Hiking in the Val Grande
#Valsesiazainoinspalla
Exploring the Val Grande – Itinerary 1
Itinerary In Valsesia
WALSER VILLAGES, GREEN ALPINE PASTURES AND THE PEAKS OF MOUNT ROSA
Following the course of the River Sesia from Varallo to the slopes of Mount Rosa, you cross the largest of the Valsesia valleys, renowned for the extraordinary historical and artistic heritage of the small towns that populate it, and for the incomparable beauty of the Alpine landscape in which it is immersed. Follow this itinerary to explore Val Grande.
1 monte rosa
The Alpine massif, whose name derives from the Latin word rosia meaning ‘glacier’, dominates the valley and a large part of the Po Valley with some of the highest peaks in Europe such as Punta Dufour (4,634 m) and Punta Gnifetti (4554 m) on the summit of which is the Capanna Regina Margherita, the highest refuge in Europe. A universe of irresistible fascination for all mountaineering and mountain sports enthusiasts.
2 val vogna
The gateway to the valley, which appears narrow and wild, is Riva Valdobbia, a small village of Walser origin where the Rabernardo Ethnographic Museum and the beautiful parish church of San Michele are located. From the village, which offers postcard-perfect scenery of Monte Rosa, several trails and ancient communication routes allow you to explore the valley.
3 alagna valsesia
One of the most beautiful villages in Valsesia, Alagna was founded at the foot of Monte Rosa in the 13th century by the Walser, an ancient people of Germanic origin. Walser evidence can be found in the numerous hamlets surrounding the town: here it is possible to admire the typical wood and stone houses and visit the Walser Museum of Pedemonte. In the winter season, the locality attracts lovers of snow sports and turns into ‘Freeride Paradise‘. In the remaining months of the year, on the other hand, it is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers, attracted by trails and alpine routes that allow them to experience hiking at all levels.
4 val d’otro
The beauty of this valley will touch you and leave you speechless. Dotted with small hamlets surrounded by alpine pastures surrounded by larch and beech forests, Val d’Otro is a little gem of Valsesia. The best advice is to visit all the hamlets of the valley, real gems of Walser culture, to understand how this population lived in the past and to get closer to their ancient traditions.
5 valle d’olen
This wide valley of glacial origin is famous for being the theatre of the history of alpinism on Monte Rosa. Thanks to the Monterosa Ski ski lifts connecting Alagna with Valle d’Aosta, it is very popular in both summer and winter with skiers, alpinists, hikers and MTB enthusiasts.
6 alpe pile
A scenic natural amphitheatre at the foot of Monte Rosa, Alpe Pile is the perfect destination to spend pleasant moments of relax in contact with nature. From the Alpe, where the Pastore Refuge and the High Valsesia Natural Park Visitor Centre and Botanical Garden (Alpe FumBitz) are located, numerous paths lead along unique scenery such as the glaciological path that offers a splendid view of the Valsesian glaciers.
Monte Rosa
Val Vogna
Alagna Valsesia
Val d’Otro
Valle d’Olen
Alpe Pile
Monte Rosa
Val Vogna
Alagna Valsesia
Val d’Otro
Valle d’Olen
Alpe Pile
how to get the val grande
BY CAR
From Varallo: take the SP299 “Strada della Valsesia” in the direction of Alagna.
From Milan and Turin: from the A4 take the A26 junction at Biandrate, direction Gravellona Toce, and exit at Romagnano S.- Ghemme. From the motorway exit, take the SP299 “Strada della Valsesia” in the direction of Varallo-Alagna.
BY BUS
Daily bus services connect Alagna Valsesia to Varallo. Directions to get to Valsesia. How to get The Val Grande.
SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE
During the summer season, the municipality of Alagna offers some additional transportation services for tourists and hikers: The Valle Vogna Shuttle in Riva Valdobbia connects the hamlets of Ca di Janzo and Sant’Antonio, the starting point for some wonderful hikes in Val Vogna. The Acqua Bianca Shuttle, departing from the car park in Wold, goes to theAcqua Bianca waterfalls, the starting point for various hiking trails, including the trail to the Alta Valsesia Nature Park and the Pastore Lodge.
Approfondimento
hiking
not to be missed
Riva Valdobbia – Alpe Larecchio
From Riva Valdobbia follow path no. 201 to Alpe Larecchio
Alagna – Val d’Otro
From Alagna follow path no. 203 to piana di Otro
Alagna – Barba Ferrero refuge
From the Acqua Bianca locality follow path no. 207a to Colle del Turlo then no. 207d to the Barba Ferrero refuge
Plan your holiday
Where to eat, where to sleep, how to get around: plan your trip to Valsesia and Vercelli!
