• Active & Green

Parco delle Orobie della Valtellina

A nature park just waiting to be discovered on long hikes or on the saddle of a mountain bike

Quiet, fragrance and colour merge in the valleys on the southern side of the Valtellina.

 

Picturesque scenery in unspoilt nature, often still undiscovered. The Valtellina side of the Orobic Alps, with a series of valleys that cut into the slopes from Val Lesina to the Belviso and Caronella valleys, offers multiple-days hiking routes in an untamed environment and a chance to taste traditional Bitto cheese.

 

Hiking in the valleys and mountain refuges
The Gran Via delle Orobie (GVO) is the most important trail in the Parco delle Orobie
Valtellinesi. This 130 km mountain route goes from Delebio to Aprica, following mule tracks, paths and the trenches along the Cadorna Line. Along the way hikers can enjoy old iron mines, glaciers and perhaps even a close encounter with a chamois deer or ibex goat. The hiking trail features several difficult stretches, but is the ideal way to discover the Monte Legnone, Trona Soliva, Passo San Marco, Dordona, and Tagliaferri mountain refuges and taste typical dishes. The GVO trail also has facilities for hikers along its way, with several alpine refuges and the “Bar Bianco” agritourism.

Discovering the park by mountain bike
The Decauville delle Orobie Valtellinesi is perfect for all free-ride fans. It follows the route of the old railways tracks, now removed, which were used for transporting people
and materials. A series of historic roads, used by farmers and woodsmen, lead up from the valley bottom to the Della Corte, Alpe Piazza, Alpe Lago, Salmurano, Beniamino, Pirata, Gino e Massimo, and Valtellina mountain refuges. Scenic uphill and downhill stretches for lots of pedalling fun.

 

Highlights

1. Sport. There are several via ferratas, including those on the Monte Tre Signori and Denti della Vecchia mountains in the upper Val Gerola valley.

2. Services. The Parco delle Orobie has a Joëlette, a special off-road wheelchair that allows disabled people to take part in excursions.

3. Local specialities. Must-tastes include traditional Bitto cheese, also made with goat’s milk and mascherpa, a.k.a. “mountain ricotta” cheese.

4. Culture. Another must-see is the Ecomuseum in Valgerola, to find out about the culture, traditions and life in these mountains.

5. Adventure. Take the zipline in Albaredo San Marco for a totally safe flight high above the unspoilt nature in Bitto valleys. Two-person flights are also available.

On the same topic

Birdwatching in Lombardy

Parks, nature reserves and oases where you can take a glimpse into the secret lives of birds
  • Active & Green
Birdwatching in Lombardy

Trezzo d'Adda what to see

A pleasant day to discover Trezzo sull'Adda: the historic center, the villas, the river and the central Taccani.
  • Active & Green
Trezzo d'Adda, what to see in a day

The High Route of Valmalenco – 3rd stage

Alpe Ventina (1960 m) - Forbicina (1656 m) - Val Sissone - Rif. Del Grande (2600 m) - Chiareggio (1612 m)
  • Active & Green
Salita in Val Sissone

The trails of the Oltrepò Pavese

On foot, by bike, or on horseback to discover the Oltrepò Pavese
  • Active & Green
Comunità Montana Oltrepò Pavese

Kitesurf in Lombardy

Where to do kitesurfing in Lombardy
  • Active & Green
Windsurf, Como lake

Castelveccana

Breathtaking views and green woods characterize Castelveccana, a charming village situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
  • Active & Green
Castelveccana and its districts, among cycle tourism, history and culture

Trekking with Alpacas

Alpacas la Foppa: the first alpaca farm in Valmalenco.
  • Active & Green
Trekking with Alpacas

Noci park

The Parco delle Noci, located in Melegnano, is one of the first Urban Oasis built in Italy.
  • Active & Green
Noci Park

Ice skating in Lombardy

Here's where you can twirl amusement and some fall.
  • Active & Green
Ice Skating

Family Tourism Lombardy

Lombardy ... also for "child"
  • Active & Green
Family Tourism Lombardy, useful tips

Famous uphill cycling routes: Valfurva

The spectacle of the glaciers on the Confinale circular trail and great uphill cycle trails make this mountain popular with hikers and keen cyclists
  • Active & Green
Le salite dei campioni: la Valfurva

Boat trips on Lombardy's rivers

The waterways of Lombardy are perfect to discover the unspoilt green heart of the region
  • Active & Green
Boat trips on Lombardy's rivers - Navigli Milano

A holiday in the heart of the Alps: Valmalenco

Holidays in nature and culture, hiking in the high mountains, right up to the glaciers where the deep silence lets you listen to the voice of the mountains
  • Active & Green
Una vacanza nel cuore delle Alpi: la Valmalenco

The Wayfarer's Path in Varenna

From Varenna walk along the The Wayfarer's Path and discover this ancient route connecting Lake Como and Valtellina
  • Active & Green
The Wayfarer's Path in Varenna

Ski touring in Valmalenco

Valmalenco is a synonym to ski touring. Every spot of the valley is suitable for nice ascents.
  • Active & Green
Cresta delle Belleviste - Valmalenco

Six destinations with surprises

A visit to Lombardy in the autumn means discovering plenty of surprises hidden in the foliage of the woods, lovely castles on the lakes, and city cathedrals, that give you immersive experiences with plenty of mystery and beauty.
  • Active & Green
Six destinations with surprises

Livignese Park

Park of considerable environmental interest, for the naturalness of the typically alpine landscape and for the richness of the fauna patrimony.
  • Active & Green
Livignese park

Le bine

You want to see the Lataste frog, one of the rarest amphibians in Europe, then come to the Le Bine nature reserve.
  • Active & Green
Le Bine

Doing sports in Varese

From rowing on the lake to gliding. From cycling to trekking. From golf to horse riding. Tips for playing sports in Varese
  • Active & Green
Doing sports in Varese

Valle Intelvi: 4 excursions in the land between two lakes

The Val d’Intelvi offers visitors some unmissable walking routes that are suitable for everyone to explore on foot or by bike
  • Active & Green
Valle Intelvi