Exploring Val Mastallone and Valsesia: 10 Unmissable Summer Activities

There is a corner of Piedmont where the emerald waters of the streams meet the ancient rock of the glaciers, and where the silence of the Walser villages is interrupted only by the sound of cowbells and the flowing river. Welcome to Valsesia and Val Mastallone: a wild, authentic, and generous territory, capable of astonishing anyone in search of regeneration or a burst of pure adrenaline.

If you are planning your summer vacation with us, we have selected 10 experiences that will make you fall in love with these valleys. You decide how to combine them within your itinerary, keeping in mind that the most important thing here is to experience tourism in a “slow” way!

From hidden gorges for "wild swimming" to paragliding over Monte Rosa, here is our personal guide to discovering the best of the territory, between centuries-old traditions and water adventures. Pack your backpack, let’s go!

1. Visit the Walser village of Rimella

Let's start from the Val Mastallone, a side valley of Valsesia traversed by the streams of the Mastallone River. Here you can find the ancient village of Rimella ("Remmalju" in Walser) with its various hamlets, through which the trails of the GTA (Great Crossing of the Alps) pass.

The highest part of this municipality is part of the Alta Valsesia Natural Park, the highest protected area in Europe. Founded in the 13th century, Rimella is one of the oldest Walser colonies alongside Alagna, and walking through its paths, you can see the typical Walser houses, where the lower half is made of stone and the upper half is made of wood.

Church Fraction

• The center of the village is the Chiesa district (“Chiljchu”, 1182 m), where, nestled among the houses, you will find the small square of the town hall with the 18th-century Parish Church of San Michele Arcangelo. If you manage to visit, you will be captivated by the artistic composition found inside. Don’t miss the G. B. Filippa Anthropological Museum for an unusual experience, where you will see curious objects from all over the world. In the summer, there are often events organized in the square, such as the accordion festival.

Sella Fraction

• From Chiesa, you can then reach the fraction Sella (“Śchàttal”, 1329 m) by walking about 1.3 km. Here, amidst breathtaking views and typical wooden and stone blockbau architecture, one realizes that this is the village that has undergone the least alteration over time. Here you can visit the Walser Ethnographic Museum, where you can be inspired by the everyday life of a bygone era, of a mountain people who lived in harmony with the land, a practice that we may have neglected today, but which we can still feel when we find ourselves in places like this. It is right here, in Sella, that our Walser House is located, an authentic Walser home finely restored to make our guests' stay an unforgettable experience.

It is right here, in Sella, that our Walser House is located, an authentic Walser house finely restored to make our guests' stay an unforgettable experience.

2. Aperitif at San Gottardo

Of the numerous hamlets in Rimella, much could be said and seen, and we will do so in upcoming articles, but we cannot fail to mention one last one, the beautiful Walser village of San Gottardo (“A Runt”, 1330 m). From Sella, it takes about 20 minutes to walk there, or you can park just outside the village and then stroll along the beautiful stone walkway created by the Walser people, as you can only reach the heart of the village on foot! Upon entering San Gottardo, you catch your breath: a village frozen in time, where in a small shop, ladies sit on the external steps working on their traditional fabrics, a little square that hosts the bell tower of the church dedicated to San Gottardo with a frescoed façade, a panorama of the mountains that brings peace, and a bar with a small kitchen where you can treat yourself to a coffee or, even better, a typical aperitif. The bar is called “D Elte Schiol,” and it is open only in summer.

After you have properly refreshed yourselves, we recommend taking a short 10-minute walk beyond San Gottardo, towards Alpe della Selletta (you can follow the signs), because here, in the summer, you will often encounter cows grazing and can be captivated by pastoral life for a little while.

3. Take a bath in the Mastallone

To reach Rimella, climbing up the Val Mastallone, you will have noticed that there are numerous gorges of incredible beauty: they are the deep gorges of the Mastallone River, created by the incessant flow of water.

The sight of such a landscape leaves one amazed, and the towering rocky walls can be unsettling, but in reality, at various points, sandy and rocky beaches have formed and are swimmable! In the height of summer, the water temperature is pleasant, especially when compared to what you find, for example, when immersing yourself in the Sesia, particularly in the spots where the crystal-clear pools are calmer and manage to absorb sunlight for a longer time. We recommend our two favorite spots for swimming or even just lying down to sunbathe.

