Hiking and walking in the Apennines

The Modena Apennines offer an extraordinary variety of walking trails that will satisfy everyone, from ramblers seeking a leisurely stroll to hikers after a deeper connection with nature. The trails cover a wide variety of landscapes, from the beech forests surrounding Lago Santo lake to the open views of the mountain ridges rising up to altitudes of over 2,000 m, without forgetting the rocky landscape of the Sassi di Roccamalatina nature reserve, where sandstone spires rise up like natural sculptures.

There are also plenty of unusual places to visit, like the lunar landscapes of the Salse di Nirano mud volcanoes, or the Via Vandelli – a walking route following an 18th-century road that still features original bridges and paved sections. In Sassoguidano, meanwhile, and the oases along the Secchia and Panaro rivers, nature becomes an open-air biology classroom, offering nature reserves that protect rare birds and wetlands, and habitats with exceptional biodiversity.

Each season reveals a different side of the landscape. In spring and summer, the flower-filled woods are perfect for hikes and walks to enjoy the scenery, while in autumn, they are infused with the rich scents of mushrooms and chestnuts; finally, in winter, the snow transforms the trails into paths to explore with snowshoes and poles. Hiking here is a way to really connect with the mountains.