Discover Tartano

A trip to Tartano brings together several interests: walks and hikes at low and medium elevations, a landscape shaped by glaciers and water, rural architecture and a historic cheesemaking tradition. When looking for a hotel, you can decide which of these themes you want to make the focus of your trip.

A landscape shaped by glaciers and water

The IT2040029 Val Tartano Special Area of Conservation covers the upper part of Val Tartano and extends over approximately 1,450 hectares. It lies in the central-western part of the Orobie Valtellinesi Regional Park. When planning a detailed route, check the official boundaries of the protected area.

The extensive area of the Porcile Lakes lies in glacial cirques in upper Val Lunga. Water has also shaped the landscape of Val Tartano: fast-flowing, turbulent streams left distinct marks in the so-called Marmitte dei Giganti (giants’ kettles). These include landslide areas and small waterfalls, such as those in the gorge where Val di Lemma and Val Budria meet. The landscape therefore presents different forms: glacial cirques around the Porcile Lakes and signs of water erosion on the rock formations and waterways mentioned above.

Trails and seasonal activities

Val Tartano offers numerous walks and hiking trails at low and medium elevations. A dense network of mule tracks and hiking trails also connects remote places. When planning, you can therefore take both elevation and connections to remote places into account. Trail conditions may vary, so check them before setting out on a specific hike.

In winter, the hiking destinations in Val Tartano are also used for ski touring. This adds a seasonal activity to the walks and hikes. If you are planning a ski tour, check current conditions and route safety in advance.

Rural architecture and craftsmanship

Contrada Foppa features examples of rural architecture and traditional craftsmanship. The buildings date from the 17th century to the mid-19th century. For travelers interested in historic building styles, this provides a clear timeframe.

The hamlets of Basisc and Dosso dei Principi are also connected by their rural architecture: together, they form a single, continuous cluster of houses, with an old mule track running through its center.

In Piana, in Val Lunga, the visitor center of the Parco delle Orobie Valtellinesi is housed in a former school building. Wood is the central theme of the exhibition. Starting with the past, it aims to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the forest ecosystem.

Bitto and regional food culture

Together with the Bitto valleys, Tartano is part of the historic production area for Bitto cheese. Bitto cheese is described as the main ingredient in polenta taragna. If regional food culture is also part of your travel planning, the cheese and this dish offer specific points of reference for the local culinary tradition.

Visitor information

The Ponte nel Cielo suspension bridge is open every day, year-round. Check visitor information again before you travel so you can plan based on the latest details.

Discover more destinations: Chiesa In Valmalenco, Mello, Oga, San Carlo, Villa di Tirano, Bianzone, Prata Camportaccio, Madesimo.

For the wider travel overview: Sondrio.