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The Stelvio National Park was established in 1935. Initially, it covered only some 20.000 acres but today, after several expansions, it measures 334.000 acres and is the largest protected area in Europe. It stretches among Lombardy, South Tyrol and Trentino, on the border with Switzerland and not far from Austria. At the centre of the park, there’s the frozen pyramid of Ortles, which is 12.811-ft high and dominates Trafoi and Solda valleys. Rock carvings, such as those of Capo di Ponte and Grosio, are the tangible legacy of primordial populations in this very area.

Managed since 1995 by a consortium set up by the Ministry of the Environment, the Lombardy Region and the Autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano, the park borders the Swiss Engadine National Park, the Adamello Bresciano Natural Park and the Adamello-Brenta Park.

The altimetric variation that characterizes it, ranging from 1.968 to almost 13.123 ft above sea level, favours the presence of totally different habitats, including woods, agricultural areas, farmhouses, inhabited villages, mountain farms, and about 2000 floristic species.

FLORA

Coniferous forests prevail from 3.280 to 6.561 ft above sea level. Norway spruces (Picea abies) are the most widespread species, along with silver firs (Abies alba), especially in the Trentino area (Val di Rabbi).

Going upwards, larches (Larix decidua) and Swiss stone pines (Pinus cembra) take over, the latter especially in Val di Peio. There are also specific environments such as the peat bogs: wetlands full of highly specialized flora such as Drosera rotundifolia, Pinguicula alpina (small carnivorous plants, which can cope with the lack of nitrogen by capturing insects), and the rare Paludella squarrosa, a bryophyte with circumpolar-arctic distribution, found in the Alps only between Lombardy and Trentino.

Dwarf shrubs and alpine perennials can grow up to 8.530 ft, and mesmerize the visitors with their summer explosion of colours and scents (rhododendron, gentian, primrose, mountain arnica, etc.) In the most panoramic spots, there’s a lot of edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale) clinging to the rocks.

Over 9.186 ft, rocks, scree and perennial snow prevail, where only a few lichens can survive.

FAUNA

Among the animal species, there are deers, chamois, roe deers, marmots, ibex, stoats, squirrels, foxes, hares, badgers and weasels. Many birds nest in this area, such as rock ptarmigans, bearded vultures, rock partridges, red-billed choughs, jackdaws, common ravens, woodpeckers, black grouses, buzzards, hazel grouses, sparrow hawks, golden eagles and owls.

Visiting the park is strongly recommended between spring and autumn, when colours and scents blend together, while meadows and woods host a multitude of blooms.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)