From Domodossola, follow your compass point north and the Swiss border is right next door. Before delving into the Formazza Valley or towards Alpe Devero, passing through the Antigorio Valley is a must (and you’ll also discover something truly special). A few kilometres from Domodossola the scenery changes radically and you find yourself immersed in a long valley surrounded by high mountains.
The first village you come across when you enter the Antigorio Valley is Crodo, one of the largest towns in Ossola and, like Bognanco and Premia, developed in the spa sector. In fact, there’s even a large plant for the production of mineral water and soft drinks, near the green Parco delle Terme. These waters have also given rise to one of the most famous non-alcoholic aperitifs in the world: Crodino.
The hamlets high up around Crodo are worth a visit: Maglioggio, Mozzio, Viceno and Cravegna are all sun-kissed balconies overlooking the valley below, at the foot of Monte Cistella. Some superb hiking trails, which you can enjoy in any season, leave from here.
Having left Crodo, you’ll come to Baceno, which welcomes visitors with its extraordinary 10th-century Monumental Parish Church of San Gaudenzio, with its wealth of stunning frescoes. The church was recently improved with new lighting, transforming it into an evocative “ice palace”: an art and cultural spectacle that’s well worth a visit.
From Baceno, the road forks off in two directions: the left leads to Alpe Devero Natural Park and the right ascends towards the last village in the Antigorio Valley, Premia, famous for its modern, highly praised and welcoming spa facility with natural thermal waters. The splendid towns of Salecchio Inferiore and Superiore allow you to discover the oldest Walser Germanic roots of the most extreme valleys in the Ossola region.
