Italy's first national park, established in 1922, spans alpine landscapes with glaciers, meadows, and forests. Home to ibex, golden eagles, and over 1,100 plant species across 500 km of trails.
Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy's first national park established in 1922, spans a breathtaking alpine landscape in northwestern Italy. The park's centerpiece is the 4,061-meter Gran Paradiso peak, surrounded by glaciers, meadows, and forests. You can hike to the Rifugio Vittorio Sella above Cogne, observe ibex in their natural habitat, or explore the restored royal hunting lodge of Orvieille in Valsavarenche. With over 500 km of trails and quaint mountain villages, Gran Paradiso caters to nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.
Landscape and Natural Features
Gran Paradiso National Park covers over 70,000 hectares of alpine terrain in the Graian Alps, straddling the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions. The park's landscape varies from forested valleys at 800 meters elevation to the ice-covered summit of Gran Paradiso at 4,061 meters. Larch and fir trees cover the lower slopes, transitioning to alpine meadows and rocky peaks at higher altitudes. You'll find 59 glaciers and 183 lakes scattered across five main valleys: Valle Soana, Valle Orco, Valle di Cogne, Valle di Rhêmes and Valsavarenche. Streams flow through flower-filled meadows beneath towering granite peaks.
Wildlife and Flora
Gran Paradiso's varied habitats support a wide range of wildlife. Alpine ibex, the park's symbol, have recovered here after nearly going extinct in the 19th century. Today, over 2,800 ibex roam the park alongside chamois, marmots, foxes, and other mammals. You might spot golden eagles soaring overhead or catch a glimpse of the reintroduced bearded vultures. The park is home to over 1,100 plant species, including numerous alpine flowers that bloom in the high meadows during summer. Visit the Paradisia Alpine Botanical Garden near Valnontey to learn about the park's flora, where you can see around 1,000 alpine plant species.
Hiking and Activities
An extensive network of over 500 km of trails crisscrosses Gran Paradiso National Park, with options for all skill levels. Many trails follow old royal hunting paths, leading you through stunning mountain scenery. For a day hike, try the trail to Rifugio Vittorio Sella above Cogne or the Valnontey River Trail. If you're up for a challenge, attempt the climb to the summit of Gran Paradiso mountain, typically a two-day trip with an overnight stay in a mountain refuge. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or ski mountaineering. You can also mountain bike on designated trails during summer.
Villages and Local Culture
Several small villages and hamlets dot the valleys of Gran Paradiso, each with its own character. In Valsavarenche, you can tour the restored royal hunting lodge of Orvieille. The village of Cogne serves as an ideal base for exploring the park, with its historic center and visitor facilities. Throughout the park, you'll see centuries-old stone houses and churches reflecting the area's rich past. Some villages maintain unique dialects and traditional costumes. In Ronco Canavese in the Soana Valley, visit the Ecomuseum of Copper to learn about local copper-working techniques.
Visiting Gran Paradiso National Park
You can visit the park year-round, though summer (June-September) has the most suitable weather for hiking and wildlife viewing. In winter, snow blankets the landscape from December through March. Cogne is the main gateway to the park, accessible by bus from Aosta. Other entry points include Valsavarenche, Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, and Ceresole Reale. You can stay in hotels in the villages, mountain refuges, or campsites within the park. Remember to bring proper hiking gear and follow park regulations to protect the delicate alpine environment.
