Gran Paradiso National Park

Gran Paradiso National Park used to be the private hunting reserve of King Vittorio Emanuele II. As a consequence it is known for being rich in wild life. Certainly, the marmots are very curious and seem to be unafraid.

Some of the old roads used by the hunting parties still exist. These offer easy walking above 2000m with spectacular views of glacier topped peaks including the iconic 4061m Gran Paradiso itself. Gran Paradiso published by Cicerone is recommended for route planning. It is also possible to spend the night at the rifugio named after the king.

However in the summer it is packed full of alpinists planning an early morning ascent of Gran Paradiso.