Description
A Pristine Ecosystem in Western Lombardy
Welcome to the Valsolda Regional Forest, a hidden gem located in western Lombardy, in the municipality of the same name. This nature reserve is an extraordinary experience for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
The Valsolda Regional Forest is Lombardy's first strict nature reserve, covering a total area of 318 hectares. Its beauty is made unique by the alternating spires, rocky pinnacles, ravines, dense forests, and clear streams. Life here unfolds in all its splendor, with the presence of alpine fauna such as deer, roe deer, chamois, badgers, foxes, and birds of prey such as eagles, buzzards, sparrowhawks, falcons, and countless other species.
The Valsolda Regional Forest extends across the limestone Prealps of Lombardy and is located in the Valli del Lario e del Ceresio Mountain Community, in the municipality of Valsolda (CO). This natural wonder covers a wide range of altitudes, from 700 meters in the Soldo Valley to 1,810 meters on Cima Fiorina, on the border with Switzerland.
In 2007, it was declared a Nature Reserve, including two protection regimes:
Oriented Nature Reserve: This part of the reserve, which covers approximately 90 hectares, is open to visitors. Here, you can explore three themed trails, including:
- “The Wildlife Trail”
- “The Street of Songs”
- “The Path in the Rock”
These trails offer sustainable tourist and educational-cultural experiences.
Integral Nature Reserve: This large portion of the reserve, approximately 228 hectares, is dedicated to scientific research and vegetation monitoring without human disturbance.
Thematic Itineraries
This themed trail, accompanied by eight information panels, will guide you through the area's geological and geomorphological features. A longer and more scenic variant will take you through the "Integrale" part of the Reserve, offering additional spectacular views.
The “Oriented” part of the Reserve offers two educational trails:
The Wildlife Trail: will allow you to discover the local fauna
The Street of Songs: perfect for bird lovers and birdwatchers
Characteristics of the excursion
- Departure Point: Dasio, Valsolda, Province of Como
- Difference in altitude: 620 meters (with a variant, approximately 900 meters)
- Travel time: approximately 4 hours (approximately 6 hours for the complete tour with the variant)
- Recommended Period: from spring to autumn
- Difficulty: hiking (E)
- Rest Areas: Alpe Serte, Alpe Pessina
- Reports: the route is well marked with dedicated signs
- Alternative Access: It is also possible to access the Valsolda Regional Forest from a lower altitude, starting from the hamlet of Drano (470m) and following the signs for Rancò and Passo Stretto.
Thanks to its rich biodiversity and the presence of habitats of community interest, the Reserve has been recognised as Special Protection Area since 2004 and called ZPS IT2020303 “Valsolda.”
Today it is managed by the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Forestry Services (ERSAF).
Visits and Excursions
The Valsolda Regional Forest is a place where you can enjoy the freedom of exploration or join exciting guided hikes. The choice is yours! Here's how you can discover this natural treasure.
If you're an independent explorer, you can visit the Valsolda Regional Forest completely independently. The well-marked trails will lead you through the beauty of nature, offering you the opportunity to admire breathtaking landscapes, discover the local wildlife, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest.
Guided Excursions with Certified Experts
For an even more in-depth experience, you can join exciting guided excursions. Our guides and companions are certified and have in-depth knowledge of the area. They will be able to share detailed information about the local flora and fauna, as well as the area's unique geological features.
Discounted rates for groups and parties
If you'd like to explore the Valsolda Regional Forest with friends, family, or a group of nature enthusiasts, we offer discounted rates for groups. It's the perfect opportunity to share an unforgettable experience with others and deepen your understanding of this beautiful natural environment.
Whatever your choice, the Valsolda Regional Forest welcomes you with its fascinating trails, extraordinary flora and fauna, and pristine natural beauty. Get ready for an adventure you'll remember forever!
How to reach the Valsolda Regional Forest
The Valsolda Regional Reserve is located north of Lake Lugano, in the province of Como. By car, the easiest way to reach it is from Porlezza and follow the SS 340 "Statale Regina" state road. From there, continue towards Cressogno di Valsolda and pass through the hamlets of Loggio, Drano, and Puria until you reach Dasio, the main starting point for hikes. Those who prefer public transport can take the train to Lugano station (Switzerland) and continue on the Lugano-Menaggio bus line. Alternatively, those who wish to begin the hike at a lower altitude can start from the hamlet of Drano (470 m) and follow the signs for Rancò and Passo Stretto.
Rules of Conduct
The preservation and protection of this precious natural environment are essential. Before immersing yourself in the beauty of the Valsolda Regional Forest, we invite you to respect the following rules of conduct:
Throughout the Reserve
- Hunting and Fishing Ban —Hunting or fishing is strictly prohibited within the Reserve. The fauna and flora must remain intact.
- Grazing prohibited — The grazing of domestic animals is prohibited throughout the Reserve.
- No Motor Vehicles — Motor vehicles are not permitted inside the Reserve.
- No open fires — Lighting open fires is strictly prohibited. Prevent fires and environmental damage.
- Camping — Camping is prohibited. Respect the Reserve as a place of rest.
- Don't leave any litter
- Respect for Flora — Collecting, removing, or damaging wild flora is prohibited. Respect plants and ecosystems.
- No Material Collection —Do not remove fossil materials, minerals, or other natural objects. Maintain the environment undisturbed.
- Respect for Wildlife —It is forbidden to disturb, capture, or kill wild animals. Do not damage their nests, dens, or beds.
In the integral portion of the Reserve
- Restricted Access — Only crossing on foot along paths A and B is permitted. Leaving the trails is prohibited.
- Controlled Parking — Stop at Alpe Fiorina only in the designated area. Stay no longer than two hours. Keep disturbance to the wildlife to a minimum.
- No Mushroom and Fruit Picking —Mushroom picking is prohibited. Picking wild berries is prohibited.
Respecting these rules is essential to maintaining the pristine Valsolda Regional Reserve and protecting its precious flora and fauna. Enjoy your visit and contribute to the preservation of this extraordinary natural heritage.
Experiences
- Picnic area at Alpe Serte and Alpe Pessina
- Possibility of bivouac at Alpe Pessina (always open)
- The “Sentiero delle Quattro Valli” is a multi-day route that connects Valsolda, Val Rezzo, Val Cavargna and Val Sanagra, allowing you to fully explore this beautiful region.
- If you have a full day to spare, you can opt for a variant that takes you to the Bear Cave and through breathtaking scenery to Alpe Fiorina. This scenic adventure will offer you unique opportunities to observe the beauty of Valsolda from various perspectives.
Valsolda offers many hiking opportunities.
Landscapes and Trails
Flora and Fauna
