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Gran Sasso National Park
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The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Italy, spanning approximately 141,341 hectares across the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Marche regions. Established in 1991, the park is centered around the Corno Grande, the highest peak of the Apennines standing at 2,912 meters. It also contains the Calderone glacier, recognized as the southernmost glacier in Europe, which serves as a critical indicator of climate change in the Mediterranean region. The landscape varies from the high-altitude plateau of Campo Imperatore, often referred to as "Little Tibet," to deep canyons and ancient beech forests. The park provides a vital habitat for endangered species such as the Abruzzo chamois, the Italian wolf, and the golden eagle. Beyond its natural value, the area is rich in cultural heritage, featuring numerous medieval villages, castles, and hermitages that showcase the region's long history of transhumance and mountain agriculture.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Corno Grande - Vetta Orientale · Monte Aquila · Corno Grande - Vetta Occidentale
- Nearby: L'Aquila (19 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 82 | 75 | 68 | 59 | 58 | 46 | 34 | 32 | 67 | 74 | 90 | 84 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Located in the heart of Abruzzo, the park is reachable via the A24 motorway from Rome or Teramo, with the cable car from Fonte Cerreto serving as a key access point.
Best season
Summer is the best time for high-altitude hiking and climbing, while winter at Gran Sasso features alpine skiing conditions and opportunities for snowshoe trekking.
Terrain & paths
The landscape is purely alpine, featuring the massive Gran Sasso massif, vast high-altitude plateaus like Campo Imperatore, and rugged rock faces with scree slopes.
What to bring
High-altitude mountain gear, including stiff boots, warm layers, and sun protection, is essential due to the extreme conditions and rapid weather changes in the massif.
Parking
Large parking areas are located at the cable car base station in Fonte Cerreto and on the Campo Imperatore plateau, though these are very popular with day-trippers.
Safety
As this is a high-mountain environment, it is vital to check weather forecasts, stay on marked trails, and honestly assess your physical fitness before starting a trek.
Time needed
For a climb to Corno Grande or extensive hiking on Campo Imperatore, at least one to two days are recommended to fully appreciate the dramatic high-altitude scenery.
Geography
Facts
- Officially established as a national park in 1991.
- Covers a total area of approximately 141,341 hectares.
- Corno Grande is the highest peak at 2,912 meters.
- Home to the Calderone glacier, the southernmost in Europe.
- Spans across 44 municipalities in three different regions.
- Includes the Campo Imperatore, a 27 km long high plateau.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Gran Sasso National Park (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest peak in Gran Sasso National Park?
Corno Grande at 2,912 meters; it is the highest mountain in the Apennines.
What is Campo Imperatore?
A vast high plateau, also called 'Little Tibet', good for hiking and a filming location for many movies.
How do I reach Campo Imperatore?
By cable car from Fonte Cerreto or via a spectacular panoramic road.
Are there medieval villages in the park?
Yes, places like Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Castel del Monte are among the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Is there a glacier in Gran Sasso?
Yes, the Ghiacciaio del Calderone is Europe's southernmost glacier, though it is shrinking rapidly.
Gran Sasso National Park: where is it located?
Gran Sasso National Park is located in Italy.
Gran Sasso National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Corno Grande - Vetta Orientale, Monte Aquila, Corno Grande - Vetta Occidentale.
Gran Sasso National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Gran Sasso National Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Italy, spanning approximately 141,341 hectares across the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Marche regions.
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