Alta Valsesia, Italy
The Story
Our family has lived in Italy’s Valsesia valley for 500 years. It is a magical place, and nothing like the Italy you think you know. Nestled at the foot of the Monte Rosa massif, the second highest peak in the Alps, it is home to the Walser, a Germanic shepherding people, whose iconic wood and stone-hewn Baitas pepper the alpine meadows and mountain slopes.
Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia and famed outdoorsman, says visiting the Valsesia, “changed his life.” Its lush hanging valleys, panoramic vistas and high-altitude lakes, home to ibex and chamois, are recognized as a UNESCO Geopark. But what really makes it special is a profound sense of place and an abiding belief that it is the simple things that make life rich.
As Chouinard said on his visit: “Perfection is not when you can’t add anything more…but when you can’t take anything away.” And that is Valsesia. Join us in a unique insider’s tour of this very special and still undiscovered part of the Italian Alps.
Book Recommendations
Some of our Favourite Things
The Best
Arriving, after hours of strenuous hiking, at a beautiful mountain refuge with wine flowing, a sumptuous meal of venison polenta, and spectacular views.
Le frazioni
The Valsesia is a narrow winding valley studded with small clusters of centuries-old wood and rock Baita, the traditional three-story dwellings that housed shepherd, livestock and hay. These frazioni or “fractions,” are living reminders of the Walsers’ deep connection to the land.
Oh my God, the food!
Every summer, the shepherds bring their cows and goats to the high alpine to graze. They make artisanal butter, ricotta, and a to-die-for cheese, Toma. Then there’s the miacce, a delicious local crepe.
A hiker’s paradise
Locals are very proud of their alpine hiking heritage and many have climbed the world’s highest peaks. The Alta Valsesia is famous for its rich array of treks - and its steepness - which has kept overtourism at bay and thankfully preserved Valsesia’s authentic charm.
Val d’Otro
If there is a heaven, it is here. A spectacular hanging valley and home to an historically significant Walser settlement, Otro can only be reached on foot. Its unique charm was threatened by moves to build a road up to the valley, until a citizens’ revolt and the Italian Environmental Foundation stepped in to protect it.
Itinerary
You are based in our hometown, the ruggedly beautiful village of Alagna, the gem of the Valsesia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here we take you on a different, gorgeous hike each day, to altitudes ranging from 1,154 metres (Alagna) to 2,400 metres. We’ll visit some of our family homes, including a centuries-old mountain house (Baita) in the beautiful hanging valley of Otro, a shepherd’s hut, where freshly made butter, ricotta and cheese are made, and a mountain refuge with a spectacular view of the Monte Rosa.
On Day 5, we take a break and visit one of the beautiful Walser-influenced villages in the area, wandering through cobblestone streets, hitting the markets and historic sites and stopping for lunch and some of the best gelato in Italy. The trip is led by a seasoned and accredited local guide with an expertise in the Valsesia and Walser culture.
This unique insider’s experience takes you off the tourist track and provides a truly local take on one of Italy’s real hidden gems. It is lovingly designed with all of our favourite places, and so that you can slow down and appreciate the beauty and history around you. Yes, it will be physically challenging - the hikes can be steep and proper footwear is a must (sticks also highly recommended), but it also allows for free time to just soak it all in. You only have to unpack once, and there is no hour-by-hour scheduling. We’re keeping it simple.
Activity Level: Participants should be moderately fit and comfortable hiking 1.5-2.5 hours at a stretch (followed by a break for lunch) and 3-5 hours in total for the day, including return trip. Hikes are not technically difficult but are steep in places. Trails are well trodden, with some areas accessible by stone steps. Appropriate for kids 12+. For more detailed information on the hikes, please see the Itinerary.
Accommodation
Our guests stay at a tasteful and charming locally-owned lodging, chosen for its boutique size, comfort and quality accommodation. Alagnese take great care to respect local tradition, and you will experience that at our Baita-style hotel, which adheres to traditional building aesthetics, but with modern finishings. Rooms are ‘apartment-style,’ featuring a master bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and living area, with couches that also pull out into comfortable beds. Rooms sleep 1-6.
Our Guides
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Arturo
A certified Environmental Nature and Hiking Guide for the province of Piedmont as well as a certified UNESCO Geopark guide for the Alta Valsesia, Arturo is also an expert in the valley’s unique Walser culture.
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Andrea
Founder of karibu adventures, former foreign correspondent and lifelong traveler, Andrea is passionate about bringing people together to enjoy unique, sustainable and authentic traveling experiences.
FAQs
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The tour is based in the village of Alagna, at the end of Sesia Valley, named after the Sesia River, which runs though it. It is located in the province of Vercelli, Piedmont, near the border with Switzerland in Northwest Italy.
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Alagna is 150 northwest of Milan and 150 km north of Turin.
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We recommend flying to Milan’s Malpensa airport, which is closer to Alagna than Milan’s other airport, Linate. karibu arranges an airport shuttle service from Milan to Alagna. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive there.
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You can visit Milan, including its Duomo, the famous La Scala opera house, and the designer shopping district. Turin, the capital of Piedmont, and the home of the House of Savoie, the first monarchs of a united Italy, is an elegant baroque city with several interesting museums and delicious chocolate and pastry shops. There is also the Lake District, Lago di Orta and Lago Maggiore being 1.5 – 2 hours drive.
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We recommend hiking boots with ankle support and hiking poles. Poles are optional but they are helpful, especially for giving your knees a break when coming downhill. karibu has extra poles for those who need them. We provide a packing guide on booking.
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The trails are well marked and maintained by the Italian Alpine Club. Many include segments with centuries-old stone steps used by shepherds to bring their livestock up to the alpine pastures in summer. They can be steep in places.
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The Valsesia is a favourite getaway for Italians because, being at a higher elevation (1,200 metres), it does not suffer from the heat that bakes much of the country. While temperatures hover around 18-20C during the day in summer, it dips at night to about 10C. Being in the mountains, weather is ever-changing, and one should be prepared for variability.
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Yes. While Italians love their cheese and pasta, they are also very accommodating and there are always alternatives with regards to gluten, lactose and other food intolerances.
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Our Alta Valsesia hiking trip is a great family trip. We have been taking our kids on hikes here since they were little. For newcomers to the area, we recommend this trip for kids 12+.
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