Hike from Santel to the Paganella Peak

The Paganella is a mountain massif, which consists of a flat top – the Paganella High Plateau – and several peaks, which rise until 2,115 m asl. This Paganella High Plateau offers plenty of beautiful and varied hiking paths. One of them proceeds up to the highest peak of the Paganella, called La Roda, a spot with a spectacular 360 degree view. Today this summit is our destination, from there all major mountain groups in the northeast of the country and furthermore the mighty Brenta Dolomites and the beautiful Lake Garda are visible.

The parking space of Santel, a district of Fai della Paganella, is starting point of our hike. On path no. 602 we walk through the undergrowth and a fir forest uphill to the Dosso della Rocca. Here we turn to the left, cross a flat pasture area and again a forest. Like this we also pass the Malga di Fai where a steep path proceeds towards the Dosso Larici Hut and from there further until the ski slope on the left. Now a last ascent up to the peak of the Paganella must be managed and after further 10 minutes we reach the Rif. La Roda mountain hut, where we enjoy an extensive rest after our three-hour hike.

Our way back proceeds at the east side of the mountain massif with view on the majestic Brenta Dolomites. For that we follow the signposts to the Malga Zambana first and then to the parking space in Santel (Parcheggio Santel).

Author: Giacomo Roccabruna