5 autumn day trips in Emilia-Romagna starting from Il Brugnolo

Autumn is a season that invites you to slow down, enjoy the outdoors and rediscover the pleasure of exploring the surrounding area. Woodlands take on warm shades, hillsides change colour and small villages become quieter, making them even more enjoyable to visit.

Emilia-Romagna offers plenty of opportunities for a day trip, combining nature walks, visits to castles and medieval villages, mountain hikes and stops to discover local traditions.

If you are staying with us or planning an autumn weekend away, you will be pleased to know that our location is an ideal starting point for exploring the region. From Il Brugnolo Agriturismo, you can enjoy wonderful day trips across the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Modena. We have selected five for you, perfect for taking a break from everyday life, breathing in the fresh air and recharging your batteries.

Among the mud volcanoes of the Salse di Nirano

In the municipality of Fiorano Modenese, just over 20 kilometres from our agriturismo, you will find an unusual place with an almost lunar landscape. We are talking about the Salse di Nirano Nature Reserve, which protects a truly remarkable geological phenomenon. The Salse are small mud volcanoes formed by deposits of hydrocarbons, mainly gaseous (methane) and, to a lesser extent, liquid (petroleum). As these substances rise to the surface, they soften the clay, creating characteristic cone-shaped formations or bubbling mud pools.

The name Salsa comes from the high salt content of the muddy waters, a reminder of the sea that covered what is now the Po Valley up to one million years ago. In autumn, the atmosphere here becomes even more enchanting. Walking along the boardwalks that cross the reserve, surrounded by silence broken only by the bubbling mud, offers a rare sense of tranquillity. It is an enjoyable day trip for both nature lovers and families with children, who will be fascinated by these little volcanoes.

Exploring the castles of Matilda of Canossa

Heading towards the hills of Reggio Emilia, about forty minutes from Scandiano, we enter the lands of Countess Matilda of Canossa, one of the most influential figures of the Italian Middle Ages. With its castles, fortresses and ancient villages, the Matildic Lands offer plenty of opportunities for a day trip combining culture and beautiful scenery.

One of the best-known stops is Canossa Castle. Although only ruins remain today, it still tells an important story from the Middle Ages. It was here, in January 1077, that the famous meeting between Emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII took place, with Matilda acting as an intermediary. Other noteworthy fortresses include Bianello Castle, Carpineti Castle and Rossena Castle.

Autumn is an ideal time to explore these historic fortifications. The surrounding woodlands turn shades of red and gold, while in the early morning or towards sunset, a light mist settles over the valleys, giving the castles an even more mysterious appearance.

Visiting Pietra di Bismantova

Located in the municipality of Castelnovo ne’ Monti, around 40 kilometres from our agriturismo, Pietra di Bismantova is a striking rock formation with an unmistakable ship-like silhouette, rising in isolation among the Apennine Mountains. Far from being a barren rock, it is actually covered in lush vegetation. Even Dante Alighieri mentioned it in his Divine Comedy, making this a place where history, spirituality and legends intertwine.

Autumn is perhaps the best time of all to visit. Along with its enchanting scenery, thanks to the golden and reddish hues of the autumn foliage, the area offers numerous hiking trails. One of these is the Sentiero Spallanzani, named after the famous 18th-century naturalist from Reggio Emilia, which also passes through Scandiano. From the summit plateau, you can enjoy sweeping 360-degree views of the peaks of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, while at the foot of the rock stands a small hermitage featuring precious 15th-century frescoes.

Along the shores of Lake Calamone

If you love mountain scenery and walks in nature, we recommend heading further into the Apennines, towards Ramiseto. Here, nestled at an altitude of around 1,300 metres and surrounded by beech and coniferous forests, lies Lake Calamone, also known as Lake Ventasso. In the past, people believed it had no bottom and was connected to the depths of the sea, a legend disproved by Spallanzani in the 18th century.

The lake is worth visiting in every season, but autumn is when it truly comes into its own. The tree canopies turn shades of yellow, orange and red, reflected in the waters below. You can simply enjoy a relaxing walk along the shoreline or, if you are an experienced hiker, follow the trail leading up to the summit of Mount Ventasso, where spectacular views stretch across a vast section of the Apennines.

Discovering the castles of Modena

Our final day-trip idea takes us to the delightful collection of villages that make up the Terre di Castelli, in the province of Modena. Picturesque places such as Vignola, Montalbano, Savignano sul Panaro, Castelvetro di Modena and Castelnuovo Rangone are all easily reached from our agriturismo and offer a wonderful blend of culture and food and wine traditions.

Visiting the area in autumn means wandering among the geometric patterns of the vineyards as they turn deep shades of red. These are the very vineyards that produce the renowned Lambrusco Grasparossa wine. The Terre di Castelli also offer plenty of opportunities to stop at a local farm or winery, discover regional products and enjoy a wine tasting. Travelling from one village to another becomes an opportunity to admire the rolling countryside and discover the many treasures of the area at a leisurely pace.

Back at Il Brugnolo…

After a day spent discovering mud volcanoes, walking among ancient castles, exploring medieval villages or admiring the autumn foliage, there is nothing better than coming home. At Il Brugnolo Agriturismo, you will find the cosy atmosphere of our apartments, the peaceful surroundings of our 10 hectares of vineyards and the warm, genuine hospitality we have always been proud to offer.