The ideas for a spring holiday in the Ossola Valley are countless. This season brimming with the beauty and fresh scents of nature is the perfect time for a relaxing break, to lose yourself in the green mountains and culture of these locales.
Nature awakens after its winter slumber and this is when the stunning landscapes are best admired on a mountain bike or on horseback, following one of our panoramic trails at a leisurely pace. And then there are the hiking trails at medium altitude, uncrowded in the spring, when hikers can enjoy the crisp air, bright colours of nature and unmistakeable smells of flora coming alive again. Two interesting routes to take are the old Via dei Torchi e dei Mulini, a journey into our local rural history, and Via Stockalper, crossing the border between Italy and Switzerland along the historic trade route developed by Baron Kaspar Jodok Stockalper.
A seemingly endless cycling path extends for over 80 km throughout the Ossola Valley’s entire plain, starting at Mergozzo Lake and reaching Domodossola. The path is suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities, and showcases a wide variety of landscapes, from the first glimpses of the stunning Mergozzo Lake to the WWF oasis named Bosco Tenso, running alongside the Toce River, before delving into ancient woods and flanking old paths filled with history.
Spring is also the perfect season for mountain climbing thanks to the ideal weather conditions along Ossola Valley’s faces. There is a multitude of cliffs and climbing routes to attempt for a dose of adrenaline.
Even the cities and hamlets come out of hibernation and how could they be indifferent to the calm, enchanting waters of Mergozzo Lake, one of the gateways to the Ossola Valley? You’ll want to take a stroll along its banks or through the historic heart of this special hamlet, which the Italian Touring Club has awarded its prestigious Orange Flag.
Domodossola “reopens” its charming central square to visitors and the outdoor seating fills the city’s summer salon in Piazza Mercato, a genuine masterpiece of 14th-century architecture. Touring the historic centre of the Ossola Valley’s largest city will be like taking a dive into the history of this fascinating city of arts and culture. Another gem is just a few steps away, the Sacred Mount Calvary of Domodossola, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, which in the spring shines more brightly than in any other season.
