This environmental rarity, with a microclimate unique in Europe, is a veritable natural fridge. Its environmental value and alpine temperatures make for the perfect combination for this summer nature walk\u2026 accompanied by a sweatshirt!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the retreat of the glacier 20,000 years ago, this area near Lake Gaiano remains a wonderful low-altitude mountain retreat<\/strong>. This fascinating spot, with its extremely delicate alpine microclimate, can be visited every year from May to July by following a path that winds its way through hornbeams and hazel trees.
Here in the Valle del Freddo<\/strong>, there\u2019s no need to switch on the air conditioning, not even in mid-August. A unique climatic condition<\/strong> is created in this area: in summer, air currents at 2\u00b0\u20134\u00b0C emerge from holes at the bottom of the valley, cooled by passing through the large blocks of ice that form underground in winter.
The valley was discovered thanks to an edelweiss. In 1939, the botanist Guido Isnenghi<\/strong> found it by following the directions of a hunter who wore the flower on his hat, having picked it without climbing to high altitudes.
Gentian, heather and globeflower are some of the other plant species that can be admired alongside the myriad colours of the wild orchids<\/strong> growing in the valley: from fuchsia to brown, white and the deep green of the Listera ovata, a species that grows up to 60 centimetres tall.
If you are quiet enough during your visit, you may also be joined by foxes, squirrels, weasels and hares. And if you look up, you can spot finches, robins, hoopoes and great tits: should they not venture beyond the foliage, you can always hear them singing whilst you enjoy the cool air\u2026 without boots and walking sticks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n