Experience the territory

Experience the territory

The Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park

The Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park

Nestled at 1,000 meters in the heart of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park,
offers an unparalleled gateway to one of Italy’s most biodiverse regions. The National Park, established in 2001, spans approximately 22,000 hectares across Reggio Emilia, Parma, Massa-Carrara, and Lucca provinces.
With the Apennines rising nearly 2,000 meters, this natural wonder acts as a bridge between two distinct worlds, where European and Mediterranean climates converge, creating vibrant, ever-changing landscapes throughout the seasons.
The park is home to 70% of Italy’s biodiversity and boasts 64 local agri-food products, Slow Food Presidia, and a wealth of cultural treasures, from castles to archaeological sites.
Recognized by UNESCO as a MaB Reserve (Man and Biosphere), in 2015, this region is a sanctuary for both nature and local traditions.

Proposed itineraries to discover the National Park

Visitor Center

As the official Visitor Center for the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park, Rifugio dell’Aquila plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable tourism. We offer a variety of enriching activities, including ecological talks, environmental guiding services, and guided outdoor excursions.

Cooperation with thePark Authority allows us to offer free environmental escort services, lectures on environmental issues, outdoor experiences, etc., even to clients who choose the Rifugio dell’Aquila directly without necessarily joining a Tour Operator package.

Excursions

Experiential travel is the driving force behind modern tourism, and tourists are increasingly attracted to emotional experiences that they will take home as memorable and unique memories.

These territories, where the relationship between man and the biosphere has been preserved unchanged over the centuries, represent an ideal destination.
Just a few steps from the Eagle Refuge, you are immersed in the breathtaking landscapes of the Reggio Emilia Apennines with dozens of trails and marvelous peaks where you can touch the sky with your finger.

Appenino Reggiano Tourism - Itineraries and visits

Spallanzani Trail and Apennine Bike Tour

Ligonchio is one of the stops on the Spallanzani Trail. The Spallanzani Trail crosses all the vegetation belts of the Reggio Emilia Apennines, starting from Reggio Emilia and ending at S. Pellegrino in Alpe, on the Tuscan-Emilian ridge. It is a “low” and “medium” mountain trail with a maximum elevation of 1,820 m, about 125 km long, and with a total elevation gain of about 5,000 meters. It can be walked in its entirety by indulging in 8 days of walking, or in sections, stage by stage, to discover its beauty over time.

The Eagle Refuge is also located on the route of theApennine Bike Tour, Italy’s largest cycle route along the back roads of the Apennines. There are 43 stage towns, totaling 2,600 kilometers from Liguria to Sicily.

Environmental guides

For tourists who want to reach less-traveled destinations, the Eagle Refuge offers the possibility of being accompanied by specialized guides.

Arianna, Laura and the professionals at Other Steps, an association whose purpose is the creation and dissemination of educational forms and responsible and eco-sustainable tourism, will take you on a discovery of the most “secret”, authentic and full of emotions and living corners.

Local gastronomy

Emilia Romagna boasts dozens of PDO and PGI products, the heart and roots of a unique and world-renowned gastronomy.
Remarkable are the excellences of the territory, strongly representative of the Made in Italy brand, from the Parmigiano Reggiano to Prosciutto di Parma to theTraditional balsamic vinegar.

L’Appennino reggiano poi, con le sue tante tipicità, coniuga la cultura culinaria emiliana con quella toscana, offrendo un’esperienza gastronomica unica alla ricerca di sapori, profumi e tradizioni popolari.