Valfredda is a splendid hamlet of the Muicipality of Falcade (Province of Belluno) on the boundary with the Municipality of Soraga in the Province of Trento in Trentino-Südtirol; Valfredda is a beloved tourist place thanks to its astonishingly beautiful views and of its bucolic, untouched natural context which make it very popular and quite famous in the framework of the Dolomites UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Valfredda is reachable on foot from different hamlets of the Municipality of Falcade; by car, Valfredda is reachable by using the easy road that splits on the right from the main road to the Passo San Pellegrino in the hamlet of Zingari Bassi right before the departure station of the Col Margherita Cable Car towards the top of the Passo San Pellegrino (the place is well signposted – follow the signs to Rifugio Fuciade and Rifugio Flora Alpina, then to Rifugio Flora Alpina; before arriving at the parking of Rifugio Flora Alpina there is an ample parking with an unpaved road that winds through the wood – that’s the path to Valfredda). For those who wish to spend a relaxing day in the mountains, in contact with nature and enjoying some breathtaking views on the Dolomites UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Valfredda is the right place to choose. If you do love to walk through woods and on pleasant mountain paths, Valfredda is reachable from the hamlets located in the high part of Falcade (for instance from the hamlets of Costa, Le Fratte, Ganz, Falcade Alto, Somor, Sappade) with a suggestive walk of 2/3 hours.
In addition to a marvelous natural setting, Valfredda is a place whose beauty is enhanced by some particular features, like the presence for example of many charming little wood cottages called the “Cason” or “Casogn”: this small buildings were used in the past by the shepherds of Falcade as a shelter during the grazing season in Valfredda (as you may know, milk has a better quality and taste if cows can graze at high altitude where grass is richer in nutrients): nowadays the Casogn of Valfredda are used mainly by the owners as a charming place for a barbecue or for a weekend into the wild. Remember that the Casogn are private buildings and therefore it is advisable to ask the owner the permission (if you has the opportunity) to visit them; they certainly will be happy to satisfy your curiosity.
Since Valfredda lies right on the border with the Trentino, from Valfredda it is possible to reach the renowned Rifugio Fuciade with a short walk (both from the asphalt road of which we spoke earlier and with a walk on the hills that dominates Valfredda). Valfredda is also a good place to reach in a few minutes the suggestive restaurants Malga Ai Lach and Malga Bosch Brusà and the hamlet of Forca Rossa that allows hikers to reach the Pettorina Valley (Municipality of Rocca Pietore-Marmolada) and the Marmolada.
