The Cammino Retico is a hiking route that crosses alpine landscapes, authentic villages and historical landmarks of great value. A trail that combines nature, history and good, honest effort, perfect for those seeking a trek far from the crowded routes, among silent valleys and climbs that leave their mark.
Thanks to the variety of landscapes and a network of well-distributed stages, the Cammino Retico draws walkers and outdoor enthusiasts every year in search of genuine adventures in the heart of northern Italy.
The Cammino Retico route
The trail runs between the provinces of Sondrio and Trento, following ancient alpine communication routes. The path extends for several hundred kilometres, alternating challenging climbs, panoramic stretches and gentler sections, perfect for catching your breath.
It is a route to tackle over several days, with stages designed to highlight not only the physical aspect, but also the cultural and natural one. Every section is an invitation to slow down, observe and connect with the land and its stories.
The main stages from Tirano to Chiavenna
The Cammino Retico is divided into stages designed to showcase landscape, culture and elevation variety. Every day is a balance between effort and wonder: climbs, descents, unexpected views and encounters with villages that hold ancient stories. Here are the most significant stages from Aune to Chiavenna.
Aune - San Pietro di Lamon: 21-24 km, medium difficulty.
The walk begins amid silent woods and grassy paths, with a few climbs that immediately put your legs to the test. The effort is eased by glimpses opening onto the surrounding valleys. San Pietro di Lamon, the stage's end point, is a small mountain village where you can breathe an authentic air of calm.
San Pietro di Lamon - Castello Tesino: 20-23 km, crossing the Passo del Brocon.
Among the most scenic of the Cammino Retico, this stage crosses the Passo del Brocon, offering views over the Brenta Dolomites and the Lagorai peaks. The altitude makes itself felt, as does the elevation gain, but the effort is repaid by a spectacular, unspoiled natural setting.
Castello Tesino - Fonzaso:~22-25 km, towards the Valsugana and Lake Corlo.
You descend towards the Valsugana, crossing landscapes that change face: from high altitudes to gentle rolling hillsides. Lake Corlo accompanies the final kilometres with its tranquil reflections. A route perfect for slowing your pace and enjoying the variety of the land.
Fonzaso - Seren del Grappa: 18-35 km, the stage with views over the Grappa.
One of the longest stages and physically most demanding, but also among the most captivating. The trail winds along the flanks of Monte Grappa, with constant ups and downs and views that stretch to the horizon. A stage to tackle with the right gear and a spirit of adaptability.
Seren del Grappa - Cesiomaggiore: 25-31 km, past the Bicycle Museum.
A route that combines culture and walking. Along the way you come across the Bicycle Museum, a curious and original stop. The path alternates woods, meadows and country lanes, offering a varied experience that is never monotonous, perfect for those who also love to discover the stories of the places they cross.
Cesiomaggiore - Feltre: 15-24.5 km, arriving in the walled town of Feltre.
This stage ideally closes the loop, leading towards historic Feltre, a walled town full of charm, with Renaissance palaces and medieval alleys. It is a shorter, more relaxing stage, designed to savour the pleasure of arrival and to allow a little time to explore the town centre.
Feltre - Aune: 19.5-20 km, return to the starting point.
The return route closes the circle and invites you to reflect on the experience you have lived. The final stage, through woods and mountain roads, is a way to part slowly from the Cammino Retico, carrying away new awareness, stronger legs and a backpack full of memories.
Difficulty and elevation gain of the route
The Cammino Retico is a varied and stimulating route, with stages that alternate flat stretches and demanding climbs. Some days feature elevation gains of over 1000 metres, as in the crossing of the Passo del Brocon, and call for good physical preparation and familiarity with the mountain environment.
The overall difficulty is medium-high, but thanks to numerous support points and the option to adjust the length of the stages, even hikers of an intermediate level can tackle the route safely.
What makes the difference is
- resistance to prolonged fatigue over several days,
- the ability to handle technical climbs and descents,
- and suitable gear, particularly when it comes to boots and clothing in the event of changeable conditions.
To enjoy every step of the Cammino Retico it is essential to listen to your own rhythm, study the elevation profiles and tackle the route with awareness.
Practical information for the walker
Tackling the Cammino Retico requires more than good physical preparation: it takes organisation, suitable gear and a basic knowledge of the area. Below you'll find all the useful tips to plan every detail of the experience at its best.
