In the National Park municipality, the Arena di Prato Adventure Trail, the aquaprad and a forest animal trail invite you to discover nature
Image gallery: Prato allo Stelvio
Right at the junction from the Val Venosta valley into the realm of King Ortles lies Prato allo Stelvio, one of the 10 municipalities in the Stelvio National Park. Once founded to preserve the Ortles region, today it is one of the largest nature reserves in Europe stretching over four Italian provinces and through all Alpine climate zones. So Prato allo Stelvio becomes the ideal starting point for some of the most exciting and inspiring hikes at the foot of the National Park. One of them follows ancient cart and grocer trails along the Archaic Trail to Stelvio.
Here, nature worthy of protection is abundant and diverse: from the slopes of the Ortles Alps via the the hamlet of Agumes and the district of Montechiaro down into the valley to the Arena di Prato, the estuary of the Rio Solda into the Adige River. The Arena is wild and unique and therefore also designated as a bird reserve for endangered species. Here, three circular paths invite children to observe and feel in nature. Dedicated to alpine nature at the waterside is the aquaprad National Park House, which is located in the main village of Prato in a modern museum building.
The official name Prato allo Stelvio suggests a location directly on the pass - but Prato actually lies much deeper in the fertile Val Venosta valley floor at the junction to the Solda Valley and the Trafoi Valley. It is still a 25 km drive up to the top of the pass. To the south are the slopes of the Monte Tramontana as well as Mt. Croda di Cengles or Tschenglser Hochwand, which is the highest point in the municipality with its impressive 3,375 metres. Great importance is attached to traditions in Prato allo Stelvio, as can be seen at the ancient "Proder Maschger", when eight couples and the "Bajaz" walk through the centre of Prato on Carnival Sunday and Tuesday, but also at the traditional fair, which is celebrated in September. An adventure pool, the Val Venosta Cycle Path and several skiing areas in the surroundings complete the offer from the active side.
