Medium-length stage, very panoramic, among the first glimpses of the alpine landscape. The initial ascent is followed by a panoramic cross path and at the end a long descent.
From Passo Palù we spot the ever closer Ortles Cevedale group. Lake Corvo and the small town of Bagni di Rabbi are very beautiful.
A few stretches are barely exposed in the cross path from Passo Palù to Lago Corvo, pay attention.
Signage is sometimes difficult to locate, for the less trained eye.
The only water point available is at Rifugio Stella Alpina at Lake Corvo.
We start immediately uphill (about 600 m height difference), cutting through the carriage road that ends at the Malga Bordolona di Sopra and continuing on the path that points straight to the pass above. Once reached Passo Palù (2,412 m) we proceed halfway up the coast, with a beautiful view of a new and alpine landscape. We reach the beautiful Rifugio Stella Alpina at Corvo Lake, excellent for a break. Fit hikers can take the opportunity to climb to the nearby Corvo Lake (2,464 m).
From the mountain lodge starts the long descent towards Rabbi (approximately 1,100 m drop). We soon return to the wide grassy pastures, then we enter the woods, passing by some small villages and cutting the forest road several times. Thus we arrive on a paved road and, shortly after, in the beautiful center of Bagni di Rabbi. The wealthiest ones can pamper themselves with a spa session.
We enter Val di Sole. The evocative name of this valley has nothing to do with our star (“sole” means sun); most likely, it refers to the cult of Sulis, an ancient Celtic divinity of water, and to the presence of the miraculous thermal waters of the valley.
Rabbi is renowned for its special thermal waters: extremely ferrous, they are very useful for those with anemia problems (the iron dissolved in the water passes directly to the blood).
It is diuretic water, good for the intestine and for the cardio-circulatory system. Put in the bottle, after three or four days the iron settles on the bottom and turns red.
Legend has it that the healing properties of Rabbi water became known thanks to the shepherd Bastianel: it is said that the flocks entrusted to him were more beautiful and their milk was better. Those sheep were drinking in pools of water surrounded by red stones ...
Of course, Princess Sissi also drank Rabbi's thermal water.
On the banks of the Rabbies stream stands the Venetian sawmill, a masterpiece of mechanical engineering dating back to the 18th century and perfectly preserved. The power of water was used to facilitate the cutting of logs, one of the most important economic resources of the Val di Sole.
For more info, timetables and tickets, follow the LINK.
Potato pie is a classic dish from Val di Sole: flour is added to the grated potatoes to make a dough, then baked in the oven. There is also a fried version called "tortel di patate" (potatoes tortel).
In the bar of the Grand Hotel, there is the Fonte dell'Acqua Forta, so-called for the very high concentration of iron. To taste ... with caution: the flavor reminds a lot of blood!
Rifugio Stella Alpina at Corvo Lake. Tel. +39 0463 985175 - + 39 0463 985127
Foresteria del Centro Visite del Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, in Bagni di Rabbi. Tel. +39 0463 985190
In Rabbi, there are several accommodation facilities.
Starting point NOT reachable by car.
The nearest location reachable by car is Malga Preghena.
Departure point NOT reachable by bus.
The nearest location reachable by bus is Bresimo, starting from the city of Trento with a change in Cles and Livio.
Here the LINK to check the timetables.
Departure point NOT reachable by train.
Va' Sentiero is a grassroot project, thanks to the spontaneous contribution oft housands of people.
Even the most complicated dream, a 7,000km uphill dream,
can be achieved... together.
Grazie!
