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Stelvio Overview

Stelvio National Park, or Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, is Italy’s largest national park, covering approximately 1,474 square kilometers (569 square miles).

Established in 1935, the park is located in the northern part of the country, spanning the regions of Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige. It lies in the heart of the Central Alps, bordering the Swiss National Park to the north and the Adamello-Brenta and Adamello Regional Parks to the south.

Dominated by the Ortler-Cevedale mountain range, Stelvio National Park is characterized by its rugged alpine landscapes, extensive glaciers, and lush valleys, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The park’s terrain is defined by dramatic peaks, with Ortler standing as its highest mountain at 3,905 meters (12,812 feet). Glaciers such as Forni and Cedec shape the valleys, providing breathtaking views and feeding the region’s rivers and waterfalls. In the lower elevations, forests of larch, spruce, and Swiss stone pine blanket the landscape, giving way to alpine meadows filled with colorful wildflowers in the summer months.

Steep ravines, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls, such as those in the Val di Rabbi, add to the park’s diverse and picturesque scenery. In the fall, the forests take on a golden hue, creating an unforgettable spectacle against the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks.

Stelvio National Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, making it an important refuge for many alpine species. The park’s large mammals include the majestic red deer, roe deer, and chamois, while the elusive Alpine ibex can be spotted on rocky cliffs. Predators such as the Eurasian lynx and red fox roam the park, while golden eagles soar high above the mountains.

The park is also home to numerous bird species, including black grouse, ptarmigan, and the impressive bearded vulture, which has been successfully reintroduced after decades of absence. Marmots are commonly seen scurrying across meadows, adding to the park’s vibrant ecosystem.

One of the park’s most famous attractions is the Stelvio Pass, one of the highest paved mountain passes in Europe at 2,757 meters (9,045 feet). The pass, known for its tight switchbacks and breathtaking vistas, is a favorite among cyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers.

Visitors can explore the park through an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that wind through forests, across alpine meadows, and up to panoramic viewpoints. In winter, the park transforms into a paradise for skiers and snowshoers, offering access to pristine slopes and frozen landscapes. Educational centers and guided excursions provide visitors with insight into the park’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Stelvio National Park faces conservation challenges, including climate change, which is causing glacial retreat and shifts in the region’s ecosystems. Efforts have been made to protect and restore habitats, ensuring the survival of key species and maintaining the park’s ecological balance.

Sustainable tourism initiatives and environmental education programs help raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique alpine environment. The park remains a crucial sanctuary for wildlife and an extraordinary destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty in the heart of the Italian Alps.

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Park Map
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Stelvio National Park Highlights

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Stelvio National Park, located in the Italian Alps, is one of the largest protected areas in Europe, home to a diverse range of wildlife adapted to the rugged mountainous environment. The park provides a sanctuary for many species, from large mammals to smaller alpine creatures, each thriving in the varied elevations and ecosystems.

Alpine Ibex
A symbol of the Alps, the Alpine ibex is a wild goat with impressive curved horns that can reach up to a meter in length. These agile climbers inhabit rocky slopes and steep cliffs, using their strong hooves to navigate the rugged terrain.

Chamois
The chamois is a goat-antelope species that thrives in the alpine meadows and forested areas of the park. Known for its remarkable agility, it can easily traverse steep inclines while foraging for grass, leaves, and shoots.

Eurasian Lynx
A secretive predator, the Eurasian lynx is a rare but vital part of the park’s ecosystem. It preys on deer and other small mammals, playing a crucial role in maintaining balance within the local food chain. Its tufted ears and spotted coat help it blend into its surroundings.

Red Deer
One of the largest deer species in Europe, the red deer is commonly found in the park’s lower valleys and dense forests. Males, or stags, are known for their striking antlers, which they use in competitive displays during the autumn rutting season.

Roe Deer
Smaller than the red deer, the roe deer is a shy and agile species often seen darting through the forests and grasslands. They have a reddish-brown coat in summer that turns grayish in winter, helping them blend into the landscape.

Brown Bear
Once nearly extinct in the region, the brown bear has been making a gradual return to the Italian Alps. These powerful omnivores roam vast territories and feed on berries, roots, insects, and occasionally small mammals.

Wolf
A resilient predator, the wolf has been recolonizing parts of northern Italy, including Stelvio National Park. As a top carnivore, it helps control herbivore populations and maintain ecological balance.

Marmot
A common sight in alpine meadows, the marmot is a large ground squirrel that hibernates for much of the year. These social animals are known for their whistling calls, which they use to warn their colony of approaching predators.

Snow Vole
This small rodent is well adapted to life in high-altitude environments. It burrows under rocks and snow for protection from predators and harsh winter conditions.

Stoat
Also known as the ermine in its white winter coat, the stoat is a fierce little predator that preys on rodents, birds, and even rabbits. It is known for its agility and speed, making it a skilled hunter.

Birds

The high-altitude landscapes, dense forests, and open meadows of Stelvio National Park provide excellent habitats for a variety of bird species. From majestic raptors to elusive alpine birds, the park is a haven for birdwatchers.

Golden Eagle
One of the most iconic birds of prey in the Alps, the golden eagle soars over the park’s valleys and cliffs in search of hares, marmots, and other small mammals. With its impressive wingspan, it is a dominant predator of the skies.

Bearded Vulture
Also known as the lammergeier, the bearded vulture is a rare and fascinating bird that primarily feeds on bones. It has a striking appearance with dark wings and a reddish-orange body, achieved by rubbing iron-rich soil into its feathers.

Peregrine Falcon
The fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon is often seen diving at incredible speeds to capture its prey. It nests on cliffs and rocky outcrops throughout the park.

Common Raven
A highly intelligent and adaptable bird, the common raven thrives in a range of environments within the park. Its deep, croaking call and playful aerial acrobatics make it a fascinating sight.

Black Woodpecker
This large woodpecker is easily recognized by its entirely black plumage and bright red crown. It can be heard drumming on tree trunks as it searches for insects beneath the bark.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl
One of the smallest owls in Europe, the Eurasian pygmy owl is a fierce hunter despite its size. It preys on small birds and rodents, often hunting during the daytime.

Wallcreeper
A striking bird with crimson-red wings, the wallcreeper is often seen clinging to vertical rock faces as it hunts for insects in the cracks of cliffs and boulders.

Alpine Chough
This sociable crow-like bird is easily recognizable by its yellow beak and acrobatic flight patterns. It is often seen in large flocks around high-altitude areas, scavenging for food.

Rock Ptarmigan
Well adapted to alpine environments, the rock ptarmigan changes its plumage to blend with its surroundings—white in winter and mottled brown in summer. It is often found in rocky, snow-covered areas.

White-winged Snowfinch
A true alpine specialist, the white-winged snowfinch is commonly found at high elevations, where it feeds on seeds and insects. Its ability to thrive in harsh conditions makes it a remarkable species of the park.

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