Guide to parks and oasis outside Bologna

If you think Bologna is just porticoes, squares, and monuments, get ready to change your mind. The city and its surroundings offer a great variety of natural areas, true oases of peace where you can cool off, plan a day trip, and rediscover the pleasure of an outdoor walk. Whether you are a trekking enthusiast, a birdwatching fan, or simply looking for a perfect spot for a picnic with family or friends, you will find the perfect park for you here.

Parks and Nature Reserves about 30 minutes from Bologna

• Parco regionale dei Gessi di Bologna e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa: just a few kilometers from the city, an almost lunar landscape sculpted over time by geological phenomena. The perfect place for geology and hiking enthusiasts, thanks to its karst caves and the characteristic clay formations of the badlands, shaped by erosion.
  
  
• Parco regionale dell’Abbazia di Monteveglio: ideal for an immersion in history and spirituality. In this park, nature surrounds a true Romanesque gem, the ancient Abbey of Santa Maria Assunta. The trails that cross it offer breathtaking views and the chance to discover the territory's rich biodiversity.
  
  
• Riserva Naturale del Contrafforte Pliocenico: offers a spectacular panorama that stretches from the plain to the Prealps. This imposing rock formation is known for its marine fossils. It is an ideal spot for birdwatchers or for those who want to take short hikes to enjoy a breathtaking view.
  
  
• Parco della Chiusa di Casalecchio: also known as Parco Talon, it is a green oasis perfect for a nature getaway. Ideal for long walks or bike rides along tree-lined paths, the park is dominated by the historic Chiusa di Casalecchio (Sluice of Casalecchio), Europe's oldest hydraulic work still in operation, nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, besides admiring the mighty structure, you can enjoy light trekking, organize a picnic in the equipped area, or simply take in the view of the Reno river. An unmissable spot for those seeking relaxation, history, and outdoor sports.

Oases and Ecological Restoration Areas about 30 minutes from Bologna

• Area di Riequilibrio Ecologico “La Bora” : created from a former quarry, this area has become a true paradise for birds, representing a crucial stopover point for numerous migratory species. A perfect spot for birdwatching.
  
  
• Oasi La Rizza: situated in another transformed former clay quarry, it is now a refuge area for avifauna and amphibians. Here, nature trails and observation hides offer the opportunity to admire wildlife in its natural habitat.
  
  
• Oasi fluviale WWF Molino Grande: located along the Idice stream, this oasis protects a stretch of riparian woodland. It is the perfect place for a relaxing walk by the river and for observing the flora and fauna typical of aquatic environments.
  
  
• Area di riequilibrio ecologico La Golena San Vitale: an ideal spot for those seeking a quick escape into nature. Extending along the banks of the Reno river, it offers a picturesque route among centuries-old trees and wetlands, perfect for a relaxing walk or wildlife viewing.

Historic and Mountain Parks about an hour from Bologna

• Parco storico regionale di Monte Sole: a place of memory and an area of great natural beauty. The Monte Sole Park is not only a tribute to the victims of the Nazi-fascist massacre but also a protected area where nature has resumed its course. The trails wind through woods and meadows, offering suggestive views of the Bolognese Apennines.

River and Plain Oases about an hour from Bologna

• Bosco della Bisana: a fragment of ancient plain forest. It is one of the few remaining plain woods. With its centuries-old trees and lush undergrowth, it is a magical place to immerse oneself in the silence of nature.
  
  
• Oasi del Quadrone: an ecological restoration area. The oasis extends along the banks of the Reno river and is an important habitat for water birds and raptors. It is a great spot for a walk or a birdwatching session.
  
  
• Oasi Naturale Orientata Bosco della Frattona: this oasis is a plain wood dating back to the pre-Roman era, a veritable open-air museum. Its centuries-old trees, including oaks and beeches, offer shade and coolness even on the hottest days.
  
  
• Vasche ex-zuccherificio di Crevalcore: a former sugar refinery transformed into an oasis of biodiversity. Its ponds, once used for sugar processing, are now an ideal environment for migratory and resident birds. A virtuous example of environmental recovery.

Regional Parks and Lakes about an hour and a half from Bologna 

• Parco regionale dei Laghi di Suviana e Brasimone: a mountain experience by the water. The two lakes, artificial but perfectly integrated into the landscape, are surrounded by coniferous and beech woods. It is the ideal place for a boat trip, a refreshing swim, or a picnic by the lake.
  
  
• Parco Regionale della Vena del Gesso Romagnola: a unique landscape in Europe. The park is dominated by the Vena del Gesso (Gypsum Vein), a rocky ridge that stretches for kilometers. Famous for its caves, it is an unmissable place for speleology and trekking lovers.
  
  
• Parco regionale Corno alle Scale (1 hour and 40 minutes) : the heart of the Bolognese Apennines. Corno alle Scale is the highest peak in the Bolognese Apennines. In winter, it is a renowned ski resort, while in summer it transforms into a paradise for hikers. Here you can walk through beech and fir forests, admiring views that stretch as far as the sea.