A short and pleasant journey of discovery around Macugnaga through small museums, ancient villages, spectacular gold mines and high-altitude nature: unmistakable ingredients of this ancient corner of the Alps.
Description
From the bus stop in the hamlet of Borca di Macugnaga (for those who choose to reach the starting point by public transport) descend towards the valley for a few metres and you’ll arrive at the Casa Walser Museum, which tells the story of an ancient culture of people who knew how to live at high altitude.
After visiting the museum, cross the road and take the road that leads to Fornarelli and the Guia Gold Mine. Visiting this hidden treasure of the Anzasca Valley is like taking a real journey back in time, coming into contact with the work and lives of miners: a unique experience.
Leaving the Guia Gold Mine you can admire the waterfall that thunderously descends by the entrance and then take the B00 path to the hamlet of Isella. From this village continue along the trail as far as the bridge to Staffa, crossing it and arriving in the capital of Macugnaga.
The name Macugnaga does not indicate a single location, but a set of villages, of which Staffa is the most important and houses old Walser settlements and quality tourist facilities.
Among the most important attractions, do not miss a visit to the Mountain and Smuggling Museum (Museo della montagna e del contrabbando).
After visiting the museum, continue in the direction of Pecetto, passing the chapel of San Giulio and visiting the old village of Dorf, with its old church, bakery and characteristic Walser-style buildings.
From Pecetto, using the ski lifts, you can comfortably reach the highest altitudes of the Belvedere, offering a panoramic vista of the east wall of Monte Rosa.
Finally, return to Pecetto using the same lifts or you can descend via an easy walk from the middle stop of the chairlift, with a tasty stop for a snack at the agritourism facility you’ll find there.
Useful info
Italian Alpine Club (CAI) site identification code
Sector B “Routes”– IB25
Useful info
Domodossola FS International Railway Station (from Bern and Milan).
From the BUS terminal, take the Macugnaga bus route, getting off in Borca
Contact details: Municipality of Macugnaga
CAI contact details: Macugnaga Section
Refreshment areas: Restaurants in Borca, Staffa, Pecetto, Alpe Belvedere and Alpe Burki
Difficulty
Easy route. The majority of the route is along village streets or good footpaths.
Lenght
5 km
Ascent / Descent
Ascent 192 m / Descent 15 m
Total duration
1 hr 20 min
Recommended equipment
Walking boots.
Signage
B00
Reference map(s)
Map no. 5 scale 1:25,000 of the Geo4Map/CAI
Digital maps on the following apps: ViewRanger – Avenza Maps