An Ancient Lava Flow and a Forest Picnic in Vicenza

FIND YOUR STORY

A · Lava Beneath the Trees ↓
B · The One Hour Forest Walk ↓
C · A Picnic You Can Reserve ↓
D · Plan Your Visit ↓
E · FAQ ↓

A · Lava Beneath the Trees ↓

An ancient volcanic landscape is hiding in the woods of Vicenza. At Bosco della Guizza, on the first hills of the Vicentine Prealps, old lava flows from the volcanic past of Cima Ignago remain visible among the trees. The FAI, Italy's National Trust, documents the dark volcanic stones, ancient lava formations and traces of prehistoric seabeds in the surrounding hills. [1]
The woodland itself is a mixture of hornbeam, flowering ash and old chestnut trees, some of impressive size. Lower down, a small pond provides a habitat intended to support local amphibian populations. [1]
It is a rather unexpected chapter of Northern Italy's natural history, where a walk through the trees can become an introduction to a landscape formed millions of years ago.

B · The One Hour Forest Walk ↓

For an easy afternoon outdoors, Bosco della Guizza has a marked 3 km circular walk, taking approximately one hour. The route passes through the woodland and connects the naturalistic centre with the picnic area. The official visitor map classifies it as low difficulty. [2]
For more adventurous walkers interested in the volcanic landscape, the longer Cammina con noi itinerary extends for 10.3 km, approximately four hours, through wooded hills and old rural hamlets. This is the route associated with the lava outcrops described by the FAI. [1][2]
Explore the official walking routes and download the maps.

C · A Picnic You Can Reserve ↓

Bring your favourite people and make an afternoon of it. The forest has an equipped picnic area with tables and a barbecue, which can be reserved in advance. The published barbecue timetable offers two periods, from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 12:00 to 14:00. [3]
For something more private, Cooperativa Ecotopia manages a fenced woodland space with picnic benches, two large fireplaces and a firepit area. The adjoining restored country building has a kitchen and rooms available for private gatherings, workshops and group activities. Organised overnight stays in tents or inside the building can also be discussed with the operator. [4]
Discover the woodland facilities and private group experiences.

D · Plan Your Visit ↓

BOSCO DELLA GUIZZA · VICENZA PREALPS
Location: Via Capanizza, 36033 Isola Vicentina, province of Vicenza, Italy.
Forest walk: 3 km circular route, approximately 1 hour, low difficulty.
Longer volcanic landscape walk: Cammina con noi, 10.3 km, approximately 4 hours, higher difficulty.
Best season: Spring and autumn for walking, summer for a picnic in the shade.
Picnic: Equipped tables and barbecue facilities available by reservation.
Private groups: Woodland space and restored nature centre, subject to availability and booking conditions.
Parking: Grass parking area opposite the equipped woodland space. Vehicle access to the naturalistic centre is restricted; confirm accessibility requirements with the operator.
Reservations: Cooperativa Ecotopia
Telephone: +39 0445 641606
Email: info@cooperativaecotopia.it
Reserve the picnic area or forest house.
Download the official walking maps.
Picnic and private space reservations require confirmation by the operator. Check prices, weather conditions and the rules for fires before travelling.

E · FAQ ↓

Where can you see ancient lava flows in Vicenza, Italy? The FAI documents ancient volcanic formations in Bosco della Guizza and the surrounding Cima Ignago hills. The longer Cammina con noi walking itinerary explores this landscape.
Is Bosco della Guizza suitable for an easy family walk? Yes. The official woodland circuit is 3 km long, takes approximately one hour and is classified as low difficulty.
Can you book a forest picnic in Vicenza? Yes. Bosco della Guizza has reservable picnic tables and barbecue facilities. Cooperativa Ecotopia also manages a woodland space and nature centre for private groups and outdoor gatherings.