We remind you to bring your sneakers, as reaching these natural pools requires crossing paths that, although short (5 minutes), can be a bit steep (hence the term "wild swimming").

• The first one can be found near the village of Bocciolaro, where, in the green area behind the parking lot (which is located along the road and is easily visible while passing by), you will find a first sign that is not very visible, shaped like an arrow, with the indication “river.” Just follow the signs and soon you will find yourself descending along a little path that opens up to a rocky beach and a fairly large pool of water with emerald-colored water. This “beach” is our absolute favorite, due to the surreal and wild scenery, with clear water surrounded by mountains. We also recommend not just staying on the beach, but putting on your river shoes and going upstream a bit along the current, doing a bit of canyoning, and heading out on an adventure.

• For the second one, we recommend referring to the Gula Bridge (which we suggest you stop to visit, anyway). Leave your car near the bridge and then descend along the path for about 5 minutes. You will arrive at the beach known as "El Caribe"! Characterized by the white sand created by the flowing stream and the turquoise-green water, it truly resembles a photograph of the Caribbean, if it weren't for the steep rocky walls and mountain slopes that you will see when you look up.

4. Exploring Varallo Sesia and its Sacred Mountain

If the Val Mastallone enchants with its wild nature, Varallo welcomes you with its historical nobility and unparalleled cultural vibrancy. Rightfully defined as a "City of Art," Varallo, a town of about 7,000 inhabitants, is a destination where beauty can be felt in every corner, from the grand monuments to the small shops hidden among the alleys.

Walking through the historic center means getting lost in the historic alleys, a maze of medieval streets that retain the charm of the past. But what makes the village unique is its nature as a creative laboratory: along the narrow streets, one encounters a myriad of art shops, studios, and artisan workshops. Here, art is created daily, testifying to a tradition of carving and painting that has been passed down for centuries. In this regard, an essential stop is the Pinacoteca di Varallo, one of the first artistic collections in Piedmont.

If you happen to be in Varallo on Tuesday morning, you can also take a stroll through the town market.

The Sacred Mountain: The "New Jerusalem"

Whether you are interested in spirituality, art, or a connection with nature, you will find plenty to satisfy your appetite here. The spiritual and artistic heart of the city is the Sacred Mountain, the oldest in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Accessible via the steepest funicular in Europe or a scenic walking path, the complex is a triumph of sculpture and painting.

Here you can admire the realism of Gaudenzio Ferrari in the 45 chapels visible along the paths of the Sacred Mountain, in an atmosphere of absolute peace and spirituality, before reaching the monumental basilica dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and enjoying the view below.

During the summer, Varallo transforms into an open-air stage. The summer calendar is packed with exhibitions, concerts, and guided tours, but the absolute highlight is the Alpàa. This famous event, which takes place in July, attracts thousands of visitors with a unique mix of live music (featuring major national artists), local craft markets, and gastronomic excellence. It is the moment when the soul of Valsesia expresses itself with the greatest joy, celebrating its roots in an atmosphere of collective festivity.

5. Adventures along the waterways

If Varallo is culture, the Sesia River is pure energy. Considered one of the best rivers in Europe for water sports, it is here that rafting was born in the 1980s! The Sesia is, in short, the ideal playground for those seeking a touch of adventure. Thanks to the experience of historic centers like Monrosa Rafting, Sesia Rafting, and Valsesia Sport, you can experience the river in a thousand different ways.

• Rafting and Hydrospeed: For an unforgettable group experience, rafting through the rapids of the Sesia is a must, suitable for both families (in the calmer sections) and thrill-seekers. If you want a direct connection with the water, try hydrospeed: a small floating sled, fins on your feet, and you will be the one challenging the current firsthand.

• Canyoning and Torrentismo: If you love exploring the most hidden places, the centers organize canyoning outings in the tributary streams, where you descend through narrow gorges, slide down natural "toboggans" carved into the rock, and dive into crystal-clear pools of water.

Speaking of water sports, let’s not forget the protagonist of our valley: the Mastallone stream. While the Sesia is the king of rafting, the Mastallone is a gem for lovers of kayaking and canoeing. Its deep gorges and emerald-colored waters, especially in spring (when the water volume is at its peak), offer almost primordial scenery. Descending the Mastallone means immersing oneself in a more intimate and technical natural setting, where the white rock contrasts with the intense green of the woods, creating truly breathtaking memories.

