Walking in Italy's Stelvio National Park : Italy's largest alpine national park

Walk in Italy's Stelvio National Park and explore a vast and spectacular wilderness of glaciers, high passes, thundering waterfalls, and soaring peaks in the Italian Rhaetian Alps. Bordering the Dolomites to the east and Switzerland to the west, the Stelvio is a haven for wildlife including ibex, chamois, lammergeiers, and eagles, and one of the great walking destinations of the Alps. This comprehensive guidebook describes 38 day walks suitable for both beginner and experienced walkers. Routes range from 5 to 18km (3–11 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–7 hours, graded from 1 to 3 to suit all abilities. Follow well-maintained and waymarked paths through dramatic glacial valleys, past mountain lakes and cascading waterfalls, and up to high ridges with panoramic views. Highlights include the thrilling Stelvio Pass, the Forno glacier, the Ortler and Cevedale mountains, and the traditional culture of the Ultental valley. Routes are easily extended into multi-day experiences with overnight stays in the park's hospitable alpine refuges. Navigate with confidence using sketch maps for each walk, detailed guidance on the park's numbered path network, and recommendations for the best commercial maps. Practical information covers getting there, local transport, accommodation, food and drink, and key bases including Bormio, Santa Caterina Valfurva, Sulden, Martell, Peio, and Rabbi. Introductory sections explore the geography, history, plants, flowers, and remarkable wildlife that make this one of the best places in the Alps to see ibex, chamois, lammergeiers, and golden eagles.