Want to go to Italy? Campo Imperatore is a plateau located in the central Apennine Mountains of Italy, in the region of Abruzzo. It is situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level and is known for its stunning alpine scenery and natural beauty.
The plateau is part of the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park and is surrounded by towering peaks, including the Gran Sasso d’Italia, which is the highest mountain in the Apennine range. This place is also home to Europe’s southernmost glacier, the Calderone Glacier, which can be reached by a hike from the plateau.
Campo Imperatore: The Italian little Tibet
In addition to its natural attractions, Campo Imperatore is also known for its ski resorts, hiking trails, and its famous hotel, the Gran Sasso d’Italia Hotel, which was built in the 1930s and has hosted many notable guests over the years. The plateau has also been used as a location for several films, including “The Name of the Rose” and “Ladyhawke”.
How to get to Campo Imperatore
Campo Imperatore can be reached by car or by public transportation. Here are some options:
By car:
From Rome, take the A24 motorway towards L’Aquila and then take the exit for Assergi. From there, follow the signs for Campo Imperatore.
From Pescara, take the A25 motorway towards Rome and then take the exit for Bussi. From there, follow the signs for Campo Imperatore.
By public transportation:
Take a train to the town of L’Aquila, which is the closest city to Campo Imperatore. From there, you can take a bus or a cable car to the plateau. The cable car, called Funivia del Gran Sasso, departs from the town of Assergi and takes you up to Campo Imperatore in about 20 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from L’Aquila to Campo Imperatore. The bus ride takes about an hour and a half.
It’s worth noting that public transportation options to Campo are limited, especially during the winter months when snow can make travel difficult. It’s best to check schedules and availability in advance.
Things to do in campo imperatore
Campo Imperatore offers a range of outdoor activities and scenic attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some things to do in Campo Imperatore:
- Hiking: Campo is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts, with several trails of varying difficulty levels. One of the most popular hikes is the trail to the summit of Corno Grande, the highest peak in the Apennine range.
- Skiing: During the winter months, Campo Imperatore offers skiing opportunities at the ski resorts of Campo Imperatore and Prati di Tivo. The ski season typically runs from December to April.
- Photography: With its stunning alpine scenery and panoramic views, is a photographer’s paradise. The plateau’s ever-changing light conditions and varied landscapes offer ample opportunities for capturing unique and beautiful shots.
- Visit the Calderone Glacier: The southernmost glacier in Europe, Calderone Glacier is a natural wonder located on the eastern side of Campo Imperatore. Visitors can hike to the glacier from the plateau and witness its stunning beauty up close.
- Stargazing: Due to its high altitude and low light pollution, is an ideal spot for stargazing. Visitors can observe the night sky and the stars at the Campo Imperatore Observatory.
- Visit the Gran Sasso d’Italia Hotel: This historic hotel, built in the 1930s, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for lunch or a coffee break.
- Take the Funivia del Gran Sasso cable car: This cable car offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and takes visitors up to Campo Imperatore from the town of Assergi.
If you go in winter, see the snowy landscapes and ski. The Campo Imperatore ski resort, the first to be created in the Apennines, is one of those with the most snow on average in Italy. There are four ski lifts and a total of 15 km of slopes for downhill skiing, 60 km for cross-country skiing, a snowpark for snowboarding, a cross-country ski ring, boardercross tracks, half pipe, etc.
In addition to the classic advice for hiking –wear layered clothing, a cap, water and some food, etc.–, we advise you to take a good look at the weather forecast: when it is very windy or it rains/snows, everything becomes very complicated. The weather here is very changeable, so watch it for hours. Always consult the Italian Meteorological Service, that of the Italian Air Force. Look at the moment on a weather website. On the other hand, there is no coverage in this area, only next to the cable car.
