Surrounded by the Ortles Cevedale, the Adamello Presanella and Brenta
mountain ranges, Valle di Sole stretches from Tonale Pass, the natural
connection with Lombardy, to the Santa Giustina gorge leading to Valle
di Non.
Scoured by the Noce River, dominated by glaciers and perennial snow and
rich in water, it is enhanced by two deep parallel side valleys, Pejo
and Rabbi, both known for their thermal springs.
The farm cultivations, mostly orchards, dominate the landscape that,
climbing towards Tonale, becomes progressively and typically alpine.
Many villages offer a wide choise for those seeking accommodation and
relaxation. The uppermost part of the valley and the Pejo and Rabbi
side valleys, with the highest mountains, are inside the National Park
of Stelvio where nature triumphs.
Luxuriant forest, meadows dotted with old wooden hay barns and, climbing
towards the eternal snows, a countless number of paths alon which you may
easily catch sight of roe deer, red deer, mountain goats, eagles and the
nice marmots.
As we have said, water is the dominating element in this picture post-
card environment. It is present in a thousand versions and moments,
from water trickling over a stone to the thundering cascade of weterfalls
and the gurgling of the thousand torrents and streams you may have to
cross during a walk. A source of wealth when it is turned into energy
in the power stations, a source of life for the meadows and man.
In recent years the water has also become the main attraction for
canoe and kayak enthusiasts from all over Europe who, in this valley,
have found an ideal spot for their sport on the tumultuos Noce rapids.
Water that gives an indescribable emotion to the daring sportsmen of
rafting in their crrazy descents in rubber rafts swept along by the
current. Alongside the tourist activity, the local people have preserved
the handicraft traditions, especially woodwork and metalwork.
The local produce and good food are an essential feature of the mountain
farmer's life. This is evident in the Museum of the Valle di Sole
Civilisation in Male' with its interesting synthesis of the local uses,
customs and culture. Another small but characteristic museum in Vermiglio
houses relics of the Great War, fought on the snow of the Adamello
Presanella front. These were found by salvagers who, after the war was
over, earned their living for years by selling the scrap iron they had
gathered and brought down on the valley from the glaciers.