Where to sleep along the Cammino Retico
Along the Cammino Retico there are numerous places to stay, from alpine huts to farmhouse inns, as well as bed & breakfasts and small valley hotels. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during the busiest periods, such as summer and weekends.
Many stages also offer refreshment points where you can enjoy typical local dishes and zero-kilometre products, ideal for recovering energy after a day of trekking. For those seeking a more essential experience close to nature, there are equipped camping areas and spaces dedicated to tents near the huts.
Best time and recommended gear
The ideal time to walk the Cammino Retico runs from May to October, when the trails are generally free of snow and the days offer more stable weather. Even in summer, however, it's wise to expect sudden alpine storms: having the right gear makes the difference between comfort and risk.
Among the essentials:
- Waterproof trekking boots with good grip, such as the AKRON MID GTX®, ideal for tackling both technical stretches and mixed trails.
- For those seeking performance and lightness on significant elevation gains, the VETTA SYNTH GTX® offer stability and precision even on rock.
- If instead you want to maximise comfort, you can opt for the CIMA WP, lightweight, versatile hiking shoes perfect for multi-day excursions.
Complete the kit with:
- an ergonomic backpack,
- technical layered clothing,
- a compact rain jacket,
- trekking poles,
- a water bottle, sunscreen and a small first-aid kit.
Being prepared means walking with greater confidence, but also enjoying every stage with lightness and freedom.
History and culture of the Cammino Retico
The Cammino Retico has its roots in the ancient paths travelled by the Rhaetians, an alpine people who lived in these mountains well before the Roman era. These trails crossed the valleys, connected isolated communities and enabled the exchange of goods, traditions and knowledge.
Today, walking the Cammino Retico means immersing yourself in a thousand-year history, following trails that still preserve traces of ancient paving, archaeological sites and rural architecture. Every stage is an opportunity to discover the cultural value of the Alps, encountering a heritage that lives in the landscape, in the stones and in the people.
The right gear for every step
To tackle the Cammino Retico in the best way, you need reliable shoes that are light and suited to technical routes. Garmont offers solutions designed to accompany you on every kind of terrain: discover our selection of trekking shoes for those who love long walks, the line dedicated to hiking for tackling day stages, and the products from the performance collection, designed to provide stability and comfort in any condition.
For more tips, itineraries and inspiration, visit the official Garmont blog, where the mountains are told by those who live them every day.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the Cammino Retico
What does Cammino Retico mean?
The Cammino Retico takes its name from the Rhaetian peoples, an ancient alpine population that inhabited the central Alps before the Roman era. The route is inspired by the historic communication paths used for trade and pastoralism, now retraced in a hiking key.
Where is the Cammino Retico?
The route runs between the provinces of Sondrio and Trento, crossing valleys, alpine passes and small mountain villages. It is a varied itinerary that connects unspoiled natural settings with places rich in history and culture.
What are the stages of the Cammino Retico?
The main stages run from Tirano to Chiavenna, passing through places such as Aune, Castello Tesino, Fonzaso, Feltre and many others. Each stage offers different landscapes and the chance to stop at huts, farmhouse inns or historic villages.
How many days does it take to complete the whole Cammino Retico?
The time varies depending on your pace and how you divide the stages, but on average it takes between 7 and 10 days to walk the entire loop. Some walkers choose to tackle it in shorter sections.
Is the Cammino Retico suitable for everyone?
It is suitable for intermediate-level hikers with good physical preparation. Some sections feature demanding elevation gains, especially the stages that cross alpine passes such as the Passo del Brocon. It's important to tackle it with suitable clothing and boots.
What is the best time to walk the Cammino Retico?
The ideal season runs from May to September, when the trails are free of snow and the days are longer. In spring and autumn the landscapes are particularly striking, but it's essential to check the weather conditions and equip yourself accordingly.
Do you need a guide or is the route well marked?
The route is largely well marked, but it's advisable to carry a detailed map, a GPS track and, for those unfamiliar with the area, possibly to rely on local guides on the more technical stages.
What gear do you need for the Cammino Retico?
Trekking boots with a non-slip outsole, an ergonomic backpack, layered clothing and a rain jacket, a water bottle, sun protection and trekking poles. Among the ideal footwear, you can consider models such as AKRON MID GTX®, VETTA SYNTH GTX® or CIMA WP, perfect for tackling mixed terrain and elevation gains.
