Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park

Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga Overview

Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, known in Italian as Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, is one of the largest and most ecologically diverse protected areas in Italy.

Spanning approximately 583 square miles (1,510 square kilometers), the park is located in central Italy, encompassing parts of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Marche regions. The park is named after its two main mountain ranges: the Gran Sasso d’Italia and the Monti della Laga, both of which contribute to the park’s dramatic and varied landscape.

The Gran Sasso massif is home to Corno Grande, which at 9,554 feet (2,912 meters) is the highest peak in the Apennine Mountains. This imposing mountain is composed of limestone and dolomite and is often blanketed in snow well into the warmer months.

Below Corno Grande lies the Calderone Glacier, the southernmost glacier in Europe, though it has been shrinking due to climate change. In contrast, the Monti della Laga range is characterized by a softer, more eroded landscape, covered in beech forests and traversed by numerous rivers and waterfalls.

Some of the park’s most scenic waterfalls, such as Cascata della Morricana, highlight the rugged beauty of this region. Meadows, plateaus, and karst formations add further depth to the park’s diverse topography.

The park’s flora is as rich as its landscapes, with an array of ecosystems supporting over 2,000 plant species. High-altitude meadows burst into color during the spring and summer months, showcasing rare alpine flowers such as the Apennine edelweiss and gentians.

The lower slopes and valleys are densely forested, primarily with beech, oak, and chestnut trees, while the vast plateaus, such as Campo Imperatore, are characterized by rolling grasslands.

Wildlife thrives in this protected area, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to the elusive Apennine wolf, a subspecies of the gray wolf, as well as the Marsican brown bear, though sightings of this rare species are infrequent.

Other notable mammals include the European wildcat, roe deer, and the Abruzzo chamois, a subspecies of chamois that was once on the brink of extinction but has seen population recovery due to conservation efforts. The park is also an important habitat for bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and the rare white-backed woodpecker.

Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park offers a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors. Hiking is the most popular way to explore the park, with well-marked trails leading to panoramic viewpoints, remote valleys, and high-altitude peaks. Campo Imperatore, often called “Little Tibet” for its vast, open landscape, is a favorite among hikers and photographers.

The park also provides opportunities for mountain biking, horseback riding, and, in winter, skiing in areas like the Campo Imperatore ski resort. Rock climbing and alpine mountaineering attract adventure seekers, particularly those looking to scale Corno Grande.

Conservation has been a central focus of the park’s management, with ongoing efforts to protect endangered species, restore habitats, and combat climate change’s impact on the glacier and biodiversity.

The park’s reforestation projects and wildlife monitoring programs have contributed to the successful recovery of several species. However, challenges remain, including habitat fragmentation, illegal hunting, and the increasing pressure of tourism.

Park Map

Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, located in central Italy, is one of the largest and most diverse protected areas in the country. This stunning park is home to rugged mountain peaks, vast grasslands, and deep forests, providing habitat for a variety of fascinating wildlife. Below are some of the most popular animal species found within the park.

Apennine Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata)
This rare subspecies of chamois is one of the park’s most iconic mammals. Characterized by its slender build, curved horns, and distinctive white face markings, the Apennine chamois is an agile climber, often seen navigating the steep rocky cliffs of Gran Sasso.

Marsican Brown Bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus)
Although critically endangered and rarely seen, the Marsican brown bear is one of the most important species in the park. This subspecies of brown bear is found only in central Italy and relies on the park’s dense forests for food and shelter.

Italian Wolf (Canis lupus italicus)
A top predator in the park, the Italian wolf plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance. These elusive and highly intelligent animals are known for their adaptability and often hunt in small packs, preying on deer and wild boar.

European Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
Resembling a large domestic cat, the European wildcat is a solitary and secretive species that thrives in the forests of Gran Sasso. It primarily preys on rodents and birds and is an important indicator of the park’s ecological health.

Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
One of the largest mammals in the park, the red deer is a common sight in the meadows and forests. Males, especially during the autumn rut, are known for their impressive antlers and loud, echoing calls.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Smaller than the red deer, the roe deer is an agile and fast-moving species found in the park’s woodlands. These graceful animals are most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on leaves, grasses, and shrubs.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
A highly adaptable species, wild boars are commonly found throughout the park. They are known for their strong, stocky build and foraging behavior, digging up roots, bulbs, and small animals in the undergrowth.

Appennine Hare (Lepus corsicanus)
This species of hare, native to Italy, is slightly larger than the common European hare. It is an important prey species for many of the park’s predators, including wolves and wildcats.

Eurasian Badger (Meles meles)
Badgers are nocturnal, burrowing mammals that play a key role in the ecosystem by aerating the soil. They are omnivorous and have a diet that includes insects, fruits, and small mammals.

Alpine Newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris)
This amphibian thrives in the park’s high-altitude ponds and wetlands. During the breeding season, males develop bright blue coloration, making them a fascinating sight in the water.

Birds

Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with a diverse range of avian species soaring above its mountain peaks and forests. Here are some of the most popular birds found in the park.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A symbol of the park’s wild nature, the golden eagle is a powerful raptor with a striking golden-brown plumage. It soars high above the mountains, scanning for prey such as hares and marmots.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl has striking orange eyes and powerful talons. It is a nocturnal predator that preys on mammals and birds.

Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus)
This agile and fast-flying falcon is often seen hunting over open landscapes. It has a sleek, streamlined body and is known for its impressive aerial speed and agility.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Renowned as the fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon can reach speeds of over 200 mph during its hunting dive. It nests on rocky cliffs and preys mainly on other birds.

Common Raven (Corvus corax)
These highly intelligent birds are known for their complex vocalizations and problem-solving skills. Ravens are often seen soaring above the mountains or scavenging for food.

Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca)
A characteristic bird of rocky slopes and grasslands, the rock partridge blends into its surroundings with its camouflaged plumage. It is known for its distinctive call.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
This large, ground-dwelling bird is a spectacular sight during the breeding season when males display elaborate courtship behaviors. It inhabits dense forests and feeds on berries and needles.

Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus)
Recognizable by its yellow beak and playful acrobatics in the sky, the Alpine chough thrives in high-altitude regions. It often follows climbers and hikers in search of food scraps.

European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Unlike other raptors, the European honey buzzard feeds mainly on wasps and bees, using its specialized beak to dig into nests. It is a migratory species that spends winters in Africa.

Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria)
This unique and elusive bird, with its striking red-and-black wings, is often seen clinging to sheer rock faces. It flits along cliff walls in search of insects.

Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park offers an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, from majestic predators to rare and elusive species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike.