In the Monte Alpe Nature Reserve, nature reveals its majesty. A secret sanctuary nestled in the Oltrepò Pavese, where paths wind their way through thousand-year-old trees and breathtaking views.
The Monte Alpe Regional Nature Reserve, located in the heart of the Lombardy Apennines and Oltrepò Pavese, is an authentic treasure of biodiversity and an uncontaminated space where nature expresses itself in all its splendour. This naturalistic jewel is easy to reach by car, but the real adventure begins when you decide to tread its paths, since the reserve can only be travelled on foot.
One of the most fascinating trails is the ‘Sentiero della Faina‘ (Weasel Trail), a short loop of just 1.5 kilometres that winds through the pine forest and the hornbeam wood. This path is suitable for everyone, and offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the reserve while looking for signs of the wild life that inhabits it.
For those, on the other hand, looking for a more challenging experience, there is the ‘Sentiero di Costa Alpe‘, an 8-kilometre trail that offers a gentle ascent through pine forests and pastures to the summit of Monte Alpe, which rises majestically to 1254 metres above sea level. Breathtaking views of the Tidone Valley and the Staffora Valley can be enjoyed during this hike, creating unforgettable memories.
In the Fontana Forni area there is a rest area equipped with a barbecue facility and a large green space perfect for a picnic in the midst of nature, an ideal place to relax and regenerate after an exciting hike.
The reserve covers a total area of 320 hectares and is an integral part of the European Continental Biogeographical Region. Its importance is underlined by the presence of chestnut groves, meadows and coniferous forests, although much of the latter has been destroyed by fire but subsequently restored with wild vegetation.
The adventure and natural beauty of the Monte Alpe Reserve are definitely worth a visit. Come and discover this hidden treasure in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, and be inspired by the majesty of nature.
