Winged Dragon of Vaia: art, forests and trails on the Alpe Cimbra

The Vaia Dragon Regeneration: rebirth through wood and ash

The Winged Dragon of Vaia, now known as the Vaia Dragon Regeneration, is a large wooden sculpture located above the hamlet of Magrè, on the Tablat ridge, in the municipality of Lavarone.

The first version of the dragon was created in 2021 by Venetian sculptor Marco Martalar. He used roots and trunks uprooted by Storm Vaia in 2018, along with parts of the Avez del Prinzep, the centuries-old silver fir that became a symbol of the plateau. The dragon dominated the rise with wings spread wide, standing guard over the valley below.

In 2023, an act of arson completely destroyed the artwork. From that moment on, the community of Lavarone, together with hundreds of supporters, chose to respond by launching a fundraising campaign to give life to a new dragon. In 2024, the regeneration project became reality.

The new Vaia Dragon Regeneration was built:

• using deliberately charred wood, incorporating remains of the original dragon;
• with thousands of pieces of roots and screws, assembled like a vast puzzle;
• on an imposing scale: approximately 16–17 meters in length, 7 meters in height, and weighing around 6 tonnes.

The posture is less gentle than before, more tense and dynamic. It tells a different story: not only protection, but also the strength of a territory that acknowledges its wounds and transforms them into a visible sign.

A symbol of memory, forests, and community

The Winged Dragon of Vaia is not simply an attraction reached by a walk. It has become a shared symbol.

Storm Vaia in 2018 felled thousands of trees across the Cimbrian plateaus. The dragon was born from that uprooted wood, transformed into a mythological figure that reminds us how nature can suddenly reshape a landscape.

In Martalar’s vision, the dragon:

• represents the power of natural forces, which sometimes express themselves with great intensity;
• stands as a reminder of the relationship between humans and the environment, inviting humility before the forests that host us;
• preserves the memory of the storm and of the choices made afterward, by institutions and individuals alike.

The fact that the sculpture was rebuilt through a crowdfunding campaign adds another layer of meaning: those who make the journey here do not find only a large-scale artwork, but the result of a collective effort. The dragon has thus become part of the recent identity of the Alpe Cimbra, alongside the themed trails of Lavarone Green Land and other wooden figures scattered through the forests.

Through the digital project Echo.In, some of the dragon’s scales have also been transformed into small personal archives, capable of preserving phrases, images, and memories connected to the place. In this way, memory remains alive and continues to grow over time.

How to reach the Winged Dragon of Vaia

The Winged Dragon of Vaia can only be reached on foot, starting from different hamlets of Lavarone. The road leading to Magrè is not open to tourist traffic, in order to protect the small settlement and the surrounding environment.

Starting points and parking areas

The main parking areas are located in the hamlets of Gionghi, Bertoldi, Cappella / Parco Palù, and in the Cost area towards Luserna. From here, various marked routes begin, signposted as the Dragon Trail or with Lavarone Green Land indications.

• From Gionghi: from the parking area near the town hall, follow the pedestrian path behind the Red Cross building, cross the main road, and follow signs toward the historic center. Near the square, a dirt path leads toward Magrè. The ascent takes about 45–60 minutes, with a gentle gradient through the forest.
• From Bertoldi: you can walk uphill toward Slaghenaufi and Tana Incantata, then follow signs for Magrè and the Dragon Trail. Alternatively, take the Tablat chairlift, which reaches altitude in about 10 minutes; from there, the path to the dragon is short and mostly flat.
• From Cappella – Parco Palù: head toward Longhi, then follow signs for Lavarone Trekking and Magrè. This itinerary is also suitable for families used to walking.
• From Cost: the parking area along the road toward Luserna allows you to reduce the elevation gain. From here, the dragon can be reached in about half an hour on a forest path.

Walking times may vary depending on pace and trail conditions. In winter, warm hiking boots are recommended, along with snowshoes or traction aids if needed, as the area is often snow-covered.

The Dragon Trail: a route for adults and children

Around the Winged Dragon of Vaia runs a true themed trail, designed especially for families but enjoyable for anyone who appreciates walking with a narrative thread.

The Dragon Trail winds across the Tablat plateau for about 2.5 km, forming a loop with gentle ups and downs. Along the way, you’ll encounter around ten stops featuring wooden installations, panels, and small outdoor activities. Highlights include the Dragon’s Cave, Mother Nature, Forest Scents, and Forest Sounds.

For children, the Vaia Dragon activity booklet is available for purchase at the Gionghi tourist office or at the Tablat chairlift base station. The booklet includes games, riddles, and prompts to help interpret the installations. Adults can also use it as a guide to observe the forest more closely.

Along the trail, you’ll also find other land art works connected to the Lavarone Green Land project, such as La Frau, a large wooden figure symbolizing Mother Nature. Benches and small clearings invite you to pause, enjoy a snack, and take in the landscape at a relaxed pace.

Practical tips and ideas to continue your day

Reaching the Winged Dragon of Vaia is within reach for many visitors, but it is still a mountain hike. A few precautions can make the experience more enjoyable.

Wear hiking shoes with good grip, especially if you choose forest paths from Gionghi or Cost. In summer, bring water, a hat, and a light jacket for sudden weather changes. In winter, trekking poles and suitable footwear for snow improve stability.

Also remember to:

• respect the restrictions on vehicle access toward Magrè;
• stay on marked trails without crossing private meadows;
• take all waste back with you, including tissues and small wrappers.

After visiting the dragon, you can continue your day by exploring other highlights of the Alpe Cimbra:

• Parco Palù in Cappella, with play areas and green spaces for children;
• Lake Lavarone, where you can walk along the shore or relax on panoramic terraces;
• World War I forts such as Forte Belvedere, which tell the history of the plateau.

In this way, a visit to the Vaia Dragon Regeneration becomes part of a broader itinerary, made up of walks, quiet pauses, and ever-changing views of the plateau across the seasons.