4.4
(692)
2,790
hikers
31
hikes
Hiking around Vagli Sotto offers diverse terrain within Italy's Garfagnana region, situated between the Apuan Alps and the Tusco-Emilian Apennines. The landscape features towering peaks reaching around 2000 meters, extensive forests, and significant waterways. A central feature is Lake Vagli, an artificial lake created by a dam on the Edron River. The area provides a range of physical challenges, from lakeside paths to demanding mountain ascents.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
4.4
(63)
249
hikers
5.16km
01:23
70m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(79)
288
hikers
14.5km
06:54
1,140m
1,140m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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4.8
(20)
94
hikers
9.89km
04:31
830m
830m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
(27)
131
hikers
14.2km
05:38
910m
910m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.0
(4)
25
hikers
11.7km
05:39
860m
860m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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The construction of the hydroelectric dam, designed by Count Eng. Ignazio Prinetti Castelletti, began in 1941, slowed down during wartime, and was completed in 1947 under the supervision of SELT Valdarno (now Enel). In the period 1951-53, the dam was raised by about 30 m, bringing the overall height to about 88-92 m. The ordinary arch and gravity dam, built in concrete, has a crest 150 m long and 5 m wide, while the width at foundation level is about 70 m. The crest is accessible to the public all year round. The lake, artificially formed in 1947 by damming the Edron stream, constitutes the dam's reservoir. Upon filling, the rising lake waters submerged some villages, the main one being Fabbriche di Careggine, a small village of blacksmiths from Brescia, founded in the 13th century, which re-emerges with every emptying of the basin. Since the Vajont disaster, the basin has not been filled beyond 80% of its maximum capacity. The basin holds about 35 million cubic meters of water and is exceptionally emptied in case maintenance intervention is necessary. This has happened four times: in 1958, 1974, 1983, and 1994. In the latter year, almost 1 million tourists from all over the world arrived in Vagli.
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The Oasis of Campocatino is a mountain locality in the Apuan Alps, in the municipality of Vagli di Sotto, located at 1000 m above sea level, beneath the imposing wall of Monte Roccandagia. It includes a large basin of glacial origin, a testament to the extent of Quaternary glaciation in the Apennine area. Inside, we find the typical pastoral buildings called "caselli," which have been preserved with their ancient construction characteristics. Since 1991, it has become a "LIPU Natural Oasis." The coexistence of different environments and the natural integrity of the area have allowed the acclimatization of various bird species that reproduce there. Along the rocky walls, the Alpine chough and the Wallcreeper nest; in the high-altitude meadows and pastures, the Skylark, the Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, the Wheatear, and the Greater Short-toed Lark are observed, while the woods below are populated by the Blackcap, the Goldfinch, the Chaffinch, the Brambling, the Firecrest, the Dartford Warbler, the Robin, the Eurasian Nuthatch, the Song Thrush, the Mistle Thrush, the Wren, and four species of tits: Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, and Marsh Tit. Biodiversity is also present among the birds of prey that inhabit the area: the Tawny Owl, the Kestrel, the Eagle Owl, the Common Buzzard, the Sparrowhawk, and sometimes the Eagle soars over the area in search of prey. A little curiosity: in 1998 Campocatino was the film set for the movie "il mio west" directed by Giovanni Veronesi, starring Leonardo Pieraccioni, Harvey Keitel, David Bowie, and Alessia Marcuzzi. In memory of David Bowie's presence, a statue has been placed near the stone houses to commemorate his time there.
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Currently closed due to construction work
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panoramic point
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A fantastic bridge with a fantastic view of the reservoir. There are also a few glass panels in the middle of the bridge, but due to the pattern, they're not quite as transparent.
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There are some statues of current / Trump and past people here.
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There are over 25 hiking routes around Vagli Sotto. These include 6 easy trails, 10 moderate routes, and 10 difficult paths, catering to various fitness levels and preferences.
The terrain around Vagli Sotto is highly diverse, ranging from gentle lakeside paths around Lake Vagli to challenging ascents in the Apuan Alps. You'll encounter extensive forests, dramatic mountain peaks, and significant waterways, with elevations reaching around 2000 meters.
Yes, Vagli Sotto offers several family-friendly options. Easy routes, such as the Lake Vagli - Ring tour, are suitable for all ages and provide pleasant walks along the lake's banks. The VagliPark also offers adventure activities like a suspension bridge and zip line.
Hikers can explore several unique natural features. The artificial Lake Vagli itself is a central attraction. The Apuan Alps provide a dramatic backdrop, and you might encounter the Monte Forato Natural Arch, a distinctive rock formation. For a historical curiosity, the submerged village of Fabbriche di Careggine occasionally re-emerges from Lake Vagli during dam maintenance.
Absolutely. Experienced trekkers can tackle difficult routes like the Mount Tambura Summit – Tambura Pass loop from Vagli Sopra. This route ascends Monte Tambura, the second-highest peak in the Apuan Alps, offering extensive mountain views and a significant elevation gain.
The hiking trails in Vagli Sotto are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from serene lakeside walks to challenging mountain ascents, and the stunning views of the Apuan Alps and Lake Vagli.
Yes, many routes around Vagli Sotto are designed as circular walks, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Tambura Pass – Tambura Pass loop from Pozza dell' Arnetola, which takes you through the Apuan Alps.
Yes, you can hike to historical sites such as the San Viano Hermitage, nestled in a rock face overlooking the Valle di Arnetola. It's reachable via a steep mule track from the Natura di Campocatino trail. You can also explore routes that follow sections of the historic 18th-century Via Vandelli.
The best time to hike in Vagli Sotto is generally from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is more favorable for exploring both the lakeside paths and the higher mountain trails. Summer offers warmer temperatures, while spring and autumn provide pleasant conditions with vibrant foliage.
Beyond the trails, you can visit the Lake Vagli and the Ghost Town. Additionally, the Lake and Dam of Vicaglia and the Grotta del Vento (Wind Cave) are notable nearby attractions.
Many routes in the Apuan Alps provide views of Monte Tambura. For a direct experience, the Mount Tambura Summit – Campocatino Mountain Village loop from Vagli Sopra offers impressive vistas of this prominent peak and its surroundings.


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