Stelvio: A Village Perched in the Heart of the National Park
Stelvio, in Val Venosta, appears as a small, charming mountain village clinging to a slope and framed by the majestic landscape of the Stelvio National Park. At an altitude of 1,310 meters above sea level, it is the ideal starting point to explore unspoiled landscapes, discover historic Alpine routes, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere from another time.
The Hamlets That Compose It
The municipality of Stelvio also includes the hamlets of Solda, Trafoi, and Gomagoi — three places worth visiting on their own. All set in breathtaking Alpine scenery, they share with Stelvio a long history rooted in rural traditions, mountaineering, and natural discoveries.
The Legendary Stelvio Pass
Among the highest road passes in Europe, the Stelvio Pass (2,758 m) is the true star of the area. It was built between 1822 and 1825 by order of Emperor Francis I of Austria to connect Val Venosta with Milan. The project was led by Carlo Donegani, a renowned engineer of the time. In just three years, hundreds of workers, engineers, and geologists completed a monumental feat for that era.
The pass was the scene of clashes during World War I, but after the war it became a tourist icon with the opening, in the 1950s, of the first summer ski school on the glacier, founded by Giuseppe Pirovano and Giuliana Boerchio.
A Cyclist’s Paradise: Fausto Coppi’s Feat
In summer, the Stelvio Pass becomes a cyclist’s paradise. Its 48 hairpin bends on the South Tyrolean side (and just as many on the Lombard side) attract athletes and enthusiasts from around the world. The Giro d’Italia featured it for the first time in 1953, when the legendary Fausto Coppi conquered the summit, making cycling history. Since then, Stelvio has become synonymous with an epic two-wheeled challenge.
Stelvio is much more than just an Alpine stop: it’s a place where history, nature, and sport intertwine in perfect harmony. Whether you want to admire breathtaking views, ski in summer, or test yourself on the bike, here you’ll find an experience you won’t soon forget.
