• Active & Green
    • Mountains

A green week in Valtellina

from IN-LOMBARDIA.IT

Wide-open spaces, the smell of forests, breath-taking views, natural food, refreshing waterfalls and stunning peaks.

We are in Valtellina, a lush green valley at the heart of the Lombardy Alps. Easily accessible from major cities, the valley spans 120 km, from Lake Como to Passo Aprica: a location so inviting and boasting such diverse beauty, it is perfect for laid back exploring, even during warmer periods. Ideal for unwinding and living the good life for a weekend getaway or a more drawn-out touring holiday.  

A trekking, wellness and skiing paradise (with the skiing regions of Livigno and Bormio), Valtellina gets more days of sunshine than Pantelleria, while a good half of the area is a natural park or nature reserve. Such figures would suffice to elevate it to the status of much better known and more visited mountain resorts, which it is on par with both in terms of its landscape and its hospitality. 

Revealed to be a key feature of the 2026 Winter Olympics, in an effort to ensure the region's infrastructure avoids having an overly negative environmental impact, this micro-region of Lombardy has also recently helped boost mountain eco-tourism development, breathing life into a genuine green Renaissance in the area.   

Things to see in Valtellina
If you want to find out about the must-see places for a green getaway in Valtellina, follow our itinerary. Adrenaline-filled adventures await with suspended bridges, lush green cycle and walking trails, fairy-tale trains through the heart of the Alps, and medieval towers against a backdrop of azure skies.

1. Cycling the Valtellina Trail
We’re starting with the Valtellina Trail, a 114-kilometre cycle and walking path starting at Lake Como, following the Adda river across the valley floor and ending in Bormio. A full-blown family-friendly greenway featuring moderate gradients and well-signed cycle routes in both directions, making it easy to navigate on two wheels.

Read more
2. Bernina Express
For the second leg of our Alpine tour, we’re climbing aboard the Bernina Express: a spectacular adventure to experience at least once in your life, whether for one day or for an entire weekend. Considered one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world, the Bernina Express was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2018: a scenic ride that guarantees all-round panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, even more captivating in summer with open-air carriages overlooking the dramatic landscape of the Alps.

Read more
3. Highest Tibetan Bridge in Europe
No trip to the Valtellina wilderness can be complete without experiencing the heart-pounding Ponte del Cielo, or Sky Bridge: a high-altitude Tibetan bridge 140 metres high that broke the European record for highest bridge in Europe (of those without stabilising side cables). This daring project launched in 2016 was the brainchild of a group of mountaineers. Modelled on previous Austrian and Swiss builds, it was carried out by the Consorzio Pustarèsc with substantial manual and economic efforts as well as the firm resolve that this huge undertaking would ensure the Valtellina alpine valley would not be left to fend for itself.

Read more
4. Fraele Towers
The Torri di Fraele, or Fraele Towers, share their name with the mountain pass in which they are found (also known as the Passo delle Scale, or the Stairway Passage). Standing 1,930 metres above sea level, they can be seen from the road that goes from Bormio to Livigno. Dating back to the end of the 14th century, these two four-sided towers were built in 1391 at the height of the Viscount epoch and would have been part of a much larger fortress, since destroyed. Their dual purpose was to defend the Bormio territory from attacks from the north and to exercise control extending from Livigno to the Val Viola.

Read more

On the same topic

Show all

Under the ground, to discover the caves of Lombardy

On a trip to the caves of Lombardy
Under the ground, to discover the caves of Lombardy
  • Active & Green

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

SHADES OF FALL - WINE BIKE TOUR

  • Active & Green

Family walks to put a spring in your step

The transition from summer to autumn provides the ideal conditions for regenerating family moments along the scenic trails of Lombardy.
passeggiate_in_ Lombardia
  • Active & Green

The high route of Valmalenco - presentation

The high route of Valmalenco is a trekking of 8 stage, around 110 km.
  • Active & Green

On the wings of winter

In winter at the Parco del Mincio to spot flocks of migratory birds.
The Vallazza Natural Reserve
  • Active & Green

Ca' branchi walk - Somasassa - Caven - Tresenda

Somasassa
  • Active & Green

Bergamo Valle di Scalve, nature, peace and quiet

Bergamo Valle di Scalve, tra natura e tranquillità
  • Active & Green

Castelveccana

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

Markets in bloom, in May in Lombardy

A guide to the most beautiful and interesting events with flowers and plants in Lombardy, including markets, exhibitions, workshops, courses and competitions.
Mercati in fiore, a maggio in Lombardia - franciacortainfiore.it
  • Active & Green

Shades of fall - excursions to discover the foliage

  • Active & Green

In search of the king of mushrooms

Mushroom hunting in Lombardy. Three foolproof destinations for gathering the most delicious porcini mushrooms: Valtellina, Val Brembana, and Val d'Intelvi
Andar per funghi in Lombardia
  • Active & Green

Ski Touring in Valmalenco

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

Nature in Lombardy: five landscapes to die for

Bellagio (CO) - Villa Melzi d’Eril
  • Active & Green

A summer at the summit

Backpack and discover the best treks and outdoor activities #inLombardia
Trekking in Lombardy
  • Active & Green

Livignese Park

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

Coolcation and Adventures in Valtellina

Six outdoor experiences in the Valtellina Alps to get out in nature while you beat the summer heat.
Ph: I Mille
  • Active & Green

Motorcycle touring in Lombardy

Motorcycle routes, getting to know Lombardy with the thrill of two wheels
Motorcycle touring in Lombardy
  • Active & Green

Discovering Lombardy with Va' Sentiero along the Italy Trail

Admiring the view from Pizzo Scalino, Valtellina, Lombardy
  • Active & Green

Mounts San Primo and Palanzone

On the highest peaks of the Triangolo Lariano, visitors will enjoy a 360° view of the Alps and of the Po valley
Monte San Primo e il Palanzone
  • Active & Green