Dambel
Dambel is a small municipality in upper Val di Non, Trentino, set among apple orchards on the plateau above Lake Santa Giustina, n...
Updated 18 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Dambel now
The story
The story of Dambel
Dambel, Among Orchards in Val di Non
Dambel is a small municipality in the upper Val di Non, in Trentino, set on a plateau overlooking Lake Santa Giustina. Surrounded by apple orchards that turn white with blossom in spring and heavy with red fruit in autumn, the village keeps the intimate atmosphere typical of mountain hamlets. Nearby lie Cloz, Romallo, Cagnò and Fondo, with which Dambel shares landscapes, farming traditions and an economy tied for centuries to apple growing. The quiet lanes and views toward the Brenta Dolomites make this hamlet a pleasant stop for anyone exploring the plateau.
History and Origins of Dambel
Dambel's origins date back to the Middle Ages, when small rural settlements dotted the plateau of upper Val di Non, then under the influence of the Prince-Bishopric of Trento. Village life has always been shaped by farm work and, later, by the gradual spread of apple growing that transformed the local economy from the last century onward. Like many villages in the valley, Dambel went through periods of emigration abroad before finding stability through agricultural and cooperative development. Even today the plain stone houses and small religious buildings tell a story of patient labour and a deep bond with the land.
Nature: Canyon, Lake and Orchards
The landscape around Dambel is marked by striking natural contrasts. Not far away, near the border with Romallo and Cloz, the Novella stream has carved a spectacular canyon over millennia, now part of the Novella River Park, with sheer rock walls and turquoise waters. Below, Lake Santa Giustina, the largest artificial reservoir in Trentino, opens onto wide views of the valley. All around, the apple orchards covering Dambel's slopes create an orderly landscape that changes with the seasons, while higher up the plateau gives way to woods and meadows leading toward the Brenta Dolomites.
What to Do: Hikes and Activities
Dambel is a good starting point for anyone who enjoys walking through nature and farmland. Trails and farm tracks cross the orchards, connecting the village to its neighbours and offering panoramic views over Lake Santa Giustina. Nearby are the access points to the Novella canyon, popular for walks along the gorge and, in season, for rafting and other water activities run within the river park area. In winter the plateau is suited to gentle walks, while year-round the proximity to Fondo and Cavareno opens the way to the Alpe di Fondo and the mountains of upper Val di Non.
Flavours and Traditions: the Val di Non Apple
Dambel's gastronomic identity is closely tied to the Val di Non apple, grown on the terraces surrounding the village and central to a supply chain that involves the whole community. Varieties such as Golden Delicious and Renetta thrive here thanks to the altitude and temperature range of the plateau. Alongside fruit growing, simple recipes of Trentino farmhouse cooking survive, based on polenta, alpine cheeses and cured meats, often paired with apple-based dishes, from strudel to preserves. Local festivals and markets across the valley are the best chance to taste these products straight from the people who grow them.
Not to be missed
- The Novella canyon, near Dambel, Romallo and Cloz
- The views over Lake Santa Giustina
- Apple orchards in blossom between April and May
- Walks along the plateau's farm trails
- The flavours of the Val di Non apple at local markets
To see
What to see in Dambel
Routes · Trovido Route
