Pian di Gembro Nature Reserve path

Pian di Gembro Nature Reserve path

The path begins at the Centro Visite, by the Ristoro Pian di Gembro. The first board introduces you to the botanical, geological and historic characteristics of this wetland. Initially the itinerary develops along a path and then a dirt road, before arriving at the second and third descriptive boards, which welcome us to the Aula Didattica in the reserve, where a few bog environments have been recreated, with the peculiarities of the peat bog and its typical animal and plant species. Proceed west along the dirt road all the while, until the fourth board, which describes the habitats in this Site of Community Importance. Continue along the road and on the right, you will pass the starting point of the Monte della Croce historic-military theme path. The road enters a fir forest and bears left until an artificial lake built during the period of peat extraction. Here the board illustrates botanical species we can observe in the peat bog. Continue along the path by the lake until the seventh board, which describes the fauna of the nature reserve. A short deviation to the right leads us to an incredible panoramic point, with views of Valtellina and the church of S. Fortunato. Return to the path (board six) and continue left. The road gently ascends into the wood, leading past a few lodges. Continue along a few gentle ups and downs until Valcheola, where the road ascends and after passing through the woods, we arrive at board number 7, which describes the steps of the formation of the peat bog and nature reserve of Pian di Gembro. Go back and take the path that deviates off the road eastwards; ascend to your left. The path continues until board number eight, with information on the local flora in this area. Cross the footbridge to arrive at the starting point.