Posted on

South Tyrol snowshoeing – a winter story about the peak of Eggespitz

In February 2017, we spent a couple of weeks in the Aurina Valley (Ahrntal) in South Tyrol snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the area. One memorable snowshoeing (winter hiking) trip was the trail to the peak of Eggespitz (2187 m).  Though it may evoke thoughts of an omelette, “egg” actually means “peak” in Swiss-German. Eggespitz, and the Aurina Valley where it’s located, lie in the Südtyrol/Alto Adige region in Italy, a beautiful region with a rich and complex history.

More snapographi >>

Posted on

Rustic hiking with splendid views of Lake Como (Lago di Como)

Lago di Como, in the province of Lombardy – one of the mostly densely populated regions in Italy, and even Europe. The density of population here at an average of around 400+people/sq km rivals that in Japan and the Netherlands – two of the two most densely populated countries in the world. So you can imagine that when I found myself with time on my hands in May in the Bergamo area  I did not seriously expect to find any exceptional pristine wild hikes there.

I’m going to tell you a story that sort of qualifies as a hiking trip failure, but in retrospect this short but eventful day trip was just another kind of adventure. And this adventure boasted of two highlights: getting caught in an Italian national train strike (a memorable and educational experience in itself), and surviving said strike to tell the tale. Namely, the tale of how we managed to travel to our destination and back (almost) without disruptions to our plan (though I ascribe this last bit to atypical lucky stroke). And yes, I’m talking about a day trip! It’s legendary – read on.

More snapographi >>

Posted on

Amalfi coast hiking trail with Vesuvio volcano views

Travelling south along the coast from Naples towards Amalfi, we passed through Pompeii, and then, just before the Sorrento peninsular swinged into view in front of us, to the west, mushroomed a small town called Castellamare di Stabia. While it was not quite so picturesque, we didn’t want to drive too long so we had decided to settle there for the night – actually in a villa-like place just outside of town, with fragrant orange and lemon gardens, and panoramic views towards the Vesuvio volcano. So far, so good.
More snapographi >>

Posted on

The Amalfi coast in April – secluded hiking trips

The Amalfi coast (Costiera Amalfitana), overlooking the brilliant turquoise blues of the Tyrrhenian sea from the vantage point of the hill-tiered, perfumed-lemon-groves-dotted Sorrento peninsula, has become famous the world over for its dramatic landscape. While great for the local tourism industry, this immense popularity has lead to thongs of tourists that make solitude a thing of the past. And of course everyone congregates along the tight coastal strip to take in the beauty of the unique coastline. However, do not despair – if you’re up for a bit of walking it is still possible to have it all to yourself, so to speak.

More snapographi >>