The mountains of Valle Spluga represent a vital natural heritage, flush with peaks, woodland, lakes, rivers, meadows and breathtaking panorama.

The very heart of the Alps. A natural ambience boasting unparalleled beauty. Madesimo: a gem nestling in the mountains straddling the Italian/Swiss border. Turn into the tunnel which heads off from the road leading up to the Passo Spluga. An open-air Paradise awaits. Turn off the car engine and let your mind and body take over. Madesimo is the perfect destination for stirring the soul, for relaxation, nature, the open air and all the activities associated with it.

From gentle strolls along the valley bottom up to a full day’s trekking excursion. On the move. Walking, hiking, climbing but also on mountain bike, downhill and fat bike. All sorts of options beckon to discover Madesimo and its surrounds. Take the dog up and along the pathways and meadows of Andossi or the cableway up to the Larici restaurant to get that bit closer to the imposing Pizzo Groppera. Alternatively explore the secrets within the natural Valcava Alpine Garden, experiencing as many as 10 different Alpine environs all within one wild cutting; take in the generous aromatic scent of genepi and arnica and marvel at the myriad of tiny florets of the edelweiss. Madesimo has managed to preserve that village “feel”. Small and compact it has an intimacy which is concentrated around the church and main piazza. During spring and summer families out along the riverside share the path with hikers bound for places further afield like Rifugio Bertacchi, Pizzo Emet, the lake at Montespluga, Passo Spluga and indeed Switzerland.
 

Enthusiasts of biking and downhill should look no further than Madebike, with its six downhill runs, qualified instructors, and all the adrenaline and thrills on specially designed machines.

All of which is guaranteed to foster a healthy appetite. Plenty of open-air refreshment opportunities lie in wait, in particular at the valley’s much-appreciated refuges. Perfect for tasting local ingredients served up in traditional cuisine, starting with bresaola, cheeses and excellent wines. For further information on Madesimo and the outdoors go to www.madesimo.eu, and click on Discover Madesimo.