Valdidentro: The land of a thousand faces

Multifaceted, that’s Valdidentro. From the Cancano lakes to the Bagni Nuovi and Bagni Vecchi thermal spas; the dog sledding track to the Fraele Towers. There’s so much to see and do here

Cima Piazzi, with its glacier and year round snow; the medieval Fraele Towers; the thermal waters of the Bagni Nuovi and Bagni Vecchi; the splendid Church of St. Martin and St. Urban in Pedenosso: All this is Validentro, and much more.

Here, nature really gives its all. The lakes at Cancano, with their two dams, are spectacular, you can walk or cycle around them. The road to reach them is known as the ‘mini Stelvio’ thanks to its many bends; it even featured in the Giro d’Italia. Val Viola is an enchanting valley to explore, be it on foot or by bike in the summertime or with snowshoes in winter. And then there’s Val Lia, Val Verva...in short there’s something for everyone.

Winter is all about skiing, be it cross-country on the Viola trail, or the 25kms of slopes in a ski area suitable for all the family that links Cima Piazzi to San Colombano Valdisotto.

And then there are the other activities that you can only find in Validentro: At Arnoga you can drive your own husky-drawn sled in winter, or go husky trekking in the summer. At Isolaccia the biathlon centre is a popular attraction, especially for professional athletes. For kids, fun is guaranteed in summer and winter on the family bob, a bobsled on rails through the forest.

The historical and cultural heritage of Valdidentro is remarkable, with churches, chapels and mountain huts scattered across the entire area. There is even a cultural centre in the form of the Ferriera Corneliani, that hosts exhibitions and conferences as well as being an excellent example of 19th century industrial architecture.

Hiking and mountain biking at Cancano

The pearls of the park, the lakes at Cancano are one of the most spectacular locations in the Stelvio National Park. There’s breathtaking scenery and lots of routes for hiking and mountain biking.

The Cancano lakes are two artificial reservoirs located at around 1,950m above sea level in the Valle di Fraele and not far from Bormio. If you are looking for a high-altitude paradise, look no further. Lake Cancano and Lake San Giacomo di Fraele are two vast, astoundingly beautiful stretches of deep turquoise water that extend through the entire length of the valley.

The lake loop is a largely flat, unpaved route around 25kms in length. Along the way there are picnic and barbecue areas, as well as meadows where you can rest and sunbathe.

Numerous hiking routes start from the Valle di Fraele. From the first lake, following the hiking trail towards Val Forcola you can reach the Stelvio Pass. Or from Lake San Giacomo you can reach the source of the River Adda, Val Alpisella and further along, Livigno.

Want to head over the border into Switzerland? From Lake San Giacomo follow the signs for Val di Campo.

The lakes are easily reached by car from Bormio, taking the winding, panoramic road that leads to the historic Fraele Towers. These towers were once military outposts, now they are our observatories, with 360° views over the Magnificent Land.

Cancano by bike, on the trail of the Giro d’Italia

You can also arrive at Cancano by bike. Cars must pay a toll so there is little traffic on the road. Ideal for cyclists!

Did you know that the road to Cancano featured as the final stretch of one of the stages of the 2020 Giro d’Italia?

Speaking of bikes, at the beginning of Valle di Fraele a bike rental shop had recently opened - Rent a Bike Cancano. They will help you to choose the most suitable bike for your ability and can also provide any necessary child-carrying equipment.

Everything you need for an unforgettable day.