The Walser Trails: A Circular Route through Ancient Walser Settlements

There is a corner of Piedmont, nestled among the rugged peaks of Valsesia, where the landscape is not just nature, but the story carved in stone of a legendary people.

Although today the most famous location in the area is Alagna Valsesia, there is another equally authentic Walser gem: we are talking about Rimella (Remmalju in the local language). Founded around 1255 by settlers from the Swiss Valais, Rimella is the oldest Walser colony in the area, a distinction that makes it the cradle of this culture in the valley.

Today we take you on a circular route through the Walser villages of Rimella, set in the beautiful backdrop of the Val Mastallone. Don’t approach it as just a simple hike: prepare for a true "itinerant journey" in an open-air museum, where every hut and every path will tell you stories of resilience and adaptation.

The Soul of Rimella: Who are the Walser?

As documented in the volume "Rimella and its Walser," this community has managed to transform a hostile mountain environment into a valuable resource. Three are the pillars that make their culture unique:

1. The Tittschu: This is an archaic variant of High German that has survived orally to this day.

2. Functional Architecture: The Walser houses of Rimella are masterpieces of rural engineering. Designed to optimize heat, they showcase the skillful use of larch wood and stone, with structures that housed family, barn, and hayloft under the same roof.

3. The Sacred and the Everyday: Walser's life was marked by faith. Along the paths, you will find numerous oratories and the characteristic "Poses of the Dead," places of spiritual rest that testify to a deep connection between man, the earth, and the sky.

The Itinerary: Between Hamlets and Alpine Pastures

This ring allows us to experience firsthand the scattered urban planning typical of the Walser, made up of small hamlets and high-altitude pastures.

1. The Departure: Chiesa Fraction (1168 m)

The tour begins at the spiritual heart of the village. Admire the majestic Church of San Michele Arcangelo, nestled among the houses, and visit the G.B. Filippa Museum. This museum, established in the nineteenth century, is a collection of objects from around the world, showcasing the open-mindedness of the Rimellesi, who, despite living in isolation, were travelers and cultured individuals. Here, in Chiesa, you can treat yourself to a coffee before starting our trek at the Bar Ristorante Fontana.

Here in Chiesa stands our structure "Casa Gemma," a mountain house where we welcome you with modern rooms and apartments equipped with every comfort. If you are looking for accommodation for your trip to Valsesia, contact us!

2. Passing through Frazione Sella (1329 m)

Leaving the hamlet of Chiesa, a walk of about 1.3 km leads to Sella. This village is a true time capsule: among its scenic views, one can admire the integrity of the ancient blockbau constructions, where wood and stone remain intact, making it the best-preserved settlement in the area.

An alternative for your itinerary could be to start directly from Sella, especially if you are staying here.

Right here you can immerse yourself in the Walser Ethnographic Museum, a place that tells the profound symbiosis between man and mountain; an ancestral bond with the land that today seems lost, but within these walls comes back to resonate with strength.

In this authentic setting rises our Walser House: an original Walser residence, carefully restored to transform your stay into an extraordinary experience, in the heart of a Walser village.

3. Towards the Selletta and Alpe Wan (1470 m)

Climbing through beech forests, one reaches the Posa dei Morti (Obrun Bàlme), a place steeped in historical allure.

Continuing on, you arrive at Alpe Selletta, a natural balcony that offers a panoramic view of the valley. Here, one understands why the Walser were referred to as "experts of the altitude": every meter of land was managed collectively for grazing.

4. Campello Pass (1924 m)

The mule track (trail 548) steadily ascends until it reaches the highest and most symbolic point of the route: the Bocchetta di Campello (1924 m), also known as Strumenfukku.

From this pass, historically essential for trade between communities, one enjoys an unparalleled view.

5. Towards the heart of the alpine pastures and the Pianello

From the Bocchetta, begin the descent on the opposite side. Navigate around the rocky outcrops until you reach the wide plateau of Alpe Pianello (1801 m), where the Città di Borgomanero social hut stands.

It is the ideal place for a refreshing stop, often lively with alpine festivals where the aroma of polenta and stew fills the air.

6. The Alpe della Rondecca (1565 m)

In this alpine pasture, stop to admire the landscape, which overlooks the Val Mastallone and Monte Rosa.

Here, in the summer, you can meet the guys from Azienda Agricola Fontana, two young brothers who have decided to "return to mountain life," producing meat and milk at zero kilometers!

7. The Return to the Hamlets: San Giorgio (1420 m) and San Gottardo (1330 m)

Continuing downwards, you will first encounter the small and charming San Giorgio, a cluster of stone houses and a little church, and finally San Gottardo, an unmissable Walser village with a square that hosts the bell tower of the church dedicated to San Gottardo, featuring a frescoed facade and offering a panoramic view of the mountains.

Here, you will find a bar with a small kitchen ("D Elte Schiol") where you can enjoy a well-deserved break and perhaps an aperitif.

Finally, in a 15-minute walk, you will be back at Sella, and then at Chiesa, from where our itinerary began.

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Total time: about 5.30 h.
• Tip: Always bring a rain jacket and comfortable boots with you.

Why visit Rimella?

Because Rimella is not just a destination for hiking enthusiasts; it is a lesson in life. In a world that rushes by, the trails of the Walser teach us the value of silence, the care for the land, and cultural identity.

Did you enjoy this journey through time? Share the article and let me know in the comments if you have ever visited a Walser community!

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 incredibly strong.

Bianca, from Ravenna, discovered this corner of Piedmont for love: she fell in love first with Martino and, shortly 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 managing the diffused hotel Walser House.

Every summer we live among these mountains, and our goal 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.