Gran Paradiso National Park

Gran Paradiso National Park is a protected area in the Graian Alps of Aosta Valley, covering alpine meadows, mountain forests, and glacial zones. The landscape ranges from fir woods at lower levels to rock faces and snowfields near the summits.

Vittorio Emanuele II established a royal hunting reserve here in the mid-19th century to save the ibex from extinction. After World War I, the House of Savoy transferred the land to the Italian state, which declared it the country's first national park.

The name comes from the icy summit that dominates the valleys and has served as a landmark for local herders for centuries. Stone walls and old shepherd paths along the slopes recall the time when these mountains were used for grazing and seasonal migration.

Trails are mostly snow-free in summer and lead through open high valleys where ibexes and chamois often graze within view. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing are advisable, as mountain weather can shift rapidly.

Ibexes often approach trails within a few meters in early summer to feed on fresh grasses and herbs in the alpine meadows. Some animals wear collars with transmitters that help researchers track their movements and behavior across the range.

Location: Aosta Valley

Inception: December 3, 1922

Website: http://pngp.it

GPS coordinates: 45.50278,7.31000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:59