Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park: Complete 3‑Day Guide
🦌 Day 1: The Heart of the Park
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Morning
Pescasseroli Visitor Center
Visit the Natural History Museum and the wildlife area to spot deer and the Marsican brown bear in semi-freedom.
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Afternoon
Hike to La Difesa
Easy walk in the ancient beech forest of the Difesa di Pescasseroli, among monumental trees and clearings.
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Evening
Dinner in Pescasseroli
Tasting of gnocchetti with orapi and pecorino cheese in the restaurants of the historic center.
🏔️ Day 2: Water and Peaks
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Morning
Val Fondillo (Opi)
One of the most beautiful places in the Park. Gentle hike to the Grotta delle Fate or the Acqua Viva waterfall.
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Afternoon
Lake and Village of Barrea
Visit the Monumental Castle and enjoy the panoramic viewpoint over the crystal-clear lake from the village.
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Experience
Abruzzo Chamois
Ascent towards Passo Godi mountain hut to try to spot chamois at sunset.
🦅 Day 3: Unspoilt Nature
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Morning
Camosciara Reserve
Route on foot or by electric train towards the Tre Cannelle and Ninfe waterfalls.
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Afternoon
Civitella Alfedena
Visit the Wolf and Lynx area. The stone village is one of the most characteristic in the Park.
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Relax
Villetta Barrea
Walk along the Sangro river where it is very easy to meet deer grazing undisturbed.
📞 Park Emergency Contacts
💡 Tips for Travelers
- Wildlife Watching: The best times to see animals are at dawn and dusk. Always use binoculars and keep your distance.
- Clothing: Even in summer, bring a windproof jacket. Mountain weather can change in a few minutes.
- Dogs: Many Park trails (Zone A) do not allow dogs in order not to disturb wildlife. Check before you go.
🌿 Day 1: The Natural Amphitheatre
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Itinerary
Trail G1 - La Camosciara
Departure from the Camosciara car park towards the Tre Cannelle and Ninfe waterfalls. A perfect baptism of nature to warm up your muscles.
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Technical Details
Difficulty: Tourist (T)
Elevation gain: 150 m | Time: 2 h 30 min (round trip). Immersed in the limestone heart of the Park.
🏔️ Day 2: The Panoramic Ridge
🐾 Day 3: The UNESCO Beech Forests
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Itinerary
Trail F2 - Val Fondillo
Through one of the most intact valleys in Europe to the Grotta delle Fate or Monte Amaro di Opi for a 360° view.
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Technical Details
Difficulty: Hiking (E)
Elevation gain: 650 m | Time: 4 h 30 min. Crosses beech forests that are a World Heritage Site.
🌲 Park Regulations
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Dogs
Strict Limitations
Dogs are not allowed on most trails (Zones A and B) to avoid conflicts with wildlife and disease transmission. They may only access specific areas and must always be kept on a leash.
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Wildlife
Feeding Prohibited
It is strictly forbidden to feed animals (deer, foxes or bears). Becoming accustomed to human food can cause their death or make them dangerous (“confident bears”).
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Trails
Stay on the Path
Always stay on marked trails. Going off-trail is forbidden to protect rare flora and nesting sites.
🌲 Park Regulations (part 2)
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Environment
Zero Waste and No Fires
Take your rubbish back down to the valley. It is forbidden to light fires and to camp outside authorized equipped areas.
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Collecting
Flowers, Rocks and Mushrooms
It is forbidden to collect flowers, minerals and fossils. Mushroom picking is regulated and reserved for authorized residents only.
💡 Tips for Hikers
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Controlled Access
Trail Booking (July/August)
Access to the most sensitive trails (such as Val di Rose) is limited. Check and book on the official Park website.
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Water Management
Water Supply
Springs at high altitude may be dry at the end of summer. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person.
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Wild Encounters
Behaviour Rules
If you encounter a Bear or a Wolf, stay calm, do not approach and slowly walk back without running.
🗺️ Guides and Tour Leaders
❄️ Snow in the Park: Skiing and Snowshoes
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Cross-country Skiing
Passo Godi Nordic Ski Center
Loops of varying difficulty between 1500 and 1600 meters, ideal for admiring the transition between the Upper Sangro Valley and the Sagittario Valley.
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Ski Mountaineering
Monte Vitelle and Monte Marsicano
Classic routes with technical descents and breathtaking views over the main ridges. Reserved for expert ski mountaineers (avalanche transceiver/shovel/probe kit required).
