The Stelvio National Park
The Stelvio National Park was established in 1935 to protect the Ortles‑Cevedale mountain group and is one of Italy’s oldest natural parks. It covers 130,734 hectares across the provinces of Bolzano, Trento, Brescia, and Sondrio, and includes 23 towns. It borders the Adamello Regional Park and the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, forming an extensive protected alpine area. Much of this territory lies above 2,000 metres in elevation, preserves the traces of ancient glaciers, and is home to protected species typical of high‑mountain environments. A dense network of trails crosses forests, alpine lakes, mountain huts, and high‑altitude landscapes, providing routes for every level of experience, from thematic paths suitable for everyone to treks above 3,000 metres. The peaks also preserve traces o
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An extensive protected area to enjoy with nature, sport, history, and discovery.
Explore the Stelvio National Park: what to see, hikes, and itineraries
The Stelvio National Park has 1,500 km of routes of varying difficulty, from gentle nature walks to treks along trails dating back to the First World War. You can follow the course of the water up to the Saent Waterfalls and Lake Corvo, or choose thematic routes dedicated to the alpine environment and its transformations, such as the Lower Glaciological Trail in the Valle dei Forni and the Climate Change Trail at the Stelvio Pass. There are plenty of easy walks suitable for all ages, like the Milk and Farmsteads Route in Val di Rabbi or the route leading to the Le Buse military village in Spondalunga. Finally, in Peio, the iron-rich waters feed the thermal spas, perfect for relaxing after a day outdoors.
Stelvio National Park: flora and fauna in the highlands
Thanks to its extraordinary size and steep elevation gains, the Stelvio National Park has an exceptionally rich variety of plant and animal species. At lower altitudes there are Norway spruce, silver fir, Swiss pine, and larch forests; climbing higher, there are junipers, rowan trees, and vast stretches of bilberry. In summer, arnica, rhododendrons, and Scheuchzer’s cotton grass brighten alpine meadows and high‑mountain environments. Despite the harsh winter conditions, 260 vertebrate species have been recorded in the Park. The most common are foxes, badgers, deer, ibex, marmots, hares, and stoats, as well as large birds of prey such as golden eagles, falcons, and bearded vultures.
Nature at first sight
Maybe you were wondering…
Where is the Stelvio National Park?
The Stelvio National Park stretches across the provinces of Bolzano, Trento, Brescia, and Sondrio, includes 23 towns, and is centred around the Ortles‑Cevedale mountain group.
How big is the Stelvio National Park?
The park covers 130,734 hectares and is one of the largest and oldest protected areas in Italy.
How can I get to the Stelvio National Park?
The Park has numerous access points spread across Lombardy, Trentino, and South Tyrol. The road depends on the valley and the specific area you wish to visit.
Is it possible to reach the Park with public transport?
Yes. The main areas of the Park are served by trains, buses, and local public transport connections. Shuttle services are also available in some zones and during certain periods. Schedules and operating conditions vary depending on the area and the season.
Where is it possible to stay in the Stelvio National Park?
In the Park and in the nearby towns there are hotels, family hotels, B&Bs, farm stays, garnì-small alpine hotels, apartments, mountain huts, campsites, and alpine refuges.
Is it possible to camp in Stelvio National Park?
Wild camping is generally not allowed. Bivouacking and mobile, itinerant camping are regulated and permitted only under specific conditions. For longer stays, you must use the campsites and designated areas within the Park.
What excursions are there in the Stelvio National Park?
The Park has around 1,500 km of routes of varying difficulty. Some of the most popular destinations and trails are to the Saent Waterfalls, Lake Corvo, the Valle dei Forni, the Stelvio Pass, and Le Buse in Spondalunga.
Is the Stelvio National Park suitable for families?
Yes. In addition to more demanding treks, there are easy walks and thematic routes dedicated to nature, rural life, geology, and history. It is always advisable to check the length, elevation gain, and terrain of the route in advance.
Is it possible to visit the Park by bicycle?
Yes. The Park includes routes accessible by bicycle and mountain bike. You must follow the signage and use only roads and trails where cycling is permitted.
What animals live in the Stelvio National Park?
Around 260 vertebrate species have been recorded in the Park. The most characteristic animals are deer, ibex, marmots, hares, and stoats, as well as large birds of prey such as golden eagles and bearded vultures.
Explore the protected areas
