Consorzio per la promozione turistica della Valchiavenna

Stazione Ferroviaria Chiavenna
Piazza Caduti per la Libertà
23022 Chiavenna (SO)
consorzioturistico@valchiavenna.com

Trail Running Routes in Campodolcino

Valchiavenna

Campodolcino is a Trail Running Destination in Valchiavenna, a reference point for mountain running enthusiasts thanks to a network of certified routes classified by difficulty and immersed in the alpine landscapes of Valle Spluga.

Details

In the heart of Valle Spluga, Campodolcino offers an ideal environment for trail running, where alpine trails, varied elevation gains and natural surroundings provide excellent conditions for training and enjoying the mountains throughout the season. The route network has been designed to meet the needs of runners with different levels of experience, offering certified, signposted itineraries divided according to difficulty.

The routes are organised into four categories. Easy routes follow mixed terrain, with elevation gains of up to 300 metres and distances between 5 and 12 kilometres, making them suitable for beginners and active families. Intermediate routes mainly follow natural trails, with elevation gains between 300 and 700 metres and distances from 10 to 20 kilometres, designed for regular runners. Difficult routes feature more technical terrain, with elevation gains between 700 and 1,500 metres and distances ranging from 20 to 35 kilometres, aimed at experienced athletes. Finally, the extreme category includes high-altitude routes with more than 1,500 metres of elevation gain and distances exceeding 35 kilometres, dedicated to competitive runners and ultrarunners.

One of the defining features of Campodolcino Trail Running Destination is the variety of landscapes crossed by the routes. They allow runners to train on different types of terrain and elevation profiles, offering a complete experience from both a technical and scenic perspective.

The project was developed with the contribution of Francesco Puppi, one of the leading figures in international trail running, who helped design the routes by sharing his experience gained at the highest level of the discipline. It was on the trails of Campodolcino that Francesco Puppi prepared for some of his most important sporting achievements over the past year, confirming the technical quality of the area as an ideal destination for mountain running and training.

The village also represents a strategic training base thanks to its easily accessible location from the main cities of Northern Italy. Campodolcino is just a few hours from Lecco, Como and Milan, as well as Bergamo Airport, Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate, making it easy to organise training camps, sporting weekends and preparation periods.

The facilities available throughout Valchiavenna further enhance the destination for runners. In Chiavenna there is an athletics track, ideal for speed work and technical training, while the lower part of Valchiavenna offers a flat, paved cycle path that provides an excellent setting for running sessions, recovery runs and warm-ups.

Campodolcino Trail Running Destination therefore offers a structured and diverse network of routes that enhances the territory through a dedicated mountain running experience, welcoming runners of every level, from beginners to ultrarunners.

Infopoint
Consorzio Turistico Valchiavenna
Via Don Romeo Ballerini, 2
23021 Campodolcino (SO)
0343 50611
campodolcino@valtellina.it

Madesimo Wellness & Spa

Valchiavenna

Madesimo Wellness & Spa is the leading wellness centre in Valle Spluga, a space dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing where saunas, steam baths and wellness experiences allow guests to restore body and mind while surrounded by the Alpine scenery of Valchiavenna.

Details

Located in the centre of Madesimo, Madesimo Wellness & Spa offers an environment designed to help guests regain balance and wellbeing after a day on the ski slopes, hiking in the mountains or simply enjoying a relaxing break. The facility combines relaxation with the atmosphere of the Alps, offering a wellness experience in every season.

The wellness area includes a wide range of facilities, including:
– Finnish sauna
– Bio sauna
– Mediterranean bath
– Steam bath
– Ice room
– Emotional showers
– Cold Storm
– Cold Breeze
– Fire relaxation room
– Hay relaxation room
– Herbal tea room

Each area has been designed to provide a complete wellness experience by alternating warmth, freshness and moments of relaxation.

One of the centre’s most distinctive features is the variety of wellness experiences available throughout the year. In winter, they provide the ideal way to relax after a day on the ski slopes, while in summer they offer a pleasant opportunity to recover after hiking and outdoor activities in the mountains of Valle Spluga.

The centre also offers wellness treatments and, by reservation, traditional Thai massage, an oriental technique designed to promote relaxation, restore energy balance and improve muscle mobility.

