Parco del Battiferro: adventures among caves, via ferratas, and canyons in Garfagnana
Aerial trails, river trekking, and starry nights to discover the wonders of the Alpi Apuane.
Parco del Battiferro is an immersive experience in the wild nature of Garfagnana. We are in Fornovolasco, at the foot of the southern Alpi Apuane.
Active living and guided meditations for your mental and physical wellbeing. And you can even sleep under the stars in one of the park’s tents!
- Rock routes with via ferratas and zip lines
- River trekking suitable for everyone in the torrente Battiferro
- Trail to discover ancient mines and mountain stories
- Forest bathing and woodland meditation
- Camping under the stars
- Just a few minutes' drive from the Grotta del Vento
Discover Parco del Battiferro
- Rock routes with via ferratas and zip lines
- River trekking suitable for everyone in the torrente Battiferro
- Trail to discover ancient mines and mountain stories
- Forest bathing and woodland meditation
- Camping under the stars
- Just a few minutes' drive from the Grotta del Vento
Discover Parco del Battiferro
Outdoor activities and wellbeing
Outdoor activities between sky, earth, and crystal-clear water in the heart of the Apuane
Experience nature actively: at Parco Avventura del Battiferro you don’t have to choose; you can try every experience in contact with the wild nature of the mountains.
Explore caves, woods, and canyons simply and safely, even if you’ve never done it before, under the supervision of expert guides and using certified equipment. Because having fun is great, but doing it safely is a must.
Discover the legends of the Apuane and the miners’ stories, or relax with a shamanic meditation among firs and beeches.
To end your day beautifully, stay and sleep under the stars. Yes, because at Battiferro there is a small campsite: just a few equipped tents to live your adventure until morning.
The experiences are suitable for everyone:
- Families
- Groups
- Children and adults
with various levels of difficulty and duration.
For the little ones, from 4 years old and up, we organize tailor-made experiences in the stream, in the woods, or in the old iron mines with games, treasure hunts, and storytellers.
Here at the Park, you can bring a packed lunch or even dinner if you decide to stay the night.
There are picnic areas where you can stop for a break or a nice snack together.
Four-legged friends are welcome, but please remember to keep them on a leash for everyone’s peace of mind.
River trekking in the canyons of the torrente Battiferro: routes for everyone
At Battiferro you can choose between two different river trekking experiences, depending on your needs and the time you have available.
You can walk along the stream, through canyons hidden by vegetation, and then slide into its waters. They are a bit “chilly”, but they will give you a truly rejuvenating experience!
- Short river trekking (1.5 – 2 hour route) – from 6 years old, €25.
- Long river trekking (2.5–3 hour route) – from 10 years old, €45.
Wetsuits and helmets are provided by the staff. All you have to do is live your adventure 🙂
Iron mines tour: discover the underground world with your family
A guided tour taking you into the historic galleries of Fornovolasco, carved into the rock by the miners of the Apuane.
It is an experience in contact with nature and also with the local history, perfect for spending pleasant and physically undemanding moments with your family and your children.
- Minimum age: 8 years old
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Cost: €30
Alchemy of the Four Paths: a journey for the health of the spirit
A path dedicated to those seeking to find or rediscover their inner balance.
Maurizio, an expert guide in shamanism, meditation techniques, forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku), and holistic disciplines, takes you into the woods in a safe space where you can fully connect with the pristine nature of Garfagnana. And with the deepest part of yourself.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Cost: €30
Wild night in a tent
Sleep at Pila Tonda: your "wild" night in the heart of the park
You can experience Battiferro even after sunset: at Pila Tonda the tents are already set up, along a secluded stretch reachable only on foot.
The 11 accommodations are simple but equipped with everything you need to be comfortable, featuring solar-powered lighting, tableware, green toilets, and eco-showers. These are tents with a fresh & black system and comfort mattresses by Decathlon, the Park’s official technical sponsor.
Just remember to bring your own sleeping bag and pillows, which, for hygiene reasons, are not provided by Battiferro.
Another important detail: there is no dining area, so everyone brings their own food from home. The stream will be the natural refrigerator for your meals!
A little gem for you
The name “Pila Tonda” comes from the local dialect: it means a round pot. And it also carries a story from the 1950s.
Legend has it that a villager built a small stone wall in the woods to create a secluded pool where his wife, who had returned with him from Brazil, could bathe away from prying eyes. The wall still exists today and has become part of the landscape.
Have fun spotting it!
The history and the staff
Once upon a time, there was an abandoned park
The Parco del Battiferro was brought to life through the efforts of Adolfo da Prato and Ferruccio Bertoli, nature guides and deep connoisseurs of the Apuane, who in 2013 recovered the area that had been overtaken by wild nature.
With patience, they cleared the trails and rediscovered the ancient mines, to enhance the nature and the historical heritage of the territory.
Today, the park has been entrusted to the capable hands of Alessandro Piccinini, known to everyone as Piccia.
He is the one carrying the project forward, after Adolfo left Battiferro in his “custody”, as one does with someone they care about.
Alessandro is a trekking instructor, a rescuer in acrobatic parks, and a ski mountaineer who grew up on the slopes.
He has been part of the CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) practically since he was born and was one of the youngest members ever registered. Piccia is the kind of guy who crosses the stream in every season, even when it’s too cold for anyone else!
At Battiferro, he is truly at home.
Working alongside him are Zaccaria, an instructor and safety manager, and Maurizio, a former speleologist, who accompanies guests on meditative and forest bathing trails.
The Park also collaborates with local realities such as the associazione Filo d’Arianna, dedicated to promoting mental wellbeing and raising awareness about social marginalization issues, and with technical partners like Petzl and Decathlon, who support the team with equipment and gear.
Today’s philosophy remains the same as in the past: “Follow the Nature”: follow the rhythm of the place and live your adventure with total respect for the surrounding environment.
«For us, Follow the Nature means exactly this: we follow nature and its rhythms. We are its guests, it is in charge, not the other way around», Alessandro tells us.
We couldn’t agree more: nature should not be tamed, but loved and protected.
Faq
Faq
Do I need to book?
Yes, booking and online payment are mandatory. We recommend booking at least one month in advance.
When is the best time to go?
The park is open from late March to early October. However, summer is definitely the best season!
What is the minimum age to participate?
From 10 years old for the most demanding trails (aerial rock flights and long river trekking).
Are dogs allowed?
They are allowed for overnight stays, on a leash and with their own bed. They cannot participate in the activities.
Is there a dining area?
No. Remember to bring your own food 🙂.
A packed lunch and you’re good to go!
Where can I leave my belongings?
At the base, there is a secure luggage storage that is always supervised.
How much does it cost to sleep in the tents?
€50 per person for an overnight stay in an equipped tent.
Are there bathroom facilities?
Absolutely! You will find chemical toilets at the base and green toilets/eco-showers in the camping area.
Location
Location
Contacts
Contacts
Parco del Battiferro
