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For families stationed in Italy, these sculptures turn an ordinary walk into a story-filled adventure kids won’t forget. (Kimberly Kephart)
If you have ever wished a family hike came with a little extra magic, Northern Italy delivers in a big way. Scattered across the mountains, lakes and forest are towering wooden animals: Dragons, lions, bears, and dinosaurs, hidden just far enough off the path to feel like a discovery. These are not amusement park attractions. They are works of art, created from real trees, and rooted deeply in the landscapes they call home.
At the heart of it all is Drago Vaia, a massive wooden dragon looking over the mountains of Trentino. For families stationed in Italy, these sculptures turn an ordinary walk into a story-filled adventure kids won’t forget.
Why These Sculptures Exist
In 2018, a powerful windstorm called storm Vaia tore through northern Italy and the alp, knocking down millions of trees and forever changing the landscape. Where forests once stood tall, entire mountainsides were flattened.
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Rather than seeing only loss, Italian artist Marco Martalar saw possibility. (Kimberly Kephart)
Rather than seeing only loss, Italian artist Marco Martalar saw possibility. He began collecting fallen trunks and tangled roots and transforming them into giant animals, giving the storm-damaged wood a second life. Each sculpture is a symbol of resilience and renewal, a way to show both kids and adults that even after destruction, something meaningful can grow again.
Drago Vaia: The Dragon That Came Back to Life
Located in Lavarone, Trentino, Drago Vaia isn’t just the most famous of Martalar’s sculptures, it’s the most powerful story. Originally built from storm-felled wood, the enormous dragon quickly became a local landmark, drawing families, hikers and curious kids eager to stand beneath its massive wings.
In 2023, tragedy struck again when the dragon was destroyed in an act of arson. But the story did not end there. Thanks to community support, Martalar rebuilt the sculpture as a Drago Vaia regeneration, incorporating charred remains from the fire into its new form.
For families, this is an easy hike you can do where kids can meet the guardian of the forest: one that has survived fire and storm. The walk is manageable and you get amazing views of the Trentino mountains.
More Sculptures Kids Will Love
Once you’ve met Dragon Vaia, there are plenty of other creatures and figures to meet! You can spend a weekend out of exploring Northern Italy and include these hikes in your weekend plans!
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La Guàna del Primiero
Location: Parco del Benessere Navoi, Fiera di Primiero (Trentino)
Rising seven meters tall in the heart of the Dolomites, this massive sculpture is built from more than 2,000 pieces of storm-felled wood. Guàne were mythical beings linked to water, believed to be protective spirits of streams, springs and alpine lakes! It is located inside a wellness park and an easy and gentle walk for families, surrounded by alpine scenery that feels straight out of a fairy tale. -
Il Leone Alato (The Winged Lion)
Location: Fratta di Tarzo, Colline del Prosecco (Trentino)
The largest wooden lion in the world, this sculpture stretches over 10 meters long. It is made from roots and vineyard wood and is a picturesque area to take in. Stop by the local restaurant just a few hundred yards from the site and walk part of the Cammino Retico! -
Il Radicosauro
Location: Lago di Santa Giustina, Val di Non (Trentino)
Part dinosaur, part forest spirit, the Radicosauro is a favorite with younger kids. Built from roots found along the lake’s shore, it looks like a creature straight out of a storybook. The lakeside setting makes this a relaxed stop with plenty of space to roam. You could easily add this to your Dolomites hiking trip as this location is close to Bolzano and the Brenta Dolomites. -
Orso del Pradel
Location: Pradel area, near Madonna di Campiglio (Trentino)
This towering wooden bear blends seamlessly into the mountain landscape and feels like a guardian of the forest. Easily reached via walking paths in a popular family-friendly area, it is a fantastic addition to a day spent exploring alpine trails. This stop is perfect because you can learn about the re-introduction of Bears in the area! -
Aquila Vaia
Location: Marcesina, Grigno (Trentino)
For families stationed in Aviano and the Vicenza area, this one is the closest. Perched in a wide-open mountain setting, Aquila Vaia represents strength and renewal. Its dramatic wingspan makes it especially striking for kids, and the surrounding plateau offers open space and fresh air ideal for a family outing. If you go during the wintertime, there is a popular ski area nearby. -
Lupa del Lagorai (Wolf of Vaia)
Location: Levico Terme, Lagorai mountain range (Trentino)
This powerful wooden wolf symbolizes balance and resilience in nature. Set along trails in the Lagorai area near Levico Terme, it is a meaningful stop that sparks conversation with kids about wildlife, coexistence, and respect for the natural world.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
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Best Time to Go: Late spring through early fall offers the easiest walking conditions.
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What to Bring: Water, sunscreen and good walking shoes; many paths are uneven but not difficult. Some even have cable cars linking you to the mountainside!
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Parking: Parking is easily identifiable if using Komoot!
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Mindset: These are low-pressure adventures, perfect for turning around early if little ones get tired.
A Different Kind of Family Adventure
These forest giants offer something beyond rare: adventure, art and meaning, all wrapped in a family friendly day outdoors. My best advice? Start with Drago Vaia and let your imagination take you from there!
Kimberly Kephart is a travel writer, member of The Travel Coach Network, and group trip host who helps solo travelers and hikers turn curiosity into confident, meaningful adventures. She is based in Vicenza, Italy, she creates practical travel resources and leads small-group trips around to Jordan and around the world. You can learn more at her website kimberlykepharttravels.com.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
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