Thanks to its central location in the village, Madesimo Wellness & Spa is easily accessible both for visitors staying in Madesimo and for those wishing to enjoy a few hours of relaxation during a holiday in Valchiavenna. Access to the wellness area is reserved for adults, while young people over the age of 14 may enter if accompanied.

Today, Madesimo Wellness & Spa is one of the main wellness destinations in Valchiavenna, offering an experience where relaxation, nature and the Alpine atmosphere come together in a setting dedicated to the wellbeing of body and mind.

Infopoint
Consorzio Turistico Valchiavenna
Via Don Romeo Ballerini, 2
23021 Campodolcino (SO)
0343 50611
campodolcino@valtellina.it

Carden of Valchiavenna: Ancient Stone Granaries of Alpine Tradition

Valchiavenna

Across the landscape of Valchiavenna, small rural buildings still tell the story of the deep relationship between people, the mountains and survival. The carden—ancient stone structures used to store hay, grain and food—are among the most authentic examples of Alpine farming culture, preserving the memory of a way of life shaped by the seasons and agricultural work.

Details

The carden of Valchiavenna are simple yet ingenious buildings, found mainly in rural hamlets and farming areas throughout the valley. Built primarily from stone and wood, they served as storage buildings for harvested crops, small agricultural warehouses and spaces for preserving food and the tools needed for everyday mountain life.

One of the most distinctive features of these structures is their construction technique. The carden were often built raised above ground level and rested on stone supports designed to protect their contents from dampness and prevent animals from reaching stored supplies. This simple yet highly effective solution was developed through the experience of Alpine communities and the need to preserve resources throughout the year.

Today, these buildings represent one of the most recognisable expressions of Valchiavenna’s traditional rural architecture. Set among meadows, pastures and small mountain villages, they help define the valley’s historic landscape, reflecting an economy based on self-sufficiency, mountain farming and the careful management of natural resources.

Observing the carden offers insight into a culture founded on manual labour, adaptability and deep knowledge of the local environment. Every architectural detail was created to meet practical needs: protecting harvested crops, taking advantage of natural ventilation and ensuring food preservation throughout the long Alpine winters.

Many carden can still be seen today in villages across Valchiavenna and Valle Spluga, standing as distinctive landmarks that highlight the connection between architecture, landscape and rural tradition. Some have been restored and preserved as historical heritage, helping to safeguard the cultural identity of Alpine communities.

The carden of Valchiavenna are far more than ancient rural buildings: they are enduring symbols of a mountain lifestyle based on harmony with nature, simplicity and the ability to transform everyday needs into culture and landscape.

Infopoint
Consorzio Turistico Valchiavenna
Via Don Romeo Ballerini, 2
23021 Campodolcino (SO)
0343 50611
campodolcino@valtellina.it

Church of San Guglielmo in Val San Giacomo: Sanctuary on the Via Spluga

Valchiavenna

Along the ancient Via Spluga, surrounded by the alpine landscape of Val San Giacomo, the Church of San Guglielmo is one of the most evocative spiritual and historical landmarks in Valchiavenna. Located in San Giacomo Filippo, the sanctuary stands beside the Liro stream in a peaceful natural setting where faith, art and the mountains have come together for centuries along one of the Alps' main crossing routes.

Details

The church is dedicated to Saint Guglielmo de Orenga, a hermit who lived in the 13th century and chose this secluded place to lead a life of prayer and poverty, living on what nature provided and on alms from travellers. For many years, the saint was mistakenly associated with the French House of Orange, but historical research later traced his origins to the de Orenga family from Menaggio, on Lake Como.

The sanctuary stands on the very site where the saint spent the final years of his life. A first chapel was consecrated in 1327, while the present church was built during the second decade of the 17th century and consecrated in 1637. Originally, the church was connected by a bridge over the Liro stream, which was destroyed by a flood in 1860; today, access is provided by a footbridge located a little further downstream. On the left side of the building stands the bell tower, built in 1737 at the foot of the Lepontine Alps.

The church interior consists of a single spacious nave and preserves numerous artworks dedicated to the devotion of Saint Guglielmo. One of its most significant features is the large wrought-iron gate dating back to 1642, which separates the nave from the presbytery and protects the saint’s relics beneath the main altar. The structure was crafted by the Casanova family of Chiavenna, an important local dynasty of ironworkers.

