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.