Parco dei Bagni – circular route

Total length of excursion: 2850 meters
Total uphill difference in height: 99 meters
Approximate total time needed for the excursion: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Difficulty: easy (4 out of 10)
Recommended season: all year round
Suitable for rainy days? Yes (advised against in case of storm or weather alert)
General characteristics of the natural environment: larch, scotch pine and alpine pine wood with undergrowth rich in heather
Presence of water\fountains on the excursion: yes – thermal springs along the route
Trip on the borders of the Stelvio National Park: yes
Benches on the route: yes
Picnic areas on the route: no
Alpine shelters, bars or restaurants along the route: no
Circular route: yes
Back and forth route: no
Pushchair accessible: no
Excursion starting point:  Bagni Nuovi – Valdidentro
Geographic coordinates of the starting point: 46°29’07.92” N – 10°21’43.85” E  —-   UTM:  32T 604550  –  5148893
Altitude of the starting point: 1337 meters asl             Maximum height reached on the excursion: 1365 meters asl

Introduction

The “Parco dei Bagni” is the ideal place for anyone who’s searching for tranquility and well-being. The easy route, the charming play of lights and shadows within the relaxing wood, the thermal springs, the more than thousand years of history of Bagni Vecchi and St. Martin’s church, the peace and serenity of the place. These are some little inspirations for a truly wholesome excursion.

This itinerary, quite easy and with limited difference in height, is suitable for almost everyone. The only section along the route where it is necessary to pay attention is located on the uphill single track between the “Fonte Pliniana” and the “Bagni Vecchi”.

Description of the excursion

Starting from the Bagni Nuovi and following the directions to the “Fonte Pliniana”, an easy track runs along the north side enclosure of the Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi. From the first step the trail is surrounded by a beautiful wood with incredible undergrowth. Along this section of the route there is a thermal waterfall and a panoramic point. Both of these points are located a few dozen meters before the “Fonte Pliniana”, one of the 9 thermal springs in the “Parco dei Bagni”. This spring water, surrounded by an artificial cave built at the beginning of the 20th century, is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and is very suitable for internal cures. We suggest you drink this water in moderation.

Once you reach the “Fonte Pliniana”, go back the way you came for about a hundred meters until you reach a single track that runs uphill on your left. This track takes you to the thermal spring of San Carlo in just a few minutes.

From the spring of San Carlo you continue uphill in the direction of Bagni Vecchi. When you arrive at the little square in front of Bagni Vecchi you have to turn right and take the descending road (close to the traffic) in the direction of Bagni Nuovi. The asphalt road becomes a stone road after a few dozen meters and, with a pleasurable and slight descent, takes you directly to the start and finish point of the excursion.

From the autumn to the late spring on the route it is possible to see one of the protected animals of the Stelvio National Park: the steinbock.

Cultural points along the route: The thermal springs – Bagni Nuovi – Bagni Vecchi – The St. Martin church – The little lake S

Enjoy your walk!

Stefano and all the staff of  Albergo Adele