The sanctuary walls also preserve 17th-century frescoes and paintings depicting the life of Saint Guglielmo. Among them are works by Giovan Battista Macolino, a painter from the valley, who created the frescoes on the counter-façade and several scenes portraying episodes from the saint’s life and the popular devotion of Val San Giacomo.

Particularly striking is the side chapel, which houses a painting depicting Saint Guglielmo and Saint Charles Borromeo kneeling among plague victims while imploring the Virgin Mary. The artwork recalls the plague of 1629–1630, which also affected Valchiavenna and Valle Spluga, making it both a historical and religious testimony.

Next to the church is the cave where, according to tradition, the saint lived as a hermit and where his body remained until the 14th century. Today, this small rock-hewn space retains an especially peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, enriched by a soapstone statue of Saint Guglielmo created in 1784.

Today, the Church of San Guglielmo is one of the most important cultural and religious stops along the Via Spluga and throughout the Valle Spluga area. A place where history, sacred art and the alpine landscape continue to tell the story of the deep bond between spirituality and the mountains, surrounded by the silence and nature of Valchiavenna.

Infopoint
Consorzio Turistico Valchiavenna
Via Don Romeo Ballerini, 2
23021 Campodolcino (SO)
0343 50611
campodolcino@valtellina.it

Starleggia Potatoes: A Traditional Product of Valle Spluga

Valchiavenna

In the small Alpine village of Starleggia, in the upper Valle Spluga, potato cultivation remains a tradition deeply rooted in mountain life. At more than 1,500 metres above sea level, the harsh climate, terraced fields and manual labour produce a simple yet distinctive product that has become one of Valchiavenna's most authentic agricultural symbols.

Details

Starleggia, a hamlet of the municipality of Campodolcino overlooking Valle Spluga, has maintained a strong connection with high-altitude farming. In this demanding yet fertile Alpine environment, potato cultivation has been a fundamental resource for local families for centuries thanks to its ability to adapt to mountain climatic conditions.

Starleggia Potatoes are still grown today on small plots located along the sunny slopes surrounding the village. The high altitude, the temperature variation between day and night, and the quality of the soil give the potatoes highly appreciated characteristics: firm texture, rich flavour and excellent keeping qualities. One of their distinctive features is their characteristic red skin, which makes them easily recognisable, together with a delicate and distinctive flavour highly appreciated in the traditional cuisine of Valle Spluga.

Cultivation is often carried out using traditional methods and manual techniques, in an environment where mechanisation is limited by the nature of the terrain. As a result, every harvest reflects careful work closely tied to the seasonal rhythms of mountain life.

Starleggia Potatoes are used in many traditional Alpine dishes from Valle Spluga and Valchiavenna. Their versatility makes them suitable for both simple recipes rooted in local farming traditions and more contemporary interpretations offered by local restaurants and agritourism establishments.

Beyond their gastronomic value, these crops are also an important expression of Alpine agricultural culture. Continuing to cultivate potatoes at high altitude helps preserve the landscape, biodiversity and traditional farming practices that reflect the historic relationship between people and the mountains.

During summer and autumn, the Starleggia area also offers visitors the opportunity to discover an authentic Alpine environment of small rural settlements, pastures and panoramic trails, providing a closer look at life in high mountain communities.

Starleggia Potatoes tell the story of a mountain culture based on simplicity, work and tradition: a product that still preserves the genuine flavour of Valle Spluga and its farming heritage.

Infopoint
Consorzio Turistico Madesimo
Via alle Scuole 12
23024 Madesimo (SO)
0343 53015
info@madesimo.eu
Website

The Grapat of Valle Spluga: Master Distillers and Alpine Tradition

Valchiavenna

The Grapat of Val San Giacomo represent one of the most distinctive traditions of Valle Spluga. The term "Grapat" was used to identify the area's traditional grape pomace distillers, craftsmen whose work shaped the valley's economic and social history for more than two centuries.

Details

Distilling began as a seasonal occupation carried out during the winter months, when agricultural work came to a halt. Thanks to their expertise, many people from Val San Giacomo travelled from their mountain villages to Italy’s main wine-producing regions, where they applied their knowledge of grape pomace processing and grappa production.

