PERIOD
April-November
DURATION
6h
LOCATION
Barrea, Abruzzo
GROUP SIZE
15 people
LENGTH
14 km roundtrip
ELEVATION GAIN
620 m
DIFFICULT
Moderate
The hike has no technical difficulties, it takes place on mountain trails in wooded areas and meadows with easy climbs and descents.
The Rocky amphitheatre encompass one of the natural lake basins of the Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park. Keepers of tradition and local history, that unique place offer beautiful scenery, natural and geological interest, with a truly fascinating environment.
The last glaciation shaped the areas, along the path erratic boulders, screes. The lake lies in a karst sinkhole. The water level actually depends on rain and snow falls, and disappear through the underground network rivers creating many springs in the valley.
Meeting with our guide in Barrea (L’Aquila) and short transfer by car to the starting point. In the fascinating Valle dell’Inferno beech forest we will have the chance to observe the rare Lobel’s maple. Climbing, the highest edge of the forest is suddenly interrupted and there are some meadowy valleys surrounded by the highest tops of Abruzzo National Park. The lake reaches the highest level when the snow melts. The name Lago Vivo (living lake) is caused by the continuous change of its size depending on seasons and weather conditions. We will have the chance to encounter grazing deers and to observe the flight of golden eagle. Along the path we will see some of the most impressive beech trees and maples of Abruzzo National Park. Then packed lunch and in the afternoon return to the village, with the opportunity to taste and buy local products.
Prices
€ 25 / per adult
€ 20 / per young (10-14 year-old)
What’s included
Guide and organization
Snowshoes and pole rental
Professional insurance civil liability
What is not included
Packed lunch
Any transports
Extra and personal expenses
Travel insurance
Temperatures depend on season and time, warm clothes and dress up in layers is recommended.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Rucksack (25-35 litre)
Waterproof jacket with hood
Warm jacket
Technical walking trousers
Technical t-shirts
Hiking boots
Warm hat
Waterproof gloves
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Water bottles or water bladder (at least 2 lt)
Sure can! Over 30% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
This hiking is designed for adults and young 10+, with a good level of fitness and some previous experience in hiking in mountains.
Ask for a private tour if you need an exclusive experience. Send us an e mail and we’ll answer you back with the quotation.
Refreshment point and toilet services are not available during this hike, you will eat your packed dinner and you may go in the forest… looking for your private toilet.
Outdoor activities are weather dependent. If we are forced to cancel an activity due to extreme weather conditions, an alternative date, activity or full refund will be provided. Please note that changes may occur at a short notice, even on the same day.
Our guides are registered in Collegio Guide Alpine Abruzzo and subscribed a professional insurance.
We suggest you to book on line activity insurance with World Nomads. They offer insurances designed for adventurous travellers across 140 countries that includes overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.
Alfedena is one of the village of Abruzzo National Park, the oldest Italian protected area. It has guaranteed a life in harmony with nature for almost a century. You can easily reach it by car through three access points. FROM ROME (Highway A24 Rome – L’Aquila): from Rome highway A24 until Pescina exit, proceed on SR83 or on SP17 until Alfedena. FROM PESCARA (Highway A25 Roma – Pescara): from Pescara highway A25 until Pescina exit, go on towards SR83 or towards SP17 until Civitella Alfedena. FROM NAPLES (Highway A1 Naples – Rome): from Naples highway A1 until Caianello exit, enter SS85 towards Venafro and then proceed on SR83 until Alfedena.
You can arrive by bus thanks to daily connections from Castel di Sangro and Avezzano. Check the timetable on Tuabruzzo. Connections by train are only until Avezzano station. For those who come from Rome it is possible to check the timetable of Flixbus or Prontobus company that connects Roma and Ciampino airports to Abruzzo.