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Snowshoes
La Macchiarvana (Opi)
The Macchiarvana plateau is the most famous place for snowshoeing: a natural amphitheatre among beech woods, perfect even for beginners.
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Night Experience
Sunset Snowshoe Hikes
Many local guides organize evening outings with stargazing and traditional dinners in mountain huts in Pescasseroli or Civitella.
⚖️ Institutions and Law Enforcement
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Avalanche Bulletin
Meteomont Abruzzo
Always check the bulletin before going out on ski mountaineering or high-altitude snowshoe hikes.
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Single Emergency Number
📞 112 (European Emergency Number)
For Carabinieri, Police and Medical Emergency.
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Carabinieri Forest Service (Environmental Emergency)
📞 1515
To report forest fires, poaching or wildlife emergencies.
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Mountain Rescue (CNSAS Abruzzo)
📞 118 (Request Mountain Rescue)
Technical rescue in rugged or snow-covered terrain.
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National Park Authority (Pescasseroli Headquarters)
📞 +39 0863 91131
Administrative offices and management.
🏥 Healthcare and Pharmacies
🏛️ Municipalities in the Park
🚗 Getting Around the Park (Distances from Pescasseroli)
| Destination |
Distance (km) |
Estimated time |
Point of Interest |
| Opi |
6 km |
10 min |
Val Fondillo / La Macchiarvana |
| Villetta Barrea |
15 km |
20 min |
Deer Watching / Sangro River |
| Civitella Alfedena |
18 km |
25 min |
Wolf / Camosciara / Val di Rose |
| Barrea |
21 km |
30 min |
Lake Barrea / Castle |
| Passo Godi |
14 km |
25 min |
Cross-country Skiing / High-altitude Snowshoeing |
🌟 Key Highlights of the Trip
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Symbol of the Park
Marsican Brown Bear
Respect protected areas. The best sightings are with expert guides at the end of summer (ramni berry season).
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UNESCO Heritage
Primeval Beech Forests
The PNALM hosts some of the oldest beech forests in Europe (Val Cervara), essential for the mountain ecosystem.
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Authentic Villages
Stone Architecture
Do not miss the alleys of Civitella Alfedena and Opi, the latter built on a unique rocky spur.
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Gastronomy
Pastoral Flavours
The cuisine is linked to transhumance: try “orapi” (wild spinach) and local sheep meat.
🎿 Ski, Snowshoe and Boot Rental
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Passo Godi (Scanno)
📞 Lo Scoiattolo: +39 0864 578333
Full rental for cross-country, downhill skiing and snowshoes directly on the pass.
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Pescasseroli (Lifts)
📞 Nolo Impianti: +39 0863 910725
Located at the base of the gondola lift, ideal for alpine skiing, snowboarding and boots.
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Pescasseroli (Center)
📞 Evolution Ski: +39 333 7715637
Rental and ski/snowboard school with modern equipment for all ages.
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Passo Godi (Ski School)
📞 Passo Godi Ski School: +39 333 3889911
Reference point for technical rental and individual or group lessons.
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Opi (Macchiarvana)
📞 Macchiarvana Nordic Center
Rental specialized in cross-country skiing and snowshoes for the Opi area (contactable via Opi Info Point: +39 0863 910606).
🏠 Mountain Huts and High-Altitude Accommodation
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Pescasseroli Side
📞 Prato Rosso Hut
Immersed in one of the most beautiful beech forests in the park. Ideal stopover for hikes in the heart of the reserve.
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Pass between Scanno and Villetta
📞 Passo Godi Hut
Reference point for cross-country skiing and trekking. Offers food and lodging at 1630 meters.
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Civitella Alfedena Side
📞 Passo Cavuto Hut
Located above Val di Rose at 1942 meters. Strategic position for spotting chamois at sunset.
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Lazio Side (Settefrati)
📞 Forca d'Acero Hut
Located on the pass of the same name, on the border between Abruzzo and Lazio. Perfect base for winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
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Support Point
📞 Val Fondillo Hut
Located at the entrance to the valley of the same name, it offers refreshments and information on the trails leading to Monte Amaro.
A complete itinerary to explore the heart of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park: from ancient UNESCO beech forests to glacial valleys, from Apennine chamois to the rare Marsican brown bear. Three days along iconic trails such as Camosciara, Val di Rose and Val Fondillo, discovering stone villages and breathtaking viewpoints. Ideal for hikers, families and nature photographers.
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