Over time, the Grapat expanded their activity far beyond Valle Spluga, working throughout Lombardy, Piedmont, Valle d’Aosta, Veneto, Emilia and Tuscany. This seasonal migration helped spread a craft tradition passed down from generation to generation, becoming one of the defining elements of Val San Giacomo’s identity.

Today, the Grapat are considered an integral part of the valley’s cultural heritage. The Via Spluga and Val San Giacomo Museum (Mu.Vi.S.) dedicates a section to this ancient profession, illustrating the role of these distillers alongside the other traditional activities that shaped life in the Alpine communities.

The Valle Spluga Ecomuseum also contributes to preserving this memory through a project dedicated to the Grapat, promoting a tradition that reflects the close relationship between the territory, seasonal work and mountain culture.

Discovering the history of the Grapat means exploring one of Valle Spluga’s most authentic traditions: an ancient profession that bears witness to the ingenuity, adaptability and strong connection between Alpine communities and their land.

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Infopoint
Consorzio Turistico Valchiavenna
Via Don Romeo Ballerini, 2
23021 Campodolcino (SO)
0343 50611
campodolcino@valtellina.it

Mottala Lake in Campodolcino: Biodiversity and Alpine Nature

Valchiavenna

The lake located in Mottala, above Fraciscio in the municipality of Campodolcino, is one of the most distinctive natural environments in Valle Spluga. Here, water, forests and biodiversity come together to create a valuable ecosystem, now enhanced by walking paths, wooden boardwalks and areas dedicated to observing Alpine flora and fauna.

Details

In the heart of Valchiavenna, the lake has become an important example of environmental restoration and natural enhancement. Until the 1960s, the original body of water was still clearly remembered by local residents, who considered the area one of the most characteristic wetlands around Fraciscio and Gualdera.

Today, the site features an artificial lake surrounded by greenery, wooden boardwalks and trails that allow visitors to explore the area easily and comfortably. The route winds through meadows, forests and small wetlands, creating a peaceful atmosphere ideal for families, hikers and nature lovers.

One of the area’s most remarkable features is its rich biodiversity. During spring and summer, the lake and its shores become a natural habitat for numerous plant and animal species. Amphibians, salamanders, frogs, insects, butterflies and small Alpine animals thrive here thanks to the constant presence of water and wetland vegetation.

Flora also plays an important role. The area is home to plant species typical of humid mountain environments, as well as wild berries, blueberries, raspberries and mushrooms growing in the surrounding forests. Informational panels along the trail help visitors better understand the area’s natural features.

Mottala Lake is also part of a popular hiking area. Gualdera serves as an important starting point for trekking routes and walks towards Bondeno, Avero and other itineraries in Valle Spluga, allowing visitors to combine nature exploration with Alpine hiking.

From a landscape perspective, this environment offers a different side of Valchiavenna’s mountains. Rather than towering cliffs and high peaks, visitors find a more intimate landscape of water, silence and slow-paced nature. It is a place to experience the mountains at a gentler rhythm, immersed in an ecosystem that still preserves a remarkable natural balance.

Visiting Mottala Lake means discovering one of Valle Spluga’s most charming and lesser-known places, where biodiversity, Alpine scenery and nature trails come together to offer an authentic experience in close contact with nature.

Infopoint
Consorzio Turistico Valchiavenna
Via Don Romeo Ballerini, 2
23021 Campodolcino (SO)
0343 50611
campodolcino@valtellina.it

Carducci Trail in Madesimo: Nature, History and Alpine Scenery

Valchiavenna

The Carducci Trail is one of the most scenic routes in Madesimo and Valle Spluga, combining Alpine landscapes, literary heritage and the history of mountain tourism. Winding through forests, ancient mule tracks and panoramic viewpoints, the trail leads visitors to discover the places that inspired Giosuè Carducci during his summer stays, where nature and culture come together.

Details

In the heart of Valle Spluga, Madesimo still preserves a strong connection with the figure of Giosuè Carducci, who visited this Alpine destination several times between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It is from this historical connection that the Carducci Trail was created, offering a cultural and nature itinerary that retraces the places associated with the poet, immersed in one of Valchiavenna’s most fascinating mountain landscapes.

The route winds through conifer forests, Alpine meadows and ancient historic paths that once connected the villages of the valley. Along the way, visitors encounter panoramic viewpoints overlooking the mountains of Valle Spluga and landscapes that still preserve the Alpine charm admired by Carducci during his stays in Madesimo.

