Excursions in Piedmont, around Ossola and Lake Maggiore
GUIDED HIKES IN ENGLISH ON REQUEST
The Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VCO), in the northernmost of Piedmont, has the peculiarity of extending from the gentle slopes surrounding Lakes Maggiore and Orta to the rock and ice of the Himalayan face of Monte Rosa, all within the space of just a few kilometers as the crow flies. In a quite contained space, the mild climate of the pre-alpine lakes region coexists with the mountain and alpine climate, resulting in an outstanding variety of landscapes, and a remarkable biodiversity.
The pre-alpine lakes extend over the southern portion of the Province. Lake Maggiore is a trendy destination for international tourism, which flocks to the lakeside towns and the Borromean islands during summer. Less popular, but no less worthy of interest, is the dense network of paths outlining its slopes, inhabited since ancient times thanks to the mild climate favorable to cultivation, as well as the proximity to a waterway of primary importance for the connection between the Mediterranean Sea and the territories beyond the Alps. Lake Orta, also known as Cusio, is known worldwide for its romantic and enchanting atmosphere, which attracted and inspired artists, writers, and filmmakers. The paths crossing its surrounding hillsides lead to small villages with a cosy and quiet atmosphere. Facing Orta, San Giulio Island captures the gaze from wherever the lake is observed. Lake Mergozzo, named after a picturesque and welcoming village, was once united with Lake Maggiore; they've been separated by sediments deposited by the Toce River in historical times. Because of its location, it can be regarded as the eastern gateway to Ossola.
Between Lake Maggiore and Val Formazza flows the Toce river. Along with its tributaries, it delineates the geography of the seven leading valleys of Ossola—Anzasca, Antrona, Bognanco, Divedro, Antigorio (whose upper segment is Val Formazza), Isorno, and Vigezzo. From the well-known towns Omegna and Cannobio, one can enter Strona Valley and Cannobina Valley. In isolated positions, acting as a hinge between the lakes and Ossola, there're the granite massifs of Mottarone and Mont'Orfano, which, despite their modest altitude, offer the opportunity to enjoy a broad, exceptional views from their peaks, which can be reached by easy routes, suitable for everyone.
In order to safeguard the environmental richness and its biodiversity, VCO includes several protected areas. Within parks and reserves, several itineraries enable excursions and trekking in unspoiled environments of remarkable scenic interest. In particular, Val Grande, formerly a victim of intense anthropogenic exploitation, was rapidly returned to nature following its almost total abandonment, and is now considered the largest wilderness area in Italy under the protection of the homonymous national park. Very rewarding are also the excursions in the nature parks protecting Alpe Veglia, Alpe Devero, the upper Antrona Valley, and the upper Strona Valley. Further nature reserves complete the mosaic of provincial protected areas.
Everywhere along the trails, signs of past rural, mountain, and alpine civilization are visible, testifying to a respectful use of the land and the harmonious integration of man into nature. Especially at the highest altitudes, the Walser people admirably adapted themselves to hard environmental conditions. Traces of even older frequentations are scattered throughout the Province, guaranteeing the satisfaction of visitors particularly interested in history, architecture, and archaeology.
Geology enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to take a trip to the Elemento Zero, the deepest tectonic entity in the entire mountain range: it's a peculiarity of the Ossolan territory, as it outcrops and is visible exclusively in Antigorio Valley. Other geological rarities, studied by geologists around the world, are promoted and safeguarded by the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark, which extends from Lake Maggiore to Monte Rosa.
The myriad of trails crossing Ossolan valleys and the lakeside are suited to meet any hiking need. Whether you start from the most renowned tourist resorts—including Stresa, Baveno, Verbania, Omegna, Domodossola, and Cannobio—or the smaller towns at the opening of the valleys, you can plan a rewarding vacation dedicated to the discovery of an extraordinary natural and cultural environment.
I, a Naturalist Hiking Guide of Piedmont, can accompany you to visit the most famous natural attractions of VCO, as well as to discover its most secluded, least frequented corners.
Contact me for more informationI'll accompany you to get to know a magnificent area full of attractions, along routes immersed in greenery and history.
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