Discover the most beautiful corners of the Alps, those that can only be reached on foot: views that only people who are willing to make an effort can admire. Experience the excitement of reaching the top of a peak, of breathing light and fresh air, of seeing chamois running through the meadows … Put on comfortable shoes and prepare the backpack: here are five recommended walking routes across the Alpine Pearls.
1.Tremis di Cermignon – France
This Pearl, at the border with Val di Susa is surrounded by the majestic mountain peaks of the Vanoise National Park with its glaciers. You can explore intact nature, walking along the approximately 350km of paths through the wilderness Maurienne Vanoise. An unforgettable round-trip through the entire region is the Grand Tour de Haute Maurienne. The route is divided into ten stages, each lasting from 4 to 8 hours walking, crossing the most beautiful corners, including alpine huts, clear pools and stone villages. Depending on your freetime (…and your fitness!), you can decide whether to follow it enterely or only along some of the stages.
2. Val di Funes – Italy
Here we are, in South Tyrol, in the heart of Puez-Odle National Park, surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Dolomites standing inbetween candid blue skies and fresh green lawns. Trekking routes through the valley are really a lot and of course, after the effort you can enjoy excellent traditional dishes in cozy alpine huts! I suggest an original idea if you are on vacation with your children. The Mineral Museum of Tiso has created some walking paths to explore the geological and botanical characteristic of the territory. One of these is the circular path to the pond called “Mesner Lake”. It starts from the central square of the village of Tiso, heading north, toward a small lake. A comfortable path, that can be easily followed by strollers and wheelchairs, goes around the pond. There are also many benches from which you can enjoy the sun, watching at dragonflies dancing and listening to the concert of frogs, while your children are playing all around. Some fragments of rocks tell the geological history of the area. You can decide to go back passing through the “Kårrner Waldele” playground and the hill of “Schelmbühl”.
3. Mallnitz – Austria
Take a walk through Hohe Tauern National Park, a real paradise for trekking lovers, with its three valleys, crossed by 200km of trails and walking paths even at high altitude. An interesting path is the “Roman trail”. It starts from Mallnitz and reaches Sportgastein following an ancient Roman road. Along the way you will also find references to the history of the place. Merge yourself with the nature of the Hohe Tauern and discover the consequences of climate change on the territory, including rocky moraines of ancient glaciers.
4. Arosa – Swiss
A walking holiday in Arosa is ideal for those seeking tranquility. The particular position differentiates this Swiss Pearl from other hiking areas in the surroundings. Between the village of Arosa and Weißhorn meet unique limestone cliffs. This unusual combination is ideal for life of over 900 species of flowers, ferns, mosses and mushrooms. 200 km of walking and hiking trails are waiting for you to enjoy the unique spectacle of nature. Get an hiking map and start your journey through beautiful forests, with crystal clear alpine lakes or pointing up into the peaks of 3000 meters. Arosa expect you with hiking tours for all tastes!
5. Ceresole Reale – Italy
Let us move to Piedmont, in the Gran Paradiso National Park, between glaciers, cliffs and mountain peaks. Start your walk from Ceresole and hike through the park: this is one of the stages of the Grand Tour of Piedmont, an hiking trail through the Alps, from the Tanaro Valley to Lake Maggiore! Here is an interesting route from Ceresole (1584m), to Lake Dres (2087m) in 3 hours, following an easy path! The trail starts from the paved road along the south side of Lake Ceresole, in near of Villa Poma. The wide path, after about ten minutes forks, from one side to the Passo della Crocetta, the other towards Lake Dres and Refuge Leonesi. After passing the main stream, the trail winds within one of the most interesting coniferous forests of the Park, including larches, firs and stone pine. It continues in a picturesque expanse of pastures in the presence of the Eastern Levanna and you will reach the glacial basin filled by the lake, near which you can spot the common frog, the species that lays its eggs in mountain lakes above 2500 m quote!
Cover image: max guitare via Flickr