6. Cycling Adventure

If you love feeling the wind on your face while traversing unspoiled woods and alpine villages, Valsesia will captivate you. Whether you are experienced cyclists or simply enthusiasts, the area offers an incredible variety of mountain bike and e-bike trails. The beauty of this region lies in its versatility: you can choose to venture out completely on your own if you have your own equipment, or, if you prefer a more relaxed approach or want to discover the hidden secrets of the area, you can rely on the numerous cycling guides available in the region.

Some centers also offer the rental of modern e-bikes, the perfect option to tackle the Valsesia slopes while enjoying the ascent just as much as the descent! Among the many possible routes, I suggest a truly scenic and fun path: the Mera Loop (PCV 2a).

It is a circular route that develops around the Alpe di Mera, offering spectacular views of the Monte Rosa massif. Here’s why we recommend it:

• Breathtaking landscapes: You will cycle on natural balconies that overlook the entire valley.
• Suitable for many: It is a medium difficulty route, perfect for those who have a basic familiarity with off-road terrain but still want to enjoy a rejuvenating day.
• Ease of access: You can comfortably reach the altitude by taking the chairlift from Scopello (checking seasonal openings for bike transport) and then start your loop through pastures and refuges where you can stop for a tasty break.

Don't forget to try the "Polenta Concia" (enriched with melted butter and local cheeses) in one of these huts: it's the perfect fuel to tackle the rest of the bike ride!

7. Strolling through Rimasco and the thrills on the Fun Bob

Rimasco is a picturesque alpine village that welcomes you with its enchanting artificial lake, whose waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a fairytale atmosphere. It is located in the Val Sermenza, a side valley of Valsesia, and is part of the Natural Park of Alta Valsesia and Alta Val Strona.

During your walk, don't miss the Parish Church of San Giacomo: its origins are very ancient, and inside it houses precious Baroque wooden furnishings and frescoes that tell the story of the devotion in this valley.

If you feel like taking a walk, you can spot the typical Walser architecture in the surrounding area, such as in the nearby hamlet of Dorca, which bears witness to the centuries-old presence of this fascinating culture here as well.

Rimasco is also famous for its hospitality and culinary traditions: if you happen to be here in August, make sure not to miss the historic Sagra della Miaccia, accompanied by captivating fireworks displays with a view of the lake.

The Fun Bob

But Rimasco is not just relaxation. For the more adventurous, the must-try experience is the Fun Bob at Alpe Campo.

It’s a monorail sled (essentially, “roller coasters,” indeed, in the mountains!) that will allow you to zip through the woods with an amazing view of the valley. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy the descent:

• The ascent: You can comfortably reach the starting station with the chairlift that departs from the village, or, if you prefer, with a nice walk of about an hour along the trail.
• The track: Get ready for 1 km of pure excitement, with an elevation gain of 250 meters and slopes reaching up to 40%. It is considered one of the most adrenaline-pumping tracks in Europe!
• You are the pilots: You decide the speed! Thanks to a central lever, you can brake or accelerate (up to a maximum of 40 km/h), choosing whether to enjoy the scenery or feel the thrill of speed.
• Practical information: The facility is generally open on weekends from April to October, and every day during the months of July and August. I recommend always checking the hours on the official website before you leave.

After the adrenaline rush, we recommend you grab a good book and take a seat by the lake, perhaps lying on your towel, and enjoy a well-deserved relaxation.

8. Educational Farm

If you think that educational farms are exclusive to little ones, get ready to change your mind. In Valsesia and Val Mastallone, farms are the beating heart of the territory and know how to offer moments of pure wonder even to us adults, providing an authentic connection with the rhythms of nature and animals.

Among the many excellences of the area, there is a place that we hold dear and highly recommend: the Floralp Agricultural Company, in Rusa.

Already the journey to get there is part of the experience. As you approach the farm (before entering the parking lot), you will be welcomed by an unforgettable natural soundtrack: the rushing of the Sesia River in a wild gorge that creates a particularly beautiful rapid to behold.

