Val Federia is a side valley that runs parallel to the more famous and tourist-frequented Livigno valley. Its being "for the few" makes Val Federia a magical and unspoiled place where to appreciate striking views and enjoy nature in all its splendor.
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How to get to Val Federia from Livigno
The best way to reach Val Federia starting from Livigno is by using the Carosello 3000 cable car that will take you to the summit of Alpe Federia. The cost for round trip in summer is 17€ for adults and 13.50€ for children.
From here you can first walk to the nearby viewpoint and enjoy breathtaking views of both valleys and the mountains around you. You will be at an altitude of three thousand meters and have the world at your feet.
Alternatively, if you want to move by car, you can take the road from Livigno to the Gallo Tunnel, turn left at the dairy and follow the signs for Val Federia to the Calcheira Bridge with its convenient free parking where you can leave your car and continue on foot.
View from the mountain ridge, on the right Livigno Lake, on the left Val Federia
Hiking in Val Federia
From the arrival station of the Carosello 3000 cable car your hike can start. You are spoiled for choice: you can decide to venture into this wonderful valley on foot, or you can opt for an e-bike excursion or, for the more trained, a mountain bike.
Starting from the summit, you descend into the valley along a dirt road that runs along the mountainside, among pastures and meadows where you can spot marmots, which, if you are quiet, get approached by passing tourists. For this reason, it is also known in Livigno as the Marmot Trail.
The destination is theFederia farmhouse, which will be your reference point to orient yourself in this wild valley. The trail is rather easy, just over 10 km long for a hike that is comfortably completed in about two and a half hours, in no hurry and taking all the time you need to admire the mountains and fill your lungs with good air.
Starting from the Calcheira Bridge, you can follow the life trail by taking the forest road just before the bridge. The trail is very easy and almost flat: it skirts the stream and runs through the woods in the first part and then sees the landscape open up into pastures and meadows dotted with colorful flowers as you approach the Federia farmhouse.
This hike takes about two and a half hours, with an elevation gain of 350 meters, but it climbs gradually and gently, making the trail suitable even for families with small children who can easily be carried in strollers.
Trail in Val Federia starting from the Calcheira bridge
Farmhouses and lodges
Choosing a hike in Val Federia, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing where to eat.
Federia Agritourism
First and foremost is definitely theFederia farmhouse, which offers its guests typical Valtellina cuisine, made of polenta with mushrooms or braised meat, pizzoccheri, sciatt and homemade desserts made with buckwheat flour and jams produced directly on site. Excellent km0 cuisine.
The arrival at the Federia farmhouse
La Calcheira Restaurant
Alternatively, you can choose to stop and eat at La Calcheira Restaurant, not far from the parking lot where you can leave your car. To reach it, starting from the parking lot instead of turning immediately onto the forest road you need to continue straight, cross the bridge and your destination will be not far away. Here, too, you will be able to enjoy authentic Valtellina cuisine of alpine meats and cheeses and traditional dishes in a cozy wooden hut.
Cassana Refuge
If, however, you prefer to continue with a more complex hike and climb higher up, you can go all the way to Rifugio Cassana, where you can rest, get a tasty reward for your effort with traditional dishes, and you can even spend the night living the mountain hut experience 100%.
To get to the Cassana Refuge in Val Federia, you need to turn right just before the Federia farmhouse and start the climb. Be careful: it is a very steep path that takes you up to 2,601 meters above sea level.
Our advice is to check that the hut is open before you set out. You can ask for information and also reserve your place at the table by calling +39 333 594 2572
The Cassana refuge at 2,601 meters above sea level
Tips for your hike in Val Federia
In the mountains, the weather always changes very quickly. Before you venture out on a hike, it is important to keep an eye on the weather forecast to make sure you don't run into any storms that could ruin your outing and make for some not-so-fun times should you find yourself in an area without shelter.
Also, it is important to remember that cell phones have little signal in Val Federia. So for your own safety, equip yourself with a satellite phone or let someone know where you are going, how long you will be gone, and what time you expect to be back. You can leave this with a friend or at the front desk of the hotel where you are staying.
The trails are not particularly dangerous or difficult but caution is never too much.
A drinking fountain from which you can fill your water bottles, near the Federia farmhouse
Equipment to take with you
Before your trip to Val Federia, make sure you have:
- hiking shoes or hiking boots if you prefer to feel safer. For the trail from the Calcheira Bridge, if the bottom is dry you can also use sturdy trail run shoes to be more comfortable
- "onion" clothing: when the weather is unpredictable, it is always helpful to be prepared for any eventuality. Dressing like an onion will allow you to take off a layer if you should feel warm and add one if the temperature drops or the wind picks up.
- trekking poles to help you on the steepest parts, especially if you choose to start from the Carosello 3000 cable car
- water and energy bars to consume along the way
- trekking stroller or baby carrier backpack if you have very small children with you or who would struggle to complete the entire route on foot
- packed lunch if instead of stopping at a restaurant you want to enjoy 100% of the beauty of this valley and have a picnic in the meadows
Conclusion
As you walk the trails of Val Federia, you will immerse yourself in a world where the wild beauty of nature merges with your thirst for adventure. So set out, explore the trails and be captivated by the magic this valley has to offer.
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