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Literary travel · Vicenza
Vicenza for nature lovers, mountain walks with readings in the woods
Guided hikes and winter snowshoe walks through the landscapes of Italian nature writing
In Vicenza’s mountains, a guided walk can include readings among the trees, observations of wildlife tracks and stories of the people who lived here. These literary excursions explore the forests and pastures that inspired an Italian writer whose books grew from mountain life and the experience of war. For readers planning a walking holiday in northern Italy, they offer a compelling reason to visit.
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Know before you go
Choose the specific excursion before arranging transport. These walks use different routes and meeting points across the plateau. Confirm the language of the readings, walking difficulty and winter equipment when booking.
Literary walks in Vicenza’s mountains
On the Asiago Plateau in Italy’s Vicenza province, guided excursions explore the landscapes associated with Mario Rigoni Stern, the Italian writer born in Asiago in 1921. His subjects included forests, animals, mountain communities and the consequences of war. A veteran of the Italian Alpine troops, he became known for Il sergente nella neve, his account of the retreat from Russia during the Second World War. Books such as Il bosco degli urogalli and Arboreto selvatico reflect his close attention to the natural world. For travellers interested in nature writing and literary journeys through Europe, these walks offer a chance to explore the landscape behind the books. nd Asiago area.
Choose a guided hike through the writer’s landscapes
Guide Altopiano offers Sui passi di Mario Rigoni Stern, a selection of excursions through places associated with his life and writing, including the countryside around Asiago, the Barental forest and Monte Zebio. Published itineraries range from easy to demanding, with approximately 100 to 700 metres of ascent and four to eight hours of walking. Contact the guides with your interests and fitness level to request a suitable itinerary.
Enquiries: info@guidealtopiano.com
Phone: +39 340 7347864
WhatsApp: +39 349 7846205
How to arrange a literary walk in English
Before booking, specify your preferred language and ask whether both the guiding and the readings can be provided in English. Also confirm the route, total ascent, duration and meeting point. For a private excursion, contact Guide Altopiano with your dates and the themes that interest you, such as forest ecology, mountain communities or wartime history. A personalised itinerary lets you choose the walking commitment as well as the literary subject.
Private walk enquiries: info@guidealtopiano.com
Phone: +39 340 7347864
Snowshoe walks with readings and wildlife observation
Asiago Guide’s Ciaspole & parole, meaning “snowshoes and words”, combines winter walking with readings from Rigoni Stern, observations of animal tracks and accounts of mountain traditions. The published outing on 1 March 2026 lasted three hours, with less than 250 metres of ascent and no exposed sections. It included a small tasting of local products. When snow was insufficient, the programme provided for walking without snowshoes. This previous edition gives a useful idea of the experience. Consult the organiser’s calendar for forthcoming dates, route details and inclusions.
Before the ski lift there was the snòia: two runners, crosspieces and handles, for the snow and the ice.
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