The largest wilderness area of Italy is the NATIONAL PARK VAL GRANDE. It’s the perfect place to hike and enjoy the steep deep valleys and most spectacular views.
We went to visit this beautiful park yesterday. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t that good. It was pretty cold and very cloudy. Only after lunch we had a bit of sun. I must admit that I was a bit disappointed about this, but well, it’s so close to home that we will come back this coming summer for sure!
From the entrance of the park VAL GRANDE it’s only 15 minutes walk to the Rifugio Antonio Fantoli (Alpe Ompio) where you can have a great lunch. Their specialty is polenta, a peasant food made of coarsely of finely ground yellow or white cornmeal. You eat it with different types of meat (which is brought separately for the vegetarians among us). For dessert they always have a few types of home-baked pie. So yummy! I call it typical hiking food as we always eat it when we go hike and it served in all the Rifugi! You can also sleep over if you want to spend more than 1 day in these beautiful surroundings.
From this Rifugio Antonio Fantoli (Alpe Ompio) you can walk to Belvedere in only 15 minutes where you have a stunning view on several lakes: Lake Maggiore (Lago Maggiore), Lake Orta (Lago d’Orta), Lake Mergozzo (Lago di Mergozzo), Lake Varese (Lago di Varese) and Lake Monate (Lago di Monate). It is well-marked so you really can’t miss it! Other views of the mountains and valleys will be posted next time when I actually do a real hiking tour…
Besides all this, the VAL GRANDE also encounters many remaines of the original habitation…
National Park VAL GRANDE (Verbania – Piemonte) is located at 45km from Borgomanero. The starting point is at a 1000 meters (more or less). You don’t have to be an expert or trained hiker, but make sure you wear suitable clothes and shoes and don’t go off the trails!!! For more information, you can visit www.parcovalgrande.it or send me an email: dutchgoesitalian@hotmail.com.
Find out where VAL GRANDE is located:
Great photos even if the weather wasn’t perfect!
Thanks Gilly, I’m happy you said that because I wasn’t sure… 🙂
So interesting, both the food, landscapes and pictures!
Thank you!! 😀
Absolutely beautiful! I have a feeling you’ll be going back there again when it’s warmer…
Without a doubt!! I have been here 3 years ago when it was sunny but didn’t make any pictures that time…
YUM for Polenta! I am definitely doing this trail next time I am in Piemonte!
You definitely should…. 🙂
Those old houses look so cute, I just want to save them all from ruin! Those lake views look great, I look forward to your re-visit to the area on a sunny day, I’m sure it will be even lovelier!
O yes! We will be going back this summer..and I will post about it obviously 😉
About the old houses, if you are able to find out who’s the owner you can buy it and fix it. A friend did this. The thing is that it’s extremely difficult to find out who’s the owner… 🙁
Polenta AND hiking? Makes for a perfect day, even with no sun. 😉 Great photos!
Thank you Ruth…it was a perfect day…next time hopefully more hiking when it’s a bit warmer 😉
I think mountains should be seen in all weathers to appreciate their grandeur! I love the pictures of those old farm buildings. 🙂
Thanks Cathy…must say that it was a really nice day after all. But for a real hiking tour I prefer a bit warmer 😉
I love the scenery, it’s so incredibly European 🙂 Frm the brook running past the tree and the rolling misty mountains, to the wholesome fare on the tables. Looks like a incredible day with nature…
Funny that you call it European…I couldn’t say as I’m european, so it’s nice to hear it from someone ‘outside’…I just love these days in nature!!! 🙂
This looks like my sort of hike, spectacular scenery and delicious, hearty food. You’re giving me plenty of ideas for our next trip to Italy, whenever that may be 🙂
This is a big compliment as I try to give ideas via my blog for those visiting Italy and want to see something ‘less known’. So thanks a lot!! 😀
This park looks like an awesome place to visit. I love the stone cottages and the mountain views. It looks like the perfect place to explore on horseback, if allowed.
I’m not sure if it’s allowed or that they have the possibility to be honest…must check that out on their website I guess… Thanks for commenting :)!
I had no idea there was such a park in Italy! It looks like the scenery was still wonderful, despite the less than perfect weather.
Thanks!! 🙂 Happy to made you discover this beautiful part 🙂
Spectacular!
Thanks :D!
Such amazing scenery! Takes my breath away! Beautiful compositions too. Wanna go here someday!
Thank you so much for your compliment 😀 It’s definitely worth visiting if you’re visting Piemonte!!
Brilliant! Love all the photos … this would be my kind of walk too 🙂
Thank you so much Razel!! 🙂
All the photos are great. I was impressed with stone houses and awesome mountain. I should visit there.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
What a wonderful place 🙂 I like polenta too. It is a specialty in my country as well 😉 I like your photos Letizia.
Thanks Paula!! How nice to learn that Polenta is eaten a lot also in your country,…didn’t know that!! 🙂
I love Polenta! plus hiking? now this is an adventure I would love to go on myself 😀
Yeah, it’s a very good mix!! 😉
Delicious photos! I especially love the ones of the old houses.
Thank you Marion 🙂
The park looks stunning, fabulous views of mountains and lakes. and lunch too! Looking forward to going back there in summer!
Thank you so much! I will keep you updated with a new post as soon as we go there again! 🙂
Ziet er een prachtig wandelgebied uit!
Uitnodigend!
groeten,
Mark
Misschien een tip als je ooit in deze omgeving bent ;). Dank voor je bericht op mijn blog 🙂 Zeer gewaardeerd!
Graag gedaan hoor! 😉
Ok dan weet ik waar we heen gaan in september 🙂
Hahaha…goed idee!! 🙂 Heb er nu al zin in!!
What a wonderful blog!! And you live just down the road from me!! Next time I wonder what to do on a free weekend, I’ll check your blog before I head off to the hills!!
Thank you so much!! I see that you also write a blog. I will definitely explore yours as well.. May I ask in which city/village you live?? Anyway thank you very much for stopping by and ‘liking’ my posts. I appreciate it a lot!!
I live in Varano Borghi, the other side of the Lago Maggiore from you!!
How funny….the world is so small after al 😉
I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve just shared this post with https://www.facebook.com/groups/GetOutOfMiLan/160831704043729/?notif_t=group_activity an English speaking group that looks for places to go and hike outside Milan ..
Ofcourse I don’t mind!!! I need to thank you :)!!
the views serene, the food spectacular, I was there through your post, thank you! 🙂
Thank you so much! I’m happy that you’ve been on this trip with me through my post! That’s exactly what I wanted 🙂 Thanks for stopping by as well and taking the time to comment. Very much appreciated! 😀 Hope to see you back soon..
Love yr blog – and these were great pics!
And thx for the follow, too 🙂
Thanks a lot!! And you’re welcome… 🙂
Gorgeous pictures!
Thanks so much 😀