Bormio

Helpful facts

Situated 1,225 meters above sea level, Bormio lies in a wide natural amphitheater in the center of the Alps.

In the heart of the Alta Valtellina, about 60 km from its capital Sondrio, it is surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Rhaetian Alps, which touch 4,000 meters above sea level, and included in the Stelvio National Park, it boasts striking scenery and unspoiled landscapes.

Characterized by a favorable climate, it allows one to enjoy the mountains in all seasons. In winter, skiing and all outdoor and snow activities take center stage. In spring, summer and autumn, you can choose from more than 600 km of trails within the Stelvio Park, to be enjoyed on foot or by mountain bike, not forgetting the great climbs of the Stelvio, Gavia and Mortirolo.

A dip into Bormio's past

Thanks to its central location along the northern and southern European trade routes, the town long enjoyed strong autonomy and wealth that is still reflected today in its historic center. Indeed, it is easy to get lost in the streets and alleyways where churches, palaces and old farmhouses are found. The past is also kept alive by the traditions that have been repeated unchanged for centuries.

For those who want to spend a few days of vacation in absolute relaxation, Bormio also offers thousands of years old thermal waters that flow from nine springs to feed three facilities, Bagni Nuovi, Bagni Vecchi and Bormio Terme.

Not forgetting the flavors of typical Valtellina dishes: pizzoccheri, sciatt, bresaola, polenta, bisciöla and cheeses-these are all peasant dishes whose flavor has remained to this day. All, washed down with Valtellina wines, local beer, Braulio, Taneda and the other local liquors.

The history of Bormio

To say that the history of Bormio is thousands of years old is an understatement.

The earliest evidence dates back to prehistoric times, when groups of hunters bivouacked high in the mountains during the summer months. The Roman era gave notoriety to the entire territory of the Magnifica Terra: in fact, both Cassiodorus and Pliny the Elder first mentioned the thermal waters, praising their therapeutic value.

Bormio and the Middle Ages

During the first centuries of the year 1000 the town was lively and rich, including culturally, thanks to its strategic location in the center of the Alps that allowed the passage of trade routes between northern and southern Europe. Although long subservient to foreign powers, Bormio always managed to maintain a kind of independence and autonomy. The 14th and 15th centuries were certainly the golden age of Bormio's history thanks to the development of culture and art as evidenced by the churches, palaces and works preserved within them.

The birth of tourism

In 1797 Bormio lost its autonomy and became part of the Cisalpine Republic, then following the history of the Italian state. World War I saw Bormio and the Stelvio area projected directly to the front lines: with a front of over 40 km at an average height of 3,000 m Italian and Austrian soldiers confronted each other bitterly. Even today it is still possible to visit remains of camps and trenches or find war relics. Since World War II, Bormio experienced a flourishing tourist development, favored by an ideal natural environment for both winter and summer activities, as well as by the thermal resource.