Palu Mine Trail

The main starting point for the trail is from Palù del Fersina, where parking is available. You can find a designated parking area at Fersental Trailhead Parking.

The trail is best enjoyed from late spring to early autumn. In early summer, you can witness the vibrant bloom of rhododendrons, and even in summer, Lake Erdemolo often retains ice and snow, offering a unique contrast.

While the Fersina Valley generally welcomes dogs, specific rules might apply to the guided tour inside the Erdemolo Mine. It's advisable to check with the mine's official website for their pet policy before planning your visit if you intend to enter the mine itself.

Hiking the trail itself does not require a permit or entrance fee. However, there is an entrance fee for the guided tour inside the Erdemolo Mine, which operates as a museum.

The main Erdemolo Mine Trail is considered a moderate hike. It covers approximately 6.89 km with an elevation gain of about 360 meters. However, routes that extend to include Lake Erdemolo and the Rifugio Sette Selle can be more demanding, categorized as moderate to hard, requiring good fitness and sure-footedness.

The main trail is generally suitable for families with active children, given its moderate difficulty. The guided tour inside the Erdemolo Mine can be a unique and educational experience, though it involves navigating narrow passages and potentially steep stairs, which might be challenging for very young children.

Key highlights include the historic Erdemolo Mine, the beautiful alpine Lake Erdemolo, and the Rifugio Sette Selle mountain hut. You'll also encounter natural features like the Small Stream and a View of the Rio Laner waterfall.

You can expect diverse scenery, from comfortable forest tracks through coniferous, fir, and larch woods to open alpine pastures. The trail offers picturesque views of the Fersina Valley, majestic mountain peaks, and rocky cirques, especially around Lake Erdemolo. Inside the mine, you'll see raw rock with mineral veins and dripping water.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Percorso Miniera Palu, Alta Via del Porfido - Tappa 4, European long distance path E5 - Italy, and Mesotrekking.

Yes, the Rifugio Sette Selle is a mountain hut located along the trail, providing a resting point and refreshments for hikers. It's a great spot to take a break and enjoy the views.

The Erdemolo Mine is an ancient mining site that operated between 1400 and 1650, now transformed into a museum. Guided tours offer a profound insight into the strenuous life of the historical miners, showcasing original tunnels, tools, clothing, and extracted minerals, providing a unique 'journey into the bowels of the earth' and through history.