Guided Hike on Monte Camicia, the Apennines’ Eiger

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June 6, 2026
June 20, 2026
July 4, 2026

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Like a big, legendary wall, Camicia peak is known as Eiger of Apennines. His steep nord side rises up about one Kilometre large and height, like a wall. Castelli, home since the Middle Ages to one of the most important and prestigious ceramic traditions, stands at the feet of the mountain. The hike, starting from the south face, near Fonte Vetica is not too challenging but a great satisfaction experience.

At the Campo Imperatore feet, “fenced” in Vado di Sole Pass, the landscape is particular: one can see pine trees and firs, replanted in ‘80s and the native beech forest not so far away. The first Chamois’s reintroduction project, was borne here in rocky peaks and steep ridges between Monte Camicia (2564) e Monte Coppe with animals from Abruzzo Lazio e Molise National Park. Here, the famous nord side of the Monte Camicia wall ends like a stone wisp and slowly slopes in a rocky meadow in south face towards the valley and Monte Tremoggia Therefore, it’s still possible to meet them or their gaze grazing between limestone cliffs. With luck it’s also possible to lay eyes on a little and lonely Stella alpina appenninica (Leontopodium nivalis), going on living in limestone mountains despite climate change.

Highlights

An exclusive experience in a magnificent setting of peaks and overhangs in the heart of the central Apennines.
Beautiful scenery in intimate and wild places, among picturesque mountainous expanse and rare blooms, to rediscover nature’s essence
An important and rewarding climb, culminating in the summit of Monte Camicia (2,564m), one of the highest mountains in the Apennines.

Costs

from 30,00 €

What's included

Guide and organization
Professional liability insurance

What is excluded

Packed lunches
Extra and personal expenses
Travel insurance

The classic route from Campo Imperatore to Mount Camicia requires a good level of physical fitness: the ascent involves an elevation gain of around 900 m, and the hike is recommended only for those accustomed to walking on high-mountain trails. The route is not suitable for people who suffer from vertigo. To navigate this type of trail safely, it is essential to wear trekking shoes that provide ankle support.

Essential tips and useful details for a smooth and enjoyable stay

This is the time of year when it is possible to explore the most impressive peaks, under often clear skies and in pleasant temperatures. However, the intense sun and sudden weather changes require adequate preparation and attention.

With the right clothing and equipment, you can enjoy an adventurous season and immerse yourself in the evocative landscapes of the Apennines.

Mountain backpack (25–35 litres).
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket
Fleece or sweatshirt
Spare T-shirt
Long hiking trousers
Hiking boots
Beret
Light gloves
Sun protection cream
Water (at least 2 litres).
Packed lunch

Whether you are going on a day hike or a multi-day trip, it is essential to prepare properly to ensure your safety and enjoyment. See our guidelines on how to equip yourself for each season.

The Gran Sasso is the mountain of Abruzzo par excellence. Its majestic dolomitic peaks — the highest in the Apennines — culminate in Corno Grande (2,912 m a.s.l.), Corno Piccolo, Pizzo d’Intermesoli, and Monte Camicia. It is home to the Calderone Glacier, the only glacier in the Apennines and the southernmost in Europe. To the south lies the vast plateau of Campo Imperatore, a breathtaking high-altitude karst expanse — the closest thing to Tibet you can find in Europe.

The National Park’s territory is distinctly mountainous, with landscapes often resembling the Alps. It consists of two main mountain groups: the Gran Sasso d’Italia massif and the Monti della Laga range to the north. Established in 1995, the Park covers an area of 148,935 hectares and also extends slightly into the regions of Lazio and Marche. Its vegetation includes beech forests on the Laga Mountains (with silver fir) and on the Teramo side of the Gran Sasso, alpine meadows in Campo Imperatore and on the Voltigno plateau, and magnificent high-altitude wildflower blooms.

Nature, however, is not the only attraction here: the Park stands out for its deep and harmonious interweaving of natural beauty and human presence, creating a landscape where the two are inseparable.

FAQ

Of course, a good percentage of the participants in the trek through the most interesting areas of the Gran Sasso are single travellers.

Our tours are usually made up of singles, couples and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, most of whom are between 25 and 50 years old. These adventures are suitable for solo travellers and attract people with a common mindset: a love of nature, a desire to go further and meet like-minded people.

The recommended minimum age for ascending Mount Camicia in the Gran Sasso National Park is 14 years, with some prior hiking experience.

We regret that we cannot accept dogs at the hike from Campo Imperatore to the Mount Camicia. If you love your dog, you certainly love wild animals. To protect them and not to disturb them, certain precautions are necessary. For this reason, in the National Parks of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise and in many other protected areas, there are paths and areas of integral reserve where our pets cannot accompany us.

The climate is typically Mediterranean, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful sunsets in the spring and autumn months. Of course, it is possible to have a day of bad weather, which can have an impact on the single excursion. Our guides will adapt the itinerary to the weather conditions to ensure the best possible experience.

Remember to bring all the necessary equipment and recommended clothing and before you arrive, feel free to ask your guide what to expect for your specific trip dates.

Ask for a private Mounte Camicia tour if you need an exclusive experience. Whether you are a wildlife lover, photography enthusiast or simply in search of moments of peace and contemplation, our tailor-made itineraries will allow you to discover hidden corners and breathtaking landscapes in a unique and unforgettable experience.

We are a fully licensed tour operator, and all our guides are qualified professionals with professional indemnity insurance. It is easy and quick to take out additional travel insurance with major insurance companies. In addition to medical, baggage, and personal accident cover, you can also add cancellation cover travel insurance. Contact us for more information.

We understand that life can sometimes be unpredictable and we are here to help you in any way we can. We strongly recommend that you take out an additional insurance policy that includes a cancellation option. This can also be requested at the time of booking.

Day Tours
- Cancellation is free up to 48 hours prior to departure. Cancellations made after this time will incur a 100% cancellation fee and will not be refunded.

Multi day tours
- Up to 30 days prior to arrival, no charge.
- 29 to 15 days prior to arrival, 50% cancellation fee.
- Less than 14 days before arrival or no show, 100% cancellation fee.

FROM ROME (A24-A25 Rome-Pescara) Follow highway A24 in direction of L’Aquila. Leave the highway at Assergi. Follow the evident indications for Campo Imperatore and Fonte Vetica. FROM PESCARA Follow A14 towards Ancona and turn to L’Aquila-Roma at the tollbooth in Mosciano Sant’Angelo. After the tunnel, exit in Assergi tollbooth, follow SS17 bis road, reach Fonte Cerreto and go on till Campo Imperatore and Fonte Vetica. Alternative from Castel del Monte, follow the signs for Campo Imperatore and take the SS17 bis. After leaving the village, continue across the plateau for a few kilometres. When you reach the junction/signposted turn-off for Fonte Vetica, turn and follow the access road up to the Fonte Vetica parking area.

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