Casa dell’Ava is surrounded by a huge area of hills and mountains, close to some of the largest and most important nature reserves in the Alps. You can truly lose yourselves in this vast area of hills and mountains – we have spent the past twenty years throwing ourselves into exploring the area and feel we have seen only a fraction of this amazing area.
Casa dell’Ava is situated in an area of outstanding beauty close to three of the largest national parks in the Alps, covering a massive 2000km2 within Italy and Switzerland. The Swiss National Park is the only National Park in Switzerland. Together with the adjoining Stelvio National Park, they form a giant area of protected land across the two countries. The Orobie Valtellinesi Park is a further protected area to the NE of Lake Como.
The parks contain many protected species of wildlife including Golden Eagles, Ibex, Bearded Vultures, Capercaillie and Fire Salamanders. There is talk of Lynx and Wolves arriving back into the area and famously Brown Bears have recently been reintroduced into the Adamello Brenta National Park which adjoins the Stelvio National Park.
The area is rich and varied in plant life. There are many diverse habitats as you move from the valley forests up to the mountain tops. The Orobie Park lists nearly 600 species of rare, endemic or protected plants including lovely purple lilies and many alpine meadow flowers.
If this wasn’t enough, there are a further two Nature Reserves and a National Monument all within 30mins drive of the house. The Nature Reserve of Marmite dei Giganti contains ancient rock carvings and glacial rock formations. The Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve is an important area of wetland and sanctuary for birds migrating over one of the lowest passes in the Alps. Finally you can see the Acquafraggia Waterfalls (National Monument) from Pianazzola.
Exploring the National parks is made easier with the list of mountain huts on the internet such as on CAI or CAS. The Swiss website shows maps of both the huts and footpaths which we spend hours browsing for ideas for walks and adventures on the computer at home.