Once you arrive at Floralp, the atmosphere becomes sweet and welcoming. Here’s what awaits you:

• On horseback in nature: One of the most beautiful experiences is undoubtedly a horseback ride, a slow and respectful way to explore the surroundings and feel part of the landscape.
• Four-legged friends: Don't be surprised if, while you enjoy a stroll through their fields or grab a coffee, you encounter kittens or other little critters (like the adorable guinea pigs) frolicking around the farm!
• A kitchen that feels like home: After so many emotions, sitting at the table here is a must. The food is divine: the dishes are prepared with the company's products, from genuine cheeses to their blueberries, bringing the authentic flavor of the mountains to the plate.

Visiting Floralp is not just a trip, but an invitation to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and rediscover the beauty of simple things.

9. High-altitude adrenaline

If you're looking for an experience that will literally lift you off the ground, there's no better way than to trust the updrafts of Valsesia. Paragliding here is not just a sport, but a unique privilege: the chance to admire the imposing east face of Monte Rosa from a perspective usually reserved for eagles.

You can book a tandem flight (two-seater) and you will be securely attached to a professional instructor who will handle all the maneuvers, leaving you with just the task of opening your eyes wide and enjoying the show.

Usually, the flights take off from strategic scenic points like Alpe di Mera or from the heights above Alagna Valsesia. The takeoff is much smoother than one might imagine: a brief run on a sloping meadow and, almost without realizing it, you will find yourself floating in the air in a surreal silence, interrupted only by the rustle of the wind.

We did it with the help of the legendary Michele Enzio, an experienced pilot, who took us off from Pianalunga (Monte Rosa, 2050 m), which can be reached by cable car from Alagna. We recommend not to miss this experience because it has stayed in our hearts!

10. Alagna, unusual in summer

If you have chosen Alagna to experience the thrill of paragliding at the foot of Monte Rosa, don't make the mistake of running away right after landing! We are used to thinking of Alagna as the queen of snow and skiing, but it is in summer that this village reveals its most authentic and sunny side.

While in winter the pace is dictated by the ski lifts, summer in Alagna is made of slow walks among the Walser villages, where the scent of ancient wood and flowers on the balconies will accompany you on a journey through time. It’s the perfect moment to explore the Val d’Otro, a suspended basin that seems to have come out of a fairy tale, accessible only on foot.

Moreover, Alagna is the global starting point for mountaineering on Monte Rosa. In summer, the village fills with climbers who, accompanied by the historic Alpine Guides, set off to conquer the 4,000 meters.

If you are looking for challenges, you can breathe in that epic atmosphere by taking the lifts up to the glaciers: watching the teams move towards the Capanna Margherita (the highest refuge in Europe) is a breathtaking sight even when it's 20 degrees down in the valley.

Whether you have come this far to challenge the rapids of the Sesia, to get lost among the historic alleys of Varallo, or simply to enjoy a platter of local products in a refuge at Alpe di Mera, we hope this guide helps you experience Valsesia just as we do: with wonder and deep respect.

These valleys are not just a destination to visit, but an experience to breathe in deeply. Every trail, every Walser village, and every plunge into the waters of the Mastallone will leave you with an indelible memory, bringing you back to a truer connection with the land and with yourself.

We look forward to welcoming you at the hotel to share photos of your adventures and to recommend, perhaps over a good glass of local wine, the next destination for your day in the mountains. Valsesia and Val Mastallone are waiting for you, and so are we!

About Us: Bianca & Martino

Hello! We are Bianca and Martino, the souls behind this blog. Our story is a bridge between Romagna and the Alps.

Martino grew up among the slopes and pastures of Rimella, carrying in his heart the memories of summers spent in Val Mastallone and winter skiing on Monte Rosa. Despite life in Ravenna, the pull of his roots has always been very strong.

Bianca, from Ravenna, discovered this corner of Piedmont for love: she fell in love first with Martino and, soon after, with the wild beauty of Valsesia. In 2026, she decided to change her life, leaving her "permanent job" to turn a passion into reality and dedicate herself full-time to the management of the diffused hotel Walser House.

Every summer we live among these mountains, and our purpose is to share with you the experiences that make this place unique. We want to help you discover what it truly means to "unplug": here, among the stone houses and the sound of the streams, we have learned the true meaning of living "slow."

We look forward to welcoming you to Val Mastallone to show you our idea of home.