If you are visiting Verona and you want to alternate your cultural visits with nature walks, Lessinia is just the place for you. This mountainous area north of Verona is part of the Venetian pre-Alps and extends for 10,000 hectares to the small Dolomites.

This land was inhabited by the Cimbri, a Germanic population, who settled in the territory in medieval times. Giazza is one of the last villages in Lessinia where this language is still used. A part of the territory constitutes the Lessinia Natural Park, which is located in the highest part of Lessinia, and it is here that the caves, sinkholes and natural bridges make its landscape unique. There are many activities to enjoy in Lessinia, both in summer and in winter.  Here are just a few of them.

In winter, Lessinia becomes a snowy paradise, perfect for those who love winter sports. Here you can practise many activities for all tastes, from cross-country skiing to snowshoeing. For lovers of cross-country skiing, the Upper Lessinia area is the ideal place for a wide variety of activities. The slopes located in the heart of the Regional Park offer spectacular views. There are two starting points: Bocca di Selva and Malga San Giorgio. At the latter ski instructors are available to give lessons.

Another place to visit if you are a cross-country ski lover is the Cross-country stadium, in the municipality of Roverè Veronese, which comprises three rings of 5, 7.5 and 10km.

If you are not a fan of skiing, you can try fat biking on the snow, a fun activity for the whole family. In fact, at the Cross-Country Stadium it is possible to organise outings accompanied by Mountain Bike guides. Two outings are organised every Sunday, a morning one at 10.30 and one at 14.30.

If, instead, you prefer a more relaxing activity, such as a walk in the snow (or with snowshoes), then give it a go! In fact, in Lessinia there are numerous places suitable for long or medium duration walks. One of the most popular is the route that leads from Malga Derocchetto to Castelberto Refuge which lasts around two and a half hours. Once you arrive at the refuge, we suggest you try a good dish of gnochi sbatùi (malga gnocchi). Another route is the one starting from San Giorgio and Bocca di Selva which leads to Malga Lessinia and Rifugio Castelberto. Instead San Giorgio is the starting point to reach the Primaneve Refuge on Monte Tomba or the Malga Malera Refuge. Finally, from Passo Fittanze you can reach Malga Lessinia in around an hour.

Don’t worry if you don’t have suitable equipment with you as there are in fact numerous places in the area where you can rent it!

In summer, Lessinia is covered in fresh and vibrant colours, with flowers and plants blossoming everywhere. One of the main attractions of the area is the Veja Bridge, an imposing natural rock arch, which seems to have formed following the erosion by water of an ancient karst cave. Here there are also two caves in which remains dating back to the Middle and Lower Paleolithic have been found. This natural bridge was a source of inspiration for great artists, such as Mantegna, who reproduced it in one of his works, namely the fresco in the Camera degli Sposi in the ducal palace of Mantua. It is said that Dante Alighieri was also inspired by this bridge for the Malebolgia, the eighth circle of the Inferno of the Divine Comedy.

Another perfect place to visit if you want to escape the city summer heat is the Parco delle Cascate di Molina, only a few kilometres away from the Veja Bridge. The name Molina probably stems from the quantity of mills that were historically located in this area. This is a perfect place for naturalistic excursions amidst lakes and waterfalls and you can choose various types of routes, characterised by varying levels of difficulty and lengths. All routes are suitable for families with children. During your trip you can enjoy all the attractions of the park, including the Scala delle Vertigini, the Paleolithic engravings and the viewing point on the Valpolicella. Walking along paths between trees and streams you will arrive at the main attraction of the park: the suspended swing on which you can almost touch the waters of the waterfall!

If, instead, you are a fan of the mountains and walking, we recommend you to go trekking on Monte Tomba. It is an easy route, which does not involve any kind of difficulty, though good clothing is recommended. Start from the Bocca di Selva Refuge, where you can leave your car in the parking area. From there an unpaved road leads to Mount Tomba. Once you reach the top you will find the Primaneve refuge, from which you can enjoy an incredible view of the Adamello mountain range, Mount Carega, Mount Baldo and of the small Dolomites. Not far away is the Monte Tomba refuge, a traditional refuge, built entirely of wood, which offers a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains.

Another itinerary of western Upper Lessinia is the one that starts from Sant’Anna di Alfaedo and leads to Corno d’Aquilio, one of the most panoramic places in Lessinia.

You can leave your car at the Tommasi area and, after passing località Coste, continue along an unpaved road that will take you through a wood. Once you have reached the Rocca Pia pass, the border point between Veneto and Trentino, you can continue along a path that will take you to Malga Fanta. Nearby is the Spluga della Preta, a cavity of karst origin over 800 meters deep, one of the most famous in the world. Continuing along the route you reach the Corno d’Aquilio from which you can admire the beautiful panorama. From here go down towards the Grotta del Cerbiattino and return towards Tommasi.