Hiking in the Val Grande
#Valsesiazainoinspalla
Exploring the Val Grande – Itinerary 2
nature, culture and sport
along the sesia river
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 river sesia
Its waters, which flow past small, charming villages, descend steeply throughout Valsesia, creating evocative scenery of astonishing beauty.
The river, which provides water sports enthusiasts with several kilometres of natural gymnasium, is full of coves and small pools with emerald waters that are perfect for those who enjoy fishing or wish to spend pleasant moments of relaxation.
2 scopello and alpe di mera
From Scopello, the perfect place to enjoy a family holiday, you can easely reach Alpe di Mera, a picturesque and sunny destination with a wonderful view of Mount Rosa.
The area between Scopello and Alpe di Mera offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities in any season: from hikings to water sports in summer, to snowshoeing and skiing in winter.
3 rassa
The picturesque village of Rassa, located at the confluence of the Gronda and Sorba streams, is home to a marvellous example of a still functioning water-powered sawmill, which can be visited at the Rassa wood eco-museum.
The famous Bald Wall, on top of which the heretic Fra’ Dolcino and his followers found refuge in the early 14th century, is visible from the village.
4 campertogno
The village of Campertogno preserves in its urban fabric many signs of its important past, such as the majestic Church of San Giacomo, one of the most beautiful churches in Valsesia, and several palaces located on both banks of the Sesia. From the village it is possible to reach the Alpe dell’Argnaccia via an enchanting art trail: an itinerary studded with ancient chapels, shrines and oratories.
5 mollia
Located on the banks of the River Sesia, the pretty village of Mollia is made up of small clusters of houses rising up against the mountains. In addition to the circular tour of the hamlets, a pleasant route that is very fascinating from a historical and scenic point of view, our recommendation is to visit the ancient Fucina Mill, one of the most interesting sites in the Valsesia Eco-museum.
6 Bike and Pedestrian routes of Valsesia
The Val Grande offers to MTB and trekking enthusiasts several routes, immersed in extraordinary natural settings, where outdoor activities go hand in hand with cultural visits, delicious enogastronomic stops. Along the route, you will find small cultural gems such as the church of Scopa, incredible natural sites such as the outcrops of the Insubrica line at Scopetta, and genuine local specialities such as the Valsesian cheeses of Piode.
Fiume Sesia
Scopello e Alpe di Mera
Rassa
Campertogno
Mollia
Percorsi Ciclopedonali della Valsesia
How to get to the Val Grande
IN AUTO
From Varallo: take the SP 299 “Strada della Valsesia” towards Alagna.
From Milano and Torino: from the A4 take the A26 junction at Biandrate, direction Gravellona Toce, and exit at Romagnano S.- Ghemme. Take the SP299 “Strada della Valsesia” towards Varallo-Alagna.
BY BUS
Daily bus services connect Varallo with the village of the Val Grande.
Deepening
hiking not to be missed
Mollia Hamlets Tour
From Mollia trail N.282 towards Curgo
Scopello – Alpe di Mera
From Scopello trail N.236 to Mera
The Art trail: Campertogno – Alpe Argnaccia
From Campertogno trail N.278 to Alpe Argnaccia/Cangello
Plan your holiday
Where to eat, where to sleep, how to get around: plan your trip to Valsesia and Vercelli!