Agriturismo Olmo
Sondrio - Via Ponchiera 500
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Valtellina is an Alpine region in Lombardy that stretches from the Swiss canton of Graubünden to Lake Como and sits nestled between the Western Rhaetian Alps and the Bergamo Alps. A welcoming land steeped in ancient traditions, Valtellina is the ideal destination for those who love experiencing the mountains throughout the year. This territory, however, also boasts a rich historical, artistic and architectural heritage comprising churches, palaces and castles that bear witness to its illustrious past as a crossroads for Europe.
Today, Valtellina is a highly coveted destination in winter thanks to its magnificent ski resorts, but equally appealing in summer when it becomes the ideal base for those who love outdoor activities. This valley is considered a genuine “open-air gymnasium” since it offers various activities to satisfy all visitors. Pristine natural landscapes accompany peaks reaching four thousand metres and tiny villages with ancient histories. In winter, approximately 400 km of alpine ski slopes and over 200 km of cross-country ski trails attract numerous winter sports enthusiasts, while in summer it’s the perfect destination for both those seeking historical and naturalistic trails and keen cyclists and mountain bikers.
Over half of the Valtellina territory is occupied by parks and nature reserves. In particular, the Lombardy sector of the Stelvio National Park, the largest in the Alpine arc, and the Orobie Valtellinesi Regional Park are located here. In addition to these, there are seven nature reserves: Val di Mello Nature Reserve, Postalesio Pyramids, Bosco dei Bordighi, Paluaccio di Oga, Pian di Gembro in Aprica, Pian di Spagna and the Giants’ Kettles Park in Valchiavenna. Alongside the natural and cultural heritage, we cannot overlook the gastronomic and wine traditions. This territory is rich in producers and livestock farmers who allow us to discover excellent local products such as bresaola, typical cheeses (Bitto, Casera), pizzoccheri and apples.
Stretching for over 200 km in length, Valtellina encompasses a truly expansive and diverse landscape. This territory is famous for its important ski resorts, thermal centres and numerous mountain villages that have managed to preserve their historic character.
The main town in the area is Sondrio, accompanied by other important destinations such as Tirano, Morbegno, Teglio, Sondalo, Bormio and Livigno. The latter two towns, in particular, are well-known tourist destinations. Specifically, Livigno has the advantage of being a free port and an important ski resort, whilst Bormio is renowned for its thermal waters.
With its 130,700 hectares, the Stelvio National Park is the largest in the Alpine arc and its territory spans the regions of Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige. Founded on 24 April 1935, Stelvio is also one of Italy’s oldest parks. Most of its territory lies above 2,000 metres and reaches its highest point at 3,905 metres on the Ortles peak. Twenty-three municipalities are part of the park, of which ten belong to Lombardy and thirteen to the provinces of Trento and Bolzano.
In total the park boasts 1,500 km of trails that allow you to venture into the territory’s flora and fauna. In the Lombardy sector in particular, there are vast forests of conifers at lower altitudes and, as you climb higher, alpine meadows, scree slopes, snowfields and glaciers. The park also safeguards numerous sites that were theatres of First World War battles and offers several routes exploring events of the so-called “White War”. In terms of wildlife, the territory is home to foxes, ermine and marmots, as well as deer, roe deer, chamois and ibex.
The Orobie Valtellinesi Park extends across the northern slopes of the Orobie Alps, straddling the provinces of Sondrio, Lecco, Bergamo and Brescia. Covering approximately 50 square kilometres, the park encompasses fourteen valleys and its primary aim is to protect the considerable biodiversity present. At lower altitudes you’ll find forests of conifers and broadleaf trees, while higher up are alpine meadows, scree slopes and small snow-filled valleys.
The symbol of the Orobie Valtellinesi Park is the capercaillie, which still finds suitable breeding sites here. Walking along the trails you may also encounter roe deer, chamois and ibex. The well-preserved coniferous forests are chosen as habitat by the black woodpecker, owls and pine marten. The park is also home to the production of various traditional products such as Bitto cheese, made from the milk of brown alpine cattle, and ricotta known as maschèrpa. To these add high mountain honey, produced above one thousand metres in altitude.
Sondrio is a charming town in Valtellina that can be comfortably explored on foot and houses an exceptional architectural heritage. The heart of the town is Piazza Garibaldi, which besides the Garibaldi statue also hosts historic buildings such as the Teatro Sociale, Casa Lambertenghi and Palazzo Martinengo.
To step back in time, head towards Via dei Scarpatetti, where you can admire characteristic rural houses with their flowery wooden balconies. To gain a deeper understanding of this territory’s history, you cannot miss a visit to Castel Masegra, a fortress in a commanding position overlooking the town that houses the CAST museum (Castle of Mountain Stories) inside.
Chiavenna is the ideal destination for those who enjoy slow tourism and contact with nature. The town, which has also received the Touring Club’s Orange Flag award, boasts a beautiful historic centre characterised by artisan shops, ancient palaces and suggestive corners. Don’t miss a visit to the splendid Mulino Moro di Bottonera, which stands along the course of the Mera river, in a quarter that once hosted Chiavenna’s artisan activities. Also worth sampling are the numerous local products, perhaps inside a “crotto” – ancient natural caves once used to store food and now converted into wine cellars and restaurants.
Morbegno is one of the main towns in Lower Valtellina and is famous for the production of “Bitto” cheese, which is made in the valleys surrounding the town. Its completely pedestrianised historic centre is ideal for enjoying a pleasant stroll and tasting excellent Valtellina wines.
