Discover Sospirolo: Waterfalls, Nature and Hiking Trails

When planning a stay in Sospirolo, you can focus on waterfalls and sculpted rock formations, hiking trails of varying difficulty, or historical traces. The trails differ considerably: there are short loops suitable for less experienced hikers, as well as routes aimed at experienced hikers.

Waterfalls and Sculpted Landscapes

In the lower section of the Brenton Valley are waterfalls and potholes formed by erosion; the road distance from Sospirolo is 8 km. The potholes reach depths of up to 4 m. Near the bridge over the Mis stream in Gena Bassa, an easy, equipped trail leads to the Cadini del Brenton. The cool, humid microclimate there encourages rhododendrons and mountain pines, plants usually found at higher elevations.

You can reach the Cascate della Soffia from both the Bar alla Soffia and the Chiesetta di San Remedio via an equipped trail in just a few minutes. The Soffia stream plunges 12 m into a narrow gorge, above which a rock overhang projects about 16 m. Thus, in the Brenton Valley, the erosion-formed potholes take center stage, while at the Soffia, the waterfall, gorge and rock overhang shape the landscape.

Hiking Trails for Different Experience Levels

The Val Falcina nature trail is a short loop that is also suitable for less experienced hikers. It starts at the bridge over the Falcina stream, which you can reach via Provincial Road No. 2 of the Valle del Mis. You can park your car at Pian della Falcina. This offers a different choice of route from the ascent of Piz Vedana, which climbs from 540 m to 1,324 m and is suitable for experienced hikers.

Monte Sperone can also be reached by combining a road section with a trail. From Sospirolo, an asphalt road leads to the Cappelletta degli Alpini; from there, a marked trail runs via the Selletta del Dof to the summit. From the summit, the view extends across the Val Belluna and the Belluno Prealps, to Monte Pizzocco with its impressive north face, and to the Monti del Sole group. The route described and the views give this destination a different character from the high-altitude trail on Piz Vedana.

Nature in the Valle del Mis

Val Falcina is also significant for its plant life: species widespread in the east reach the western edge of their range there in some cases. The Masiere are another geological feature. They form the terminal moraine of an ancient glacier and, together with the area around Lake Vedana, are part of a nature reserve of botanical and geological value. If you are interested in how the landscape formed, you will find here, alongside waterfalls and hiking trails, evidence of its glacial shaping.

Canoeing is also possible in the Valle del Mis. This adds a water-based activity to the options, while the trails of Val Falcina and Monte Sperone offer different hiking destinations. When planning, you can consider short loop trails, an ascent for experienced hikers and nature observation as separate points of interest.

Historical Traces

The history of the area can also be explored at different locations. The San Marco Hospice in Vedana existed in the 11th century; San Gottardo was also associated with it, and it was connected with travelers on the Canale d’Agordo. Around the 15th century, the Vedana hospice was converted into a Carthusian monastery by Carthusian monks of the Order of Saint Bruno.

At Santa Giuliana, the discovery of a Roman inscription confirms the importance of the settlement site since Late Antiquity. Together with the history of the hospice, this evidence offers a perspective spanning from Late Antiquity to the Middle Ages. When choosing a stay in Sospirolo, you can give different weight to your interests in the landscape, hiking and history.

Discover more destinations: Sappada, Calalzo Di Cadore, Colmean, San Nicolò Di Comelico, Masarè, Pieve D'alpago, Canai, Mel.

For the overview of the wider area: Belluno.