Its power lies in its balance: no spectacle, no showmanship. Just a lived-in, vibrant mountain that welcomes those who come with respect and open eyes.

How many forts are there on Alpe Cimbra?

Seven, built in the early 1900s to defend the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s borders — including Werk Lusérn.

Can you swim in Lake Lavarone?

Yes. In summer it’s perfect for a swim or a relaxing dip. In winter it can freeze completely.

What is the “100 Km of the Forts”?

It’s a historic and scenic route linking the old forts — accessible by foot or mountain bike.

Where is Cimbrian still spoken?

In Luserna (Lusérn), one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, where the language is still part of daily life.

How do you get to Alpe Cimbra?

From the Valsugana, the Adige Valley, or via the A31 motorway, commonly used by those arriving from Veneto.




Written by Daniela Devecchi | ALPHABETCITY MAGAZINE