Is the hike suitable for children?

Yes, children 3 years and older can participate, but the hike requires moderate endurance due to duration and elevation gain.

Are meals provided during the hike?

No, participants should bring a packed lunch, but local products like yogurt and cakes are available at Malga Caldesa Bassa.

What is the maximum altitude reached on the trail?

The highest point reached is approximately 2,179 meters above sea level.

Do I need technical climbing gear?

No technical skills or gear are required; comfortable hiking boots and standard outdoor clothing suffice.

Can I hike independently without a guide?

This experience is offered as a guided hike by Azienda Turismo Val di Sole to enhance safety and local knowledge.

What wildlife might I see on this trail?

Common sightings include alpine birds and grazing cows; with some luck, deer or marmots may appear.

Hiking Malghe Palù e Caldesa with Azienda Turismo Val di Sole | Guided Tour | Hiking

Located in the heart of Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, the trail to Le Malghe Palù and Caldesa Alta offers a distinct mountain experience framed by the rugged beauty of Trentino-Alto Adige’s alpine wilds. Beginning from SP86 in San Bernardo, Rabbi, this 8-hour guided hike takes trekkers through a varied landscape of dense forests, open mountain meadows, and high pastures often overlooked by visitors. Azienda Turismo Val di Sole, a key advocate for sustainable mountain tourism in this region, provides expert guides who bring the area’s natural and cultural history vividly to life.

The route climbs from 1,413 to over 2,179 meters, traversing a terrain that balances challenge with accessibility at a moderate level. Along the way, hikers pass by traditional malghe—seasonal alpine farms where cows graze freely, and local cheese and dairy products are crafted. Caldesa Bassa, a welcoming refuge run by local stewards Cristian and Bruna, is the perfect stop to savor homemade yogurt, cakes, and other mountain delicacies, reflecting the deep bond between the land and its people.

Wildlife encounters are common, with chances to spot alpine birds and the occasional shy mountain mammal amid the verdant slopes. The park itself, one of Italy’s largest and oldest protected areas established in 1935, preserves a mosaic of alpine flora including rare orchids and resilient conifers.

This itinerary not only highlights the natural grandeur of Val di Sole but connects visitors with the living traditions of its mountain communities. Azienda Turismo Val di Sole’s commitment to responsible tourism ensures that your adventure respects and sustains this fragile ecosystem, making every step on this trail both enriching and purposeful. Whether you seek fresh air, local flavors, or a genuine mountain encounter, the Malghe Palù e Caldesa hike offers a differentiated alpine journey that stands apart in Italy’s outdoor landscape.

About Azienda Turismo Val di Sole

Azienda Turismo Val di Sole is a local tourism organization based in Malé, Trentino-Alto Adige, offering a wide range of guided experiences across Val di Sole and surrounding mountain areas. The organization curates hikes, wellness programs, family activities and cultural tours that showcase the Dolomiti di Brenta, Stelvio National Park, Ortles-Cevedale and other alpine landscapes.
Trips include short nature walks, multi-peak hikes, refuge visits, research-focused days for families and children, mountain wellness sessions with saunas and hot tubs, historical paths from World War I, and food and craft experiences tied to local traditions.
Guides lead excursions to notable sites such as Rifugio Denza, Il Bait de le Bece, Lago di Ortisè and Malga Vagliana, and organize themed activities like soundwalking, butterfly monitoring and traditional cheese cave visits. Many experiences emphasize low-impact exploration of alpine meadows, forests and high-altitude lakes.
Azienda Turismo Val di Sole operates from Malé and collaborates with local refuges, shepherds and park experts to deliver authentic, place-based activities that highlight both natural and cultural heritage. Safety and local knowledge inform route selection and activity design, with options suitable for families, hikers and guests seeking wellness or cultural immersion.
The organization lists more than forty distinct tours spanning hiking, wellness, family, cultural and educational experiences, enabling visitors to connect with mountain landscapes, local stories and seasonal traditions in Trentino-Alto Adige. Seasonal programming adapts to summer hiking and winter activities, and booking details, accessibility information and meeting points are provided for each published tour on the official listing page.