Anzasca Valley

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Anzasca Valley

Monte Rosa and Macugnaga are the unmistakable symbols of the Anzasca Valley. This splendid Walser Germanic village and the imposing second highest mountain in the Alps are among the most visited and photographed attractions in Ossola Valley.

At an altitude of 4,634 metres (15203 ft) at Punta Dufour (Dufourspitze), Monte Rosa is one of the most spectacular and fascinating mountain massifs in the entire Alps, and the Himalayan wall that forms the backdrop to Macugnaga is perhaps the most incredible natural spectacle in Ossola Valley.
Rosa (pink) like the colour of this mountain at dawn, but in reality rosa derives from roise, “glacier” in patois, the ancient language of the local populations.

The area around Monte Rosa offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities: the
Belvedere and Monte Moro ski lifts serve one of the most popular ski areas in the Ossola Valley.
In summer, hikers find a real paradise here thanks to simple routes in the Natural Oasis of Monte Rosa or the more challenging routes on offer. Among the most popular destinations are the Margherita Hut (Capanna Regina Margherita), at 4,554 metres (14941 ft) above sea level on Punta Gnifetti (Signalkuppe), and Cima Jazzi (Jazzi Peak), at 3,803 metres (12477 ft), which can be accessed starting from the hamlet of Pecetto in Macugnaga.

The Anzasca Valley starts at Piedimulera, from where the road climbs up along the narrow valley. Its typical stone architecture makes Calasca-Castiglione one of the most fascinating corners of the Ossola Valley, rich in protected examples of stone work. It then goes up to Antrogna, home of the splendid “Cathedral in the woods”. Bannio Anzino, once the capital of the Anzasca Valley, preserves various ancient traditions. The best known is the Historical Army, which together with that of Calasca is the last survivor of the many ancient armies across the Val d’Ossola. Continuing on, you come across the villages of Vanzone con San Carlo, with its Battiggio Tower and Acqua Vanzonis thermal spring, the benefits of which were rediscovered in the early 2000s, Ceppo Morelli and Campioli.

At an altitude of 1000 metres (3281 ft), you reach Pestarena, the first hamlet in the Municipality of Macugnaga and known as the village of gold.

Getting even closer to Macugnaga, you’ll find Borca, where you can follow routes to the Quarazza Valley with its enchanting Lago delle Fate (Lake of the Fairies). In Borca, you can visit the interesting Guia Gold Mine, evidence of the many gold mines active here over the centuries (it’s the only mining museum in Italy). Don’t miss the Walser House Museum.

The Anzasca Valley reaches the heights of its splendour in Macugnaga, right at the foot of the east face of Monte Rosa. A brilliant tourist resort, its main villages house quality accommodation facilities, lifts open in every season of the year and a truly unmistakable heritage of culture, art, nature, events and flavours.

A fairy tale that comes alive every day: a real life Walser village!