Imagine walking through a story. Beneath your feet, the old sleepers of a railway that for over forty years crisscrossed the heart of Umbria. Around you, tunnels carved into the rock, suspension bridges spanning the valleys, and villages that seem to have stood still in time.
This is the Old Spoleto-Norcia Railway on foot: not a simple walk, but a slow journey along a railway line that connected Spoleto, Valnerina, and Norcia, challenging mountains with daring curves, endless tunnels, and breathtaking viaducts.
Inaugurated in 1926 and operating until 1968, this approximately 51-kilometer railway was so cutting-edge that it earned a significant nickname: the “Gotthard of Umbria.” A small engineering marvel that has now been brought back to life, but with a new purpose: to accompany hikers on a journey of discovery through unique landscapes.
Which hike is right for you?
With Faccio Tardi, you can choose the route that best suits your pace, your time, and your desire for adventure.
For those who want a taste (5 km). Perfect for groups, schools, associations, or anyone short on time who wants to experience the thrill. We’ll transport you to the starting point and pick you up at the finish line: walk one way, worry-free.
The 12km loop: the most complete experience. If you want to fully experience the day, this is the route for you. A loop that alternates sections of the old railway line with trails, side roads, and panoramic viewpoints that reveal the Valnerina from surprising angles. Woods, old railway toll booths, breathtaking views: here, time truly slows down.
For the more experienced: tailor-made itineraries. Want more? We organize longer, personalized excursions for those who want to dedicate a full day to exploring every corner of this historic line. Along the route, there are 19 tunnels and 24 bridges and viaducts, including the spectacular Caprareccia tunnel, nearly 2 km long: a work that still leaves visitors speechless today.
More than a trek: a journey into memory
Walking these tracks means experiencing firsthand the courage of those who, almost a hundred years ago, decided to challenge a difficult mountain with ingenuity and determination. Today, that same path has become a perfect itinerary for those who love slow tourism, the kind of tourism filled with discoveries, stories, and silence.
Along the way, your guide will lead you through the history of the railway, the life of the Valnerina villages, the old stations, and the secrets hidden within the tunnels. Each excursion is tailor-made based on the group, the season, and the time available.
What to bring
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Enough water
- Clothing suitable for the season
- A small head torch, useful for tunnel sections (but can be provided free of charge by the guide upon request)
Ready to go?
The Old Spoleto-Norcia Railway isn’t something to talk about, it’s something to experience. All it takes is a slow pace, wide-open eyes, and the desire to listen to a story written in stone, amidst long-lost tracks and mountains that still have so much to tell.
It is possible to bring your dog with it, but only if always kept on a leash.
Abandoned roads
Galleries dug in the rocks
Pure waters
The Spoleto-Norcia railway, inaugurated in 1926 and abandoned in 1968, today represents one of the most fascinating cycle and pedestrian paths in Umbria. This 51 km route crosses the breathtaking landscapes of Valnerina, winding between daring viaducts and galleries dug in the rock, with a difference in height of about 600 meters. The engineering work, designed by the Swiss engineer Erwin Thomann, included 19 galleries and numerous bridges that still testify to the constructive audacity of the time. The route, now transformed into Greenway, allows you to immerse yourself in panoramas ranging from the Sibillini mountains to the sweet Umbrian hills, crossing medieval villages such as Sant’Anatolia of Narco and Vallo di Nera.
If there’s no scheduled event, don’t worry; I can arrange the walk upon request without any problem, at no additional cost. The important thing is to request the excursion well in advance (ideally at least 15 days in advance, but if there are no unforeseen circumstances, even a week could be fine). For last-minute requests, call me at +393479108946.
