Itinerary Tour of the Malghe di Caltrano

Aerial view of Malga Serona

Circular itinerary to the Malghe di Caltrano

INTRODUCTION TO THE ITINERARY

The Giro delle Malghe di Caltrano is an itinerary, which we have classified as medium-easy in consideration of its length, although it does not present particular difficulties and is almost completely flat (except for some uphill stretches) and almost completely on asphalt road, easy and with little traffic.
This is the route that winds through the south-western edge of the Asiago Plateau and passes near the alpine structures in the territory of the Municipality of Caltrano, located on the side of the plateau overlooking the Val d'Astico and the Veneto plain. It is easy to follow and identify, because it is well marked by special arrows, tables and billboards present at various points along the itinerary.

It can be traveled by everyone, not only by walking enthusiasts but also by families with children (even with strollers in tow), on foot, by bicycle, MTB, e-bike and on horseback (as well as by car and motorcycle).
Our advice is to follow this itinerary during the summer, when the huts are open (usually from June to September), especially if you want to undertake it as a "taste route" with a stop at the mountain huts for tasting and buying typical products. 
It is a circular route, which winds through green pastures and lush woods and, for the most part, enjoys a scenic view of the Veneto plain. The route, precisely because it is circular, can be taken indifferently at various points; we chose to start walking it starting from Pozza del Favero, leaving the car near the Bar Alpino Refuge (which you can also find open in winter), and to continue counterclockwise.
We would like to point out that our route is a little longer than the one that is traditionally proposed, as we have chosen to reach some of the mountain huts of Caltrano (there are 6, all recently renovated, as well as two that serve as holiday homes), taking the "detours" that are on the route and that lead to them.
So that you are prepared, we also warn you that the itinerary is almost all in the open, only some sections cross the forest and are therefore shaded; On sunny days, therefore, it is recommended to use a hat to protect your head and sunscreen to protect yourself from easy sunburn (here the temperature is always pleasant and cool and you really get a tan without realizing it). For the rest, the recommendations are those valid for any walk in the mountains.

HOW TO GET TO THE STARTING POINT

To reach the starting point we took the road that leads from Cesuna di Roana to the Kubelek Refuge, but at the junction of the Magnaboschi cemetery we took the dirt road to the left (without continuing in the direction of Kubelek). Arrived near the Rifugio Bar Alpino, we parked the car and set off on foot to discover what turned out to be an authentic wonder!

THE CIRCULAR ITINERARY OF THE TOUR OF THE CALTRANO MOUNTAIN HUTS

Leaving the car in the vicinity of the Alpine Refuge, you face a short descent towards the alpine pool where you drink and refresh the grazing cows.
From here, at the first junction, we took the dirt road on the left that leads to Malga Carriola (1240 m asl), which is currently closed.

Retracing our steps at the junction with the main road, we followed the sign for the arrow for the Giro delle Malghe, passing the former Malga Carrioletta, up to the junction for Malga Paù (1225 m asl), at which we took the dirt road on our right to take some photos of the dairy. Here, if you want, you can stop to eat (specialty beef of our own production), but since this malga is quite close to our starting point, we chose not to stop here, preferring to stop for refreshment and refreshment about 2/3 of our route and precisely at Malga Serona, the only one among the Caltrano huts, to produce Asiago PDO cheese.

After crossing a short wooded stretch, you reach the junction for Bocchetta Paù (1286 m asl), which can be reached by turning right from the main road and following a dirt path, which flanks a beautiful pasture with an alpine pool nestled in the woods. From the capital of Bocchetta Paù you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Valdastico and the Summano, Novegno and Pasubio mountains. A curiosity about it: the capital that stands on the edge of the rock overlooking the plain, just above the Bocchetta, is called the "Madonna of the Sauerkraut", because it was commissioned, as a vow after an escaped danger, by Mr. Zuccato, owner of a well-known company in Vicenza that produces sauerkraut.

Back on the main road , climb slightly in the direction of Malga Sounion; after passing the junction for the malga on the right, in correspondence with the "Strada del Generale" (from which a path of memory on the places of the Great War starts), continue on the paved road, shortly after starting to see the spectacle of the vast Venetian plain, with the Berici Hills and the Euganean Hills. Further to the left, on clear days you can even see the Venice Lagoon on the horizon.

A little further on, taking a dirt road uphill on the left, you arrive at Malga Foraoro (1375 m asl), also a farmhouse. It is worth making a detour to the hut if only to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of the plain that can be enjoyed from up here.

Descending again on the asphalt road, continuing for about 1.7 km, you finally reach Malga Serona (1267 m asl), which can be reached by taking the dirt road on the right. Here, after about 10 km of walking from the starting point, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved restorative break and lunch with fresh pasta from the malga and a fantastic mixed platter of cold cuts, sausages and cheeses, including the renowned Asiago Dop, of our own production! And to finish on a sweet note, an excellent ricotta cake with berries and black and white chocolate salami , both homemade. We didn't miss a visit to the shop to buy the excellent products of the malga.

Rested and satiated, we resumed our journey along the main road, turning left after about 1 km to climb towards Malga Fondi, another cheesemaker who sells cheeses, yogurt, bread and wines of their own production.

We then continued until we first passed the entrance to Malga Cimafonte (in the Municipality of Calvene) on the right, then the former Malga Lovarezze, now a holiday home. From here we continued until we reached our starting point at the Rifugio Bar Alpino, passing shortly before in front of the votive chapel dedicated to San Giovanni Gualberto, protector of those who work in the woods.

We would like to point out that along the route there are possible variants, which can be traveled by abandoning the classic route and following mule tracks and alternative paths.

We would also like to point out that, if you are coming from Lusiana or Bassano del Grappa, you can take the Giro delle Malghe di Caltrano from the road that comes from Monte Corno, choosing to travel it clockwise or counterclockwise according to your preferences.

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