Mount Camicia, on the Eiger of the Apennines

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.

It really seems to walk on a strange lunar surface, where apennine chamois leap on the steep walls and wonderful endemic flowers bloom between rocks!

Meeting with guide at Fonte Vetica parking. The path starts zigzagging first in a pines and firs trees, then following glades and open spaces. You soon reach Monte Tremoggia saddle; like a window on sharp “Wolf tooth”, a distinctive rocky pinnacole featuring Camicia silhouette.

From there, Castelli looks like a little town nestled between rocks, forests and badlands, through the Adriatic Sea and North Face of Camicia mountain. Facing the balconies is majestic and awesome, be careful at the dizziness! The top is not far away from here: you should walk slowly and paying attention to meet Chamois, Stelle Alpine and magnificent blooming. From the highest point, after a lunch enjoying the view on the mountain range, one can decide to came back following the same path or walking on a steeper track through Vradda Valley.

Prices
€ 30 / per adult

During wintertime Gran Sasso mountain range is white and snowy and becomes a challenging alpinistic ascend.The best period to climb Monte Camicia is in between July and October. Wonderful endemic flowers bloom everywhere.

See booking calendar for available dates.

Temperatures depend on season and time, warm clothes and dress up in layers is recommended: at 2.000 m above sea level, in summertime too, it could be very cold. You must have hiking boots.

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
Thin gloves
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Water bottles or water bladder (at least 2 l)
Packed lunch