Medium-low difficulty circular route developing near Lake Pian Palù in Val di Peio in the Stelvio National Park.
This route runs entirely within Stelvio National Park until reaching the suggestive Lake Pian Palù, which with its sky-blue waters will leave you amazed. After enjoying a short break near its shores, you return to Malga Frattasecca where you can enjoy a good homemade dessert.
Starting from Malga Frattasecca in Peio Fonti, you can already admire on the left among the dense larches surrounding it, the silhouette of the Barba di Fior fort, built for downhill defense and destroyed around the beginning of the First World War. After passing the malga, take a forest road on the right that climbs beside the malga with a moderate gradient. This road is an old military road built by the Austrians before the 1914-1918 war to supply the front. Near the route, remains of military fortifications called "stoi" are also visible, recently restored. Then, passing through dense conifer forests, especially red spruce and larch, you reach with a fun and pleasant climb the highest point of the route at 1,980 m above sea level, namely the locality of Vegaia. Continuing along the route, you cross the Val degli Orsi until you reach Malga Giumella, which takes its name from the high peak above it.
The malga, located in a dominant position, offers a beautiful view of the blue-green basin of Pian Palù. From here an easy and fun dirt road leads to the Lake dam and the locality of Fontanino, known for its mineral water source of unquestionable value, then returning to the starting point on an asphalt road (beware of car traffic, maximum caution and speed limitation are recommended).
Attention! Access to Val di Peio in the Stelvio National Park during the summer months is managed with the sustainable mobility service Stelviobus Peio. Check the schedules and choose the line best suited to your needs (download the Stelviobus Peio brochure).
You can reach Peio Fonti by the TRENTO - MALE' - MEZZANA train (download the outbound and return schedules) to Mezzana and then by the Malé - Mezzana - Fucine - Cogolo bus line (download the outbound and return schedules).
Follow the SS42 and at Ossana, turn right direction Val di Peio on the SP87. Continue on the provincial road rising to Peio Fonti until you reach Malga Frattasecca.
You can leave your car at the Malga Frattasecca parking lot, or during the summer months when the Stelviobus Peio service is active, you can leave your car at Peio Fonti.
Depending on your abilities and training level, this route can be done both on e-tandem and e-handbike.
Remember to bring a snack, water, and a repair kit including an inner tube, pump, vulcanizing fluid, patches, and a set of tools for quick repairs.