#TRAVELNOTES: Mein Sawmill, culture and history in the woods of Alpe Cimbra

WHERE NATURE AND HISTORY MEET

In the heart of the forests of Tezzeli, just above the village of San Sebastiano in Folgaria, lies one of the most authentic testimonies of traditional mountain life: the historic Segheria dei Mein.
This small building tells a story of water, wood, and labour. It is not a museum in the traditional sense. It is a living place, where alpine nature and human ingenuity come together.

Since the 12th century, along the Astico stream, mills, sawmills, and water-powered forges were built, harnessing the energy of water to work wood and iron.

It was one of the most important production systems in the Trentino mountains.

Among these historic structures, the Segheria dei Mein remains one of the few still standing, offering visitors a glimpse into authentic Trentino cultural walking itineraries and Trentino outdoor experiences.

A CULTURAL TOURISM TREASURE ON ALPE CIMBRA

Built around 1850, the sawmill takes its name from the family that managed it: the Tezzele, nicknamed “Mèin”.

For over a century, logs from the surrounding forests were processed here, transformed into planks for houses, barns, and alpine huts across the plateau.

The last sawyer was Ottorino Tezzele, who kept the sawmill operational until 1975, producing timber mainly for local needs.

Today, the building is owned by the Municipality of Folgaria and managed by the Maso Tezzeli Association, which works to keep its memory alive and share this piece of local history with visitors.

For those passionate about cultural tourism in Trentino, historical and cultural walking itineraries, and mountain excursions with cultural value, the Segheria dei Mein is an unmissable stop.

HOW THE WATER-POWERED SAWMILL WORKS

One of the most fascinating aspects of visiting is discovering how the sawmill operates.
The system is entirely powered by the stream's water.

The water wheel sets in motion a complex mechanism that simultaneously drives:

• the vertical saw blade, which cuts the logs
• the moving carriage, which slowly pushes the wood towards the blade

The mechanism combines “Venetian” technology in the transmission system with an “Austrian/German” water-wheel design.

It is a perfect example of alpine craftsmanship engineering.

But there is an interesting detail: the sawmill could only operate when the water was free-flowing and the stream had sufficient volume. For this reason, its activity took place mainly in spring and autumn.

The mountains dictated the rhythm of work.

FOREST WALKS AND CULTURAL NATURE TRAILS

The Mein Sawmill is not just a historic site. It is also a wonderful destination for those who love walking in nature.

You can reach it with an easy 30-minute walk through the forests of Alpe Cimbra, starting from the village of San Sebastiano.

The trail passes through silent woods, small wooden bridges, and scenic views of the Astico stream.

It is an ideal destination for:

• nature walks in Trentino
• outdoor activities for families in Trentino
• Trentino outdoor itineraries
• trekking in Trentino
• easy yet scenic mountain hikes

The trail is part of a network of cultural nature routes that tell the story of the relationship between humans, water, and the forest.

"IL SENTIERO DELL'ACQUA" (Water Trail): A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY AND LANDSCAPES

The sawmill fits perfectly into the famous Sentiero dell'Acqua (Water Trail), one of the most fascinating hiking routes in Alpe Cimbra.

This trail connects several historic sites linked to traditional woodwork and the use of water power:

• old water mills
• historic sawmills
• small alpine villages
• ancient mountain farms

Walking along the Astico stream, visitors can explore a true open-air mountain museum, ideal for those looking for cultural hikes in Trentino.
An unforgettable experience for anyone wishing to combine nature, local history, and outdoor adventures in the Alpine landscape.

THINGS TO DO AT THE MEIN SAWMILL

Visit the working sawmill
During some guided tours, you can see the machinery in motion and learn how it works. The rhythmic sound of the saw cutting through wood takes you back in time.

Discover traditional mountain crafts
Here, the life of sawyers, woodcutters, and alpine farm families is brought to life—a story of hard work, skill, and a deep connection with the Alpine environment. Perfect for those interested in cultural tourism in Trentino and learning about historic mountain trades.

Stroll among historic mountain farms
The Tezzeli area is one of the most charming rural villages of Alpe Cimbra, ideal for travelers who love exploring historic villages in Trentino and traditional alpine architecture.

Join local cultural events
Throughout the year, the sawmill hosts cultural initiatives, guided tours, and thematic walks that bring local traditions to life. These include evening walks and events connected to the history of the plateau, perfect for outdoor cultural experiences in Trentino.

VISIT TIPS

Best time to visit
Spring, summer, and autumn are perfect for combining a visit to the sawmill with a peaceful walk through the forests of Trentino.
Even winter is truly magical—especially if you try snowshoeing. Don’t miss the classic "Moonlight Snowshoe Walk", a well-loved event on Alpe Cimbra every December.

Family-friendly
The trail is easy and suitable for children, making it ideal for family-friendly outdoor activities in Trentino.

Recommended combinations
You can include the sawmill in a day discovering:

• San Sebastiano
• Sentiero dell’Acqua
• Nosellari and Oltresommo
• Great War history trails

A perfect way to combine cultural tourism, history, and mountain trekking in Trentino.