The Vaia Dragon, located on Alpe Cimbra in Lavarone, is a unique sculpture that has become a symbol of the power of nature and recovery following the devastating Vaia storm of 2018. Italian artist Marco Martalar created this majestic wooden sculpture from trees felled by the storm itself. The Dragon has become a popular tourist destination, both in summer and winter.
How to Get to the Vaia Dragon
The dragon is accessible via several hiking trails that wind through the mountainous landscape of Alpe Cimbra. The most commonly recommended route is the Sentiero del Drago (Dragon Trail), which starts, for example, in the villages of Bertoldi or Gionghi. From Bertoldi, you can set out on foot through the village of Slaghenaufi and follow the signs toward the Dragon. The total walking time from the parking lot is approximately one hour. You can also take the Tablat cable car nearby, which will bring you closer to the mountain’s summit.
The Symbolism and Significance of the Dragon
The dragon sculpture is not only a work of art but also a reminder of the devastating Vaia storm and the power of nature. The 2018 storm destroyed vast areas of forest in northern Italy, and Martalar decided to use this wood to create a work of art that would serve as a reminder of nature’s fragility. The work draws on the philosophy of land art—the dragon is made of organic material and will naturally decompose over time. So hurry up and see it before it’s gone!
Visiting in Winter
The Vaia Dragon is accessible even in winter, when the landscape is covered in snow. However, it’s important to have the right gear for winter visits—sturdy boots, snowshoes, or trekking poles are recommended due to the slippery, snow-covered trails. During the winter months, the dragon often looks like something out of a fairy tale, covered in snow and surrounded by a quiet winter landscape.
The Dragon Trail is part of a broader network of hiking trails in the Alpe Cimbra region, where you can also explore other themed trails, such as the Sentiero delle Leggende (Trail of Legends) or the Sentiero del Respiro degli Alberi (Trail of the Trees’ Breath), which combine natural beauty with artistic installations in the landscape.
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