Halfway between Bologna and Pistoia, between ancient medieval villages, you will find the lush forests, pastures, glades and fields that define the character of the great Park of the Lakes: an area that stretches for almost 4 thousand hectares, which offers stunning views to anyone looking for direct contact with nature.
At the centre, the two large reservoirs of Suviana and Brasimone, made at the beginning of the twentieth century for hydro-electric purposes, offer the possibility to lovers of the great outdoors to spend refreshing days on the lake shore.
As you walk around the park you can observe gorges and glades and stroll through forests of beech, oak and coniferous trees or simply climb the highest peaks to take in the magnificent panorama.
The fact that this park is mainly uninhabited means there are high numbers of roe deer, fallow deer and wild boar living in the area but, especially, red deer, which can be considered the most representative species. In fact, it is not strange to hear their evocative bellowing in September and October.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the plains, the park offers a variety of hiking opportunities. There are 130 km of small forest roads and well-marked paths which also make it easy to get around the whole area, even by mountain bike, regardless of your fitness level: from easy semi-flat walks to hikes that will have you climbing in parts up Mount Calvi, which even follow the Alta Via dei Parchi, the ridgeway running through the Apennine parks in this region.
Both lakes, in particular, Lake Suviana, are the ideal place to indulge in a refreshing swim or do some fun water sports, such as rowing, windsurfing and recreational fishing, which are the main tourist draws in the summer months.
