Le belle montagne d'italia

Sentiero degli Dei, or “God’s Trail,” on the Amalfi coast

Imagine yourself on a mountain top with breathtaking views as far as the eye can see. With the sounds of a running river and the smell of the crisp mountain air, one might gain a sense of freedom and a connection with Mother Earth when totally immersed in true wilderness. All over the Italian peninsula some of the most beautiful and majestic mountains in the world can be found. Whether in the Alps, the Apennines, or the Dolomites, a hiking excursion in Italy is sure to be one of the most spiritual and transcendental experiences a nature enthusiast can have.

Walking in Italy is perhaps the best way to see the country, by getting off the beaten path and away from the chaos of the cities. One of the best aspects about trekking across Italy is the fact that the majority of the country’s parks, mountain ranges, and nature reserves contain seemingly endless trails and hiking paths that can be found almost anywhere. Depending on the type of adventure you are looking for, these trails include anything from strenuous hikes in the mountain regions to leisurely strolls throughout the countryside. No matter what type of physical shape you may be in, there is guaranteed to be a journey that is just right for experiencing some of the most beautiful landscapes the European continent has to offer.

Pictured above are the Brenta Mountains in the Dolomite mountain range, located in North Eastern Italy. These mountains have some of the best hiking in the country and are easily reachable from Venice, Verona, and Milan. They also contain wheel-chair accessible paths and routes with iron cables so people of all abilities may enjoy the gorgeous scenery. There are many day hike options as well as long backpacking excursions in which people can call the wilderness home for an extended period of time. The Bocca di Brenta pass is one of the most popular hikes that can be done in a single day, or multiple nights out on the trail. For overnight hikes, you must book a rifugio (refuge), which is best to do in advance. Popular trails such as these often get crowded so to experience more solidarity it is best to go between mid-June and early October.

Italy is also famous for its beautiful lakes, such as Lago di Garda, pictured above. Located in Northern Italy, about half way in between Venice and Milan, this pristine body of water attracts thousands of visitors each year. Surrounded by mountains and formed by glaciers at the end of the last ice age, it is a popular vacation destination for people all over Europe. Hikers are also attracted to this region because of the stunning views from mountains such as Monte Baldo, which is the highest around the lake, and makes up most of its Eastern side. It has a peak of just over 2,000 meters which can be reached by funivia from Malcesine (although the true nature lovers will surely benefit from hiking to the top themselves!) Whichever road you decide to take, it is a guarantee that you will have a truly unforgettable and spiritual experience in le belle montagne d'italia.

Photos and information are credited to the following sites:

The Walks of Italy Blog: "Hiking in Italy-Beyond the Cinque Terre"

The Walks of Italy Blog: "Lake Como or Lake Garda: Choosing an Italian Lake"

Zainoo: "Lake Garda and Monte Baldo"

by  Courtney Brooks, Andrew Oughton, and Victoria George