In late spring and summer, the Modenese Apennines transform into a living mosaic of colors, sounds, and scents. Wander along scenic trails or explore spectacular treasure troves of biodiversity.
Blooming pink rhododendrons, high-mountain meadows, and botanical gardens are nestled in the heart of the mountains. This 48-hour itinerary invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in the authentic beauty of nature. Perfect for families, couples, or friends, this itinerary is designed for those who love taking pictures of Nature, plant lovers, or those who simply wish to enjoy clean mountain air along panoramic trails and hidden biodiversity havens. An itinerary that blends nature and culture, physical activity and contemplation, offering a weekend suitable for thrill-seekers or those who simply wish to be inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the flowers in the Apennines.
Technical Information
The trail on Libro Aperto Mount covers a distance of about 10 km with an elevation gain of 800 meters. It is suitable for trained hikers equipped with proper mountain clothing and footwear.
The itinerary starts from the I Taburri, just 20 minutes by car from Fanano, the starting point of several trails leading to Libro Aperto Mount, one of the most iconic destinations in the Modenese Apennines.
Follow the CAI trail No. 437/445 through a dense beech forest until reaching the Gran Mogol Shelter, where a refreshing spring allows you to stock up on water. From here, take CAI trail No. 435, which ascends towards the ridge. The climb, challenging yet full of charm, offers breathtaking views of the Po Valley and the majestic Mount Cimone.
Once you leave the forest and enter the quiet of the valley, you will reach Pizzo delle Stecche, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the peaks of Mount La Piazza, Mount Lagoni, and Corno alle Scale.
Between the second half of June and early July, the blooming of rhododendrons paints the high-altitude meadows with pink petals and intense fragrance. This relict species tells the ancient story of Apennine alpine flora, dating back to the last Ice Age.
The two peaks of Libro Aperto Mount, Rotondo Mount (1,937 mt) and Belvedere Mount (1,896 mt) from afar resemble the pages of a giant open book. The return route follows CAI trail No. 433, passing by Pizzo dei Sassi Bianchi.
At the end of this hike, a short detour leads to the scenic Doccione waterfalls, on foot not far from I Taburri.
The journey ends with a drive back to Fanano or Sestola, two charming villages that preserve the ancient culture and warm hospitality of the Apennines waiting to be discovered.
Curiosities
Along the slopes of the Libro Aperto Mount, the precious black blueberry of the Modena Apennines grows spontaneously, which fully ripen between July and September. Known for its health and therapeutic properties, it has been protected since 2011 thanks to a brand promoted by the Modena Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the GAL, the Frignano Regional Park and the local municipalities. To ensure sustainability, the collection is specially regulated by the Park.
The second day begins with a visit to this botanical garden, located at 1500 meters, near Passo del Lupo and Lake Ninfa, beneath Mount Cimone.
The garden is reachable by car or on foot from Sestola through the municipal trail nr. 6, and Esperia botanical garden is an open-air museum located in a beech forest crossed by streams and paths.
Managed by CAI - Modena Section, it is open from June to September.
Different natural habitats coexist within it: marshes, wetlands, pastures, clearings, cliffs and detritus. In addition, the "roccere" hosts species of mountain plants from various mountain ranges.
Thanks to the collaboration with the CNR (The National Research Council) and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, the Garden also carries out an important mission of scientific research, education for sustainability and conservation of rare or endangered species such as the silvery crane's bill (Geranium argenteum), the common butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris), the bear's ear (Primula auricula), the great yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) and the alpine aster (Aster alpinus).
Tips
Before ending the day, it's well worth taking a break and enjoying lunch at one of the mountain lodges along the shores of the enchanting Lake Ninfa, before heading to the final destination of our trip through the Modenese Apennines.
After lunch, the final stop takes us to Montagnana of Serramazzoni, home to another truly unique open-air museum. This open-air museum, is entirely dedicated to the magical, evocative, and poetic world of one of the most fascinating plants on earth. Indeed, it holds one of the largest collections of ancient and heritage roses. The aim is to preserve the genetic heritage of wild rose varieties and make them accessible to enthusiasts.
Generally open from April to late June, a reservation is required. The garden is organized into thematic pathways and includes a nursery where potted specimens can be purchased, a shop offering handcrafted rose-based products, and a one-of-a-kind multi-sensory herbarium, an immersive experience designed to engage all five senses. Between fragrant aromas and visual wonder, this final stop ends the journey on a poetic note, in the scented heart of the Modenese Apennines.
