Network of Nature Reserves - Alto Noce
Castles, mills, and ancient traditions
- On the doorstep of the Adamello Brenta Park, in the wilderness of Val Meledrio
- The magical atmospheres of the Ossana castle
- The secret world of bees, at the Museo dell'Ape (Bee Museum) in Croviana
The Noce river springs from the "Corno dei Tre Signori" peak, in the Stelvio National Park. In its upper section, it flows along Val di Sole which, sandwiched between the Adamello Brenta and the Stelvio parks, is referred to as the "land of Parks".
Since 2015, the protected areas of the Nature 2000 Network along the upper section of the river and the corresponding Municipalities have joined forces to create the Alto Noce Reserve Network, a sort of "ecological corridor" of protected areas which forms a single protected area with the two nearby parks.
Between stern castles and sweet cultivated fields, the Noce's course crosses through land rich in nature, history and tradition, where water was the backbone of all activities, as shown by the ancient sawmills, the mills, and the water forges that worked thanks to the river, which is currently considered one of the best in the world for rafting.
Well aware of the rich cultural and natural heritage that characterises this Valley, the population has developed, over time, particular care for the environment, creating - also thanks to the Reserve Network - an interesting example of sustainable development, where the work of the community, the rediscovery of traditional activities, of craftsmanship, culture, and ancient knowledge, has resulted in a sought-after tourist destination.
