The Modena Apennines Tourist Passport

The Passaporto Turistico dell’Appennino Modenese (Modena Apennines Tourist Passport) is an initiative launched in 2022 to promote nature-based and sustainable tourism in the mountainous area of the province of Modena.
Today, 24 places are included in the Passport: a selection that offers visitors the opportunity to discover the Modena Apennines in all their beauty and diversity.

The Tourist Passport will be available from March 2025 for €2 at the Tourist Offices of Sestola, Fanano and the other municipalities of the Modena Apennines, as well as at the offices of IAT-R Modena in Piazza Grande, IAT-R Terra di Motori at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello and IAT Terre di Castelli in Castelvetro di Modena.

The 24 participating locations are listed inside: visitors can then collect the stamps, which are original and different for each location, at the associated locations that are indicated in the passport.
Once 8, 16 and finally 24 stamps have been collected, visitors can pick up three InAppenninoModenese gadgets at the relevant tourist offices to take home as an indelible souvenir of their experience.

The project, born from an idea of the Municipalities of Sestola and Fanano, has been developed thanks to the collaboration with other Municipalities of the area and the Province of Modena, within the framework of the activities for the promotion of the tourist area of Bologna-Modena. This synergy has made it possible to enrich the experience offered to tourists, combining territorial promotion and environmental sustainability, to encourage the discovery of authentic and evocative places.

Discover the locations of the Modenese Apennine Passport

1. Lake Scaffaiolo (Fanano)

From Capanna Tassoni, a 2h30 trail leads to Lake Scaffaiolo, the highest lake in Emilia-Romagna, on the border between the provinces of Bologna and Pistoia. Here you will find the Rifugio Duca Degli Abruzzi, ready to welcome and recharge hikers. INFO

2. Croce Arcana Pass (Fanano)

Along the Via Romea Nonantolana you can reach this pass, which offers a breathtaking view of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. On a clear day you can even see the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Tuscan Archipelago: a unique panorama. INFO

3. Doccione Waterfalls (Fanano)

Almost everyone can enjoy the majesty of the Doccione Waterfalls, thanks to an easy path suitable also for people with reduced mobility.
From here you can continue up to the Rifugio I Taburri, immersed in the silence of the mountains, with a view of the ridge.
Not to be missed in June is the climb to Monte Libro Aperto, when the rhododendrons are in bloom: a real spectacle for the eyes! INFO

4. Mount Cimoncino (Fanano)

A ski resort in winter and a destination for hikers and MTB enthusiasts in other seasons, Cimoncino also offers a panoramic view of its ‘big brother’, Mount Cimone. There are several interesting walks from here, including those to Lake Ninfa, Passo Serre, Lake Terzo and the abandoned village of Berceto. INFO

5. Lake della Ninfa (Sestola)

A destination that attracts tourists all year round thanks to the beauty of the lake and its surroundings. The colours of the firs, larches, and beeches are always surprising. Ideal for families and mountain lovers. INFO

6. Pian del Falco (Sestola)

The pretty alpine-style village, where ski tourism began to develop, is now the home of downhill skiing, but also a destination for many hikers. It can be reached by car, chairlift, or on foot along one of the many paths that start from Sestola and cross the pine forests. INFO

7. Passo del Lupo (Sestola)

It is the starting point for the Monte Cimone ski resort and for summer walks, a stone’s throw away from Lake Ninfa and close to the wonderful Esperia Botanical Garden, a little jewel for nature lovers. INFO

8. Pian Cavallaro (Sestola)

The highest point of the Passport, at 1880 metres above sea level, offers a breathtaking view of the valley. INFO

9. Mount Cervarola (Montecreto)

The highest peaks are not always the most spectacular: the view from the top of Monte Cervarola is unique. The ideal place to admire sunrises and sunsets and to enjoy moments of peace. INFO

10. Le Polle (Riolunato)

Ski resort and starting point for many excursions to the Cimone peaks. An enchanting corner where time passes slowly between the woods and the small artificial lake. INFO

11. Cento Croci Pass (Riolunato)

The Passo delle Cento Croci is located along the Via Vandelli, the footpath that leads from Modena to Massa Carrara. The view of Mount Cimone that opens up once you cross the pass will leave you speechless. INFO

12. Lake Santo (Pievepelago)

A stretch of water at an altitude of 1500 metres, from which paths lead to the nearest peaks. In addition to Monte Giovo and Monte Rondinaio, it is also possible to take the Lakes Tour to admire the unspoilt beauty of Lake Baccio and Lake Turchino. INFO

13. Sant’Annapelago (Pievepelago)

The “Sentiero delle Cascate” (Waterfall Trail) starts from this hamlet of Pievepelago. It is a circuit suitable for everyone, mostly in the shade, where you can see some very suggestive waterfalls. INFO

14. Celtic Stone Huts (Fiumalbo)

An ancient Celtic settlement surrounded by beech woods and characterised by stone huts with sandstone slate roofs, evidence of a fascinating past. INFO

15. San Pellegrino in Alpe (Frassinoro)

On the border between the Modena Apennines and the Garfagnana (Tuscany), San Pellegrino in Alpe is a place full of spirituality and history. A popular destination for road cyclists, it is also an iconic destination for many motorcyclists crossing the Passo delle Radici. INFO

16. Park of Mount Santa Giulia (Palagano)

The park covers an area of 28 hectares. At the entrance is the Santa Giulia Memorial, an imposing sculptural complex consisting of fourteen large stone monoliths, the work of artists of different nationalities, symbolising peace, freedom and brotherhood. The perimeter of the park offers a beautiful panorama of the peaks surrounding the Apennines. INFO

17. Piane di Mocogno (Lama Mocogno)

Cross-country skiing and more in this beautiful resort that has renewed itself over the years, both in winter and summer, thanks also to trekking, mountain biking and the Adventure Park, a favourite destination for children. INFO

18. Hercules Bridge (Polinago)

An easily accessible place, also known as the Devil’s Bridge, for which the adjective magic is not wasted. A monolith over 30 metres high, created by water erosion over the centuries, has given rise to one of the most fascinating and mystical legends of the Modena Apennines. INFO

19. Natural Reserve of Sassoguidano (Pavullo nel Frignano)

Located just outside the town of Pavullo, the Reserve is of great interest not only for its natural environment but also for its historical elements such as ancient towers and water mills. Three thematic itineraries cross the area. INFO

20. Bucamante Waterfalls (Serramazzoni)

The name of the falls comes from the amorous encounter of two lovers: a shepherd and an aristocrat who, according to legend, threw themselves into the water to make their love eternal. INFO

21. Park of Roccamalatina Stones (Guiglia/Marano sul Panaro/Zocca)

A protected area rich in flora and fauna, with ancient sandstone spires that stand out in the landscape, towering over the Panaro river valley. There are a hundred kilometres of paths through woods, chestnut groves and ancient villages. INFO

22. Mount Terminale and Gothic Line (Montese)

The mountain is a living testimony to the most recent and violent history of our Apennines. Fortified by German soldiers from the summer of 1944, it was conquered after a fierce battle on 3 March 1945 by the men of the American 10th Mountain Division. On the top you will find some restored trenches and a small oratory. INFO

23. Sassomorello (Prignano)

A village perched on a promontory of dark granite (ophiolite), from which it takes its name, with a splendid view of the surrounding Apennines. INFO

24. Ophiolites of Mount Calvario and Poggio Medola (Montefiorino)

An educational trail to discover the geological site and the ophiolites that characterise the area. A protected area with various habitats to be protected and studied. INFO