Don’t miss a visit to Palazzo Malacrida, which has been described several times as “the most beautiful Venetian palace outside Venice“. Built in the 18th century by the Malacrida, a noble family of Lariano origin, the residence is famous for its marvellous painted frescoes. A short distance from Morbegno you’ll find the “Costiera dei Cech”, an area rich in terraced vineyards characteristic of Valtellina with numerous villages boasting ancient histories.
Located on the border with Switzerland, Tirano is famous for being the terminus of the Bernina Red Train, judged a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its historic centre is enclosed within 15th-century walls and features buildings of great merit. A must-visit is the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of Tirano, built by the faithful at the site of the Madonna’s appearance in 1504. Your tour of the town continues with its various noble palaces such as Palazzo Salis and Palazzo d’Oro Lambertenghi.
Bormio is an elegant town situated at 1,225 metres altitude, known since ancient Roman times for its thermal springs. Surrounded by pristine nature, this resort is now the perfect destination for those seeking a holiday combining nature, sport and relaxation. Besides its thermal centres, the town boasts a picturesque historic centre with its heart in Piazza Cavour, where you’ll find the Kuerc, the place where justice was once administered.
The town is also an established tourist destination both in summer and winter. Bormio boasts approximately 50 km of ski slopes, the Palaghiaccio Braulio (for short track, figure skating and ice hockey) and a curling stadium. In summer, it’s the perfect destination for a nature-based holiday, whether you enjoy hiking or cycling.
Also known as the “Little Tibet”, Livigno is a town surrounded by wonderful natural landscapes. Known as the “Pearl of Valtellina”, the town sits at 1,816 metres altitude and is a tourist resort that attracts visitors both in winter and summer.
In winter, with its 115 km of slopes, the town is one of Lombardy’s best-equipped ski destinations with modern facilities and numerous services attracting not only skiers but also snowboarders, cross-country skiers and telemark enthusiasts.
In summer, the Livigno plateau becomes the ideal destination for organising walks, trekking and excursions immersed in nature. Don’t forget that the town is also perfect for shopping lovers since duty-free shopping is available.
Valtellina offers numerous hiking routes to explore on foot or by mountain bike, as well as gastronomic, historical and religious itineraries. Some trails are easy and suitable for those less experienced or families with children, whilst others are multi-day routes that touch various mountain huts and some of the Alps’ most spectacular peaks.
Those wishing to take an educational-nature trail can visit the Eco-Faunistic Observatory at Aprica. The observatory develops over an area of approximately 25 hectares where you can observe animals characteristic of the Orobie Valtellinesi Regional Park. This is certainly an excursion suited to everyone but particularly to children.
The most famous hiking route in the Orobie Valtellinesi Park is undoubtedly the Gran Via delle Orobie, which with its 130 km at an average altitude of 1,800 metres, connects Delebio to Aprica. Those more experienced can attempt the Alta Via della Valmalenco, an eight-stage route totalling 110 km overall. The itinerary crosses the entire Valmalenco mountain chain, passing through the Disgrazia, Bernina and Scalino groups. Finally, Valtellina is also crossed by the Sentiero Italia, one of the world’s longest trekking routes, which traverses the Apennines and the Alps.
For a gastronomically-themed route, the Via dei Terrazzamenti is recommended, which traverses the terraced vineyards and villages of Valtellina. If you wish to spend days exploring history and nature, there are numerous trails that retrace areas that were theatres of the First World War between the Stelvio Pass and the Ablès Pass in Valfurva.
Valtellina is an area offering a wide choice of accommodation including hotels, bed & breakfasts and campsites. For a stay focused on tranquillity, you can lodge in small villages such as Chiavenna, Morbegno or Tirano. If you’re looking for a larger town, there’s Sondrio, the main centre of the area located in the heart of the valley and certainly an excellent base for exploring these territories.
In winter, Bormio, Livigno, Valfurva, Aprica and Madesimo are some of the most sought-after ski resorts as they offer kilometres of slopes and excellent facilities. These same towns are also perfect summer destinations where you can go hiking and trekking in the green countryside. Bormio is also the ideal choice for those seeking a relaxing holiday as it’s an important thermal centre, whilst Livigno appeals to shopping enthusiasts.
There are numerous structures in these resorts and of various types, but we recommend booking your stay in advance to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
To reach Valtellina, driving is undoubtedly your best option. The route you take will depend on your final destination. The SS38 Stelvio Pass road is the main artery in the area, connecting Valtellina with Val Venosta via the Stelvio Pass. The SS38 begins at Piantedo, a small town in lower Valtellina, and passes through several villages (including Sondrio) before reaching Bormio. If you’re heading to Sondrio from Milan, you can take the SS36 Como and Spluga lake road first, then the SS38 Stelvio road until the Sondrio exit. From Trento, take the SS42 initially, then continue on the SS38.
Another major route is the SS36 Como and Spluga lake road, which connects Milan to the Swiss border via the Spluga Pass. The SS36 therefore links Lombardy’s capital with Valchiavenna, passing through towns such as Chiavenna, Campodolcino and Madesimo. The main railway stations are located in Sondrio, Tirano and Chiavenna.
Valtellina is an Alpine valley in Lombardy within the Province of Sondrio, stretching roughly 200 km from west to east between Lake Como and the Aprica Pass. The valley is nestled between the Grisons canton (Switzerland), the Orobian Prealps and the peaks of the Ortles-Cevedale massif.
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