Discover nature activities

Tour of Monte Grappa Mountain Huts | Monte Grappa and the Great War | A Treasure Chest of Biodiversity | Cima Grappa | Borso del Grappa | Monfumo | Pederobba | Astego vegetation garden in Pieve del Grappa | San Zenone degli Ezzelini

Towards the top of Monte Grappa, the woods give way to pastures managed by about twenty “malghe”, traditional mountain farms.
The first transhumance takes place in May: the cows leave the stables in the valley and arrive in the mountains. They usually stay there until October. During this period, typical cheeses such as Morlacco and Bastardo are produced, and catering and hospitality services are offered to tourists.
The malghe are easily accessible and are an ideal starting point for excursions.

In the collective memory, this mountain is linked to the events of the Two World Wars. In particular, during the First World War, after the defeat at Caporetto, the peak became one of the central points of the Italian defence and remained impregnable until the final victory in October 1918.

The particular geographical position on the border between the Alps and the Po Valley and the peculiar geological conformation make Monte Grappa a true treasure chest of biodiversity. The flora counts more than 1300 species, with a unique mix of Mediterranean, Alpine and boreal species. It is not uncommon to meet roe deer and chamois along the mountain paths, and if you look up in the sky, you can see the queen of the mountains: the golden eagle.
In 2021 Monte Grappa was officially recognized as a UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve.

Near Cima Grappa stands the monumental Military Shrine. Built between 1932 and 1935, it pays homage to all the fallen soldiers from both sides of the war, the Italians and the Austro-Hungarians. Around 23,000 soldiers are buried on the summit of Monte Grappa. A place of silence and reflection, the many visitors walk through its levels in search of a very special tomb, that of soldier Peter Pan. The small chapel of Madonnina del Grappa is well worth a visit.
Not far from the sanctuary is the Historical Museum of the Great War, which collects documents, photos and videos to help visitors understand this important page of European history.
Next to the museum is the entrance to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, a masterpiece of military engineering: the work is 5 kilometres long and divided into various tunnels and underground passages.

The capital of free flying

Monte Grappa has been one of Europe’s top free flying destinations for over 30 years.
The area’s got constant thermal currents and almost no strong winds, which makes it great for beginners and experienced flyers, and you can take off around 300 days a year.
You can also organize XC flights, tandem flights and attend intro flying courses.
And for those who like a more relaxed vibe, there are loads of national and international competitions held here.
For information: www.vivereilgrappa.it

Nestled among the foothills, Monfumo is close to the old town of Asolo and the Grappa Massif, in a unique and evocative landscape that is ideal for walks and excursions throughout the year. No less interesting is the historical aspect of the town, with its churches: the church of Monfumo, built on the hill where the Maltraversi castle once stood, and the 18th century church of Castelli. One of the most popular nature trails is the one that leads to the old lignite mine, which is still in an unspoilt area and allows you to walk along a path of rare beauty, with several panoramic viewpoints. In this village in the province of Treviso, land of Prosecco wine and ancient apples, nature, history and a simple and genuine culinary tradition are perfectly combined.

Garzaia

There are several footpaths, about 6 kilometres long, which wind through an area between Pederobba and Fener, bordered by two watercourses: the Piave River and the Fontane di San Giacomo, a spring that also flows into the Piave.
The ease of this walk makes Garzaia di Pederobba an area accessible to everyone, from the competitive walker to the family wishing to spend a Sunday in the countryside (even with prams and strollers), in a magical place between Grappa and Piave.
For information: www.liputrevigiana.it

The Astego Vegetation Garden, located at the foot of Monte Grappa, is an interesting and unusual educational garden. It is divided into different levels and each step reproduces one of the natural environments that we find between the Grappa summit and the plain: a stream, a bird hunting post, a sensory path, a labyrinth and a balancing course between poles and ropes where you have to walk without putting your feet on the ground. There are many activities that you can take part in all year round, such as guided tours with expert guides.
For information: www.salvatica.it

Nella terra degli Ezzelini

Cradle of the Da Romano family, also known as the “Ezzelini”, a powerful medieval family linked to Emperor Frederick II, San Zenone preserves the bell tower of that period, rebuilt in 1800 with some of the stones of the original castle. Every year, a beautiful re-enactment of the siege of the ancient village in 1260 is organized to celebrate this illustrious historical note. The event offers a glimpse of medieval life thanks to a craft market and military encampments, historical processions, flag-wavers, knights and ladies. Here you can visit the Antica Pieve Multimedia Museum, which is open at weekends and also allows a visit to the tower.

TIPS AND FUN FACTS FOR YOUR VISIT TO SAN ZENONE DEGLI EZZELINI

San Daniele Oasis

This oasis is a fragile environment, rich in biodiversity, which has been identified as an area for environmental protection and education. It is managed by an active group of volunteers, united in the “Oasi San Daniele” Association, who take care of its maintenance and develop its potential through activities such as nature research, birdwatching, nature photography and guided tours for children and adults.
There is also a well-equipped picnic area and the opportunity to follow a small barefoot sensory path that simulates the materials that make up the terrain of Monte Grappa and its foothills.
For information: www.oasisandaniele.it

The Ezzelini path by bike

For lovers of leisure cycling, we recommend the beautiful route from Asolo down to Padua. The route follows the Muson stream and allows you to safely visit the towns of Castelfranco (17 km) and Camposampiero (27 km). The route is from Asolo to Padua, but we suggest that you go through the Asolo area: it’s easier for tourists to reach and explore. (suisentieridegliezzelini.it)