One of the trail’s most distinctive features is the relationship between landscape and cultural heritage. More than simply a nature walk, the itinerary is a journey through the history of Alpine tourism and the presence of intellectuals and artists who, between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, chose Madesimo as a holiday destination and a source of inspiration.

The trail also offers the opportunity to discover some of the quietest and most scenic corners of the area, alternating wooded sections with more open stretches offering views of Alpine peaks, mountain streams and the slopes that define the landscape of Valle Spluga. Along the route, visitors can experience the atmosphere of peace and contemplation that made these places especially dear to the poet.

From a hiking perspective, the Carducci Trail is an accessible route suitable for different types of visitors, ideal for those wishing to enjoy a slower experience immersed in Alpine nature and culture. It forms part of the network of walks and panoramic itineraries around Madesimo, allowing visitors to combine outdoor activities with discovering the local area.

Today, the Carducci Trail is one of Madesimo’s most representative itineraries, telling the story of the meeting between Alpine landscapes, cultural heritage and the tourism tradition of Valchiavenna. A route where nature, literature and memory come together along a path that invites visitors to slow down and experience the mountains from a different perspective.

Infopoint
Consorzio Turistico Valchiavenna
Via Don Romeo Ballerini, 2
23021 Campodolcino (SO)
0343 50611
campodolcino@valtellina.it

Madesimo Ice Rink: Hockey, Figure Skating and Fun on the Ice in Valle Spluga

Valchiavenna

In the heart of Valle Spluga, the Madesimo Ice Rink is one of the main destinations for ice sports in Valchiavenna. This modern indoor facility allows children, teenagers and adults to enjoy public skating, ice hockey, figure skating lessons and sporting events, all surrounded by the stunning alpine scenery of Madesimo.

Details

Located within the Madesimo Sports Centre, the ice rink becomes a true ICE Arena during the winter season, dedicated to both recreational activities and competitive sports. Built to international standards for ice hockey and figure skating, the facility features a modern covered rink designed to welcome families, beginners and athletes alike.

The Madesimo Sports Centre is designed to be enjoyed throughout the year. Alongside its winter activities, it also offers indoor spaces dedicated to sport, wellbeing and leisure during the summer months, providing facilities that can be used even in bad weather. The complex also includes a wellness area and a bar, making it an important meeting place for both residents and visitors in every season.

Here, ice skating is an experience open to everyone. During public skating sessions, adults and children can take their first steps on the ice or simply enjoy skating together. The ice rink also offers skate rental, facilities designed for children and the opportunity to join introductory lessons and dedicated figure skating courses.

Figure skating is one of the venue’s flagship activities. Throughout the year, the Madesimo Ice Rink hosts training camps, workshops and events involving both Italian and international athletes.

Skaters from several countries, together with leading Italian figure skating champions, train on the rink. Training sessions and ice shows allow visitors to enjoy impressive technical performances and spectacular choreographies, transforming the rink into a true alpine stage.

Alongside figure skating, the venue also hosts ice hockey activities. The facility is approved for official competitions and regularly welcomes matches, training sessions and sporting events involving youth teams and sports clubs. Hockey brings a completely different atmosphere to the ice, combining speed, skill and teamwork in a dynamic and exciting sport that is particularly impressive to watch live.

Throughout the winter season, the Madesimo Ice Rink hosts friendly matches, events and sporting competitions that bring the resort to life, even during the evening. The rink therefore becomes not only a sports venue but also a place for socialising and entertainment for both residents and tourists.

One of the most appreciated aspects of the Madesimo Ice Rink is its ability to combine sport and tourism. After a day spent skiing or exploring the snowy trails of Valle Spluga, the ice rink offers an alternative activity suitable for all ages, whether you want to relax with a skating session or enjoy the excitement of winter sports in a different way.

Skating in Madesimo means experiencing the ice in an authentic alpine setting, surrounded by mountains, snow and the unique atmosphere of high altitude. An experience that combines fun, sport and togetherness, making the Madesimo Ice Rink one of the symbols of winter in Valchiavenna.

Infopoint
Consorzio Turistico Madesimo
Via alle Scuole 12
23024 Madesimo (SO)
0343 53015
info@madesimo.eu
Website
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