The expansive valley may sit firmly on Italian soil but in fact by car it’s accessible only from Switzerland. Historically a disputed territory, it produces exquisite and flavoursome cheeses the like of which few environs manage. It’s accepted that every mountain pasture has its very own grasses and herbs. And each grassland has its very particular characteristics which will provide a unique and original combination of organoleptic elements guaranteeing very special and individual cheese production. Our particular valley runs around 15 kilometres long, orientated along a south-north axis and extends along an average height of 2000m above sea level. Its valley bottom hosts a reservoir of a little under 8 km, enclosed on the northern side by a dam located on Swiss territory, from where its water course would flow towards the Rhine. Whether it’s down to the currents of air arriving from the north, the very presence of the artificial lake, and the majestic peaks all around, or a combination of all three, the fact remains that Valle di Lei is among the most celebrated places for the quality of its delectable cheeses. But let’s not forget the heroic efforts of the farmer/breeders who each and every summer transport their Alpine herds all the way to the upper pastures.

The Piano del Nido is an area situated south of the lake in Valle di Lei. It’s a magical place reached after a gentle ramble of around 2,30’h, heading off from Alpe Angeloga, where the Chiavenna CAI Refuge is located and where it’s possible to stay overnight. From Angeloga you climb towards the Lago di Nero (2351m), the path indicated by the white/red poles. You continue along the Passo del’Angeloga (2391m) before heading back down to the Pian del Nido. and motivated staff are readily available to the public for visits and educational days. See you soon!