Forno di Zoldo: Mountain Views, Trails and Blacksmithing Tradition

Forno di Zoldo between mountain landscapes and craftsmanship

Forno di Zoldo combines an impressive mountain landscape with a history that remains visible in the townscape and the valley’s museums. The “Borghi da scoprire” circular route leads from the center of Forno to the small Church of S. Francesco and the Palazzo del Capitanio, which houses the Museo del Ferro e del Chiodo.

Churches, palaces and the history of nail-making

An important religious building is the parish church of Sant'Antonio Abate in Forno di Zoldo. It already existed before 1454, making it one of the town’s historic landmarks. The Museo del Chiodo in Forno is also housed in the old Palazzo del Capitano di Zoldo. The palace provides a setting for exploring a craft that is closely linked to local history.

The Museo del Ferro e del Chiodo exhibition illustrates the valley’s blacksmithing activities and the everyday life associated with them through images, texts, artefacts, nail-makers’ tools and a large selection of locally produced nails. This gives you access to Forno di Zoldo not only through its landscape and views, but also through the work, materials and everyday culture of Val di Zoldo.

Circular route and views of Val di Zoldo

In addition to its stops in the town area, the “Borghi da scoprire” circular route offers views of the mountains surrounding lower Val di Zoldo, as well as Civetta-Moiazza. Those who enjoy alternating between short cultural stops and impressions of the landscape while exploring a town will find different perspectives here within a shared experience. The combination of S. Francesco, Palazzo del Capitanio and the mountain panorama makes the route a particularly vivid way to experience the surroundings.

Several mountains also characterize the immediate surroundings beyond this circular route. Monte Castellin is a peak in the vicinity of Forno di Zoldo, and Monte Punta is a mountain in the same vicinity. Spiz de Zuel and Cima di Pramper are mountains in the area around Forno di Zoldo.

Historic destinations in the wider region

The Palazzo dei Rettori is represented there as a palace, and the Museo Civico Belluno as a museum. The historic site of Roggia dei Mulini and Forte Alto di Col Vidal, a fortress, are also located in this wider area. This gives you a broad range of architectural history, museum culture and historic sites to consider when planning your trip, extending beyond the immediate town center.

Gelato tradition and snowshoe excursion

A special culinary thread leads into the history of Val di Zoldo: from the late 19th century to the present day, a tradition of gelato production developed there. It was shaped by emigrants producing and selling ice cream in border regions. Gelato therefore represents not only a popular specialty here, but also a connection between regional origins, migration and working history.

For winter activities, the snowshoe excursion “Con la caspe in Val Pramper” is a destination in its own right. It runs entirely along a wide road. Together with the unpaved road from Castelaz, which climbs uphill to Malga Pramper in Parco Nazionale Dolomiti Bellunesi, it shows the surroundings as a landscape for different forms of outdoor activity. The two routes described should be regarded as separate activities.

More places for trip planning

Other destinations: San Gregorio Nelle Alpi, Castion, Selva Di Cadore, Pescul, Misurina, Vodo Cadore, Masarè, Valle Di Cadore

For the higher-level travel overview: Belluno.