There is a thread that runs through and connects everything, an element that shapes the landscape and sets the pace for every new discovery: water, the protagonist of an itinerary that crosses Upper Piedmont through nature, history, contemplation and adventure. From the shores of lakes to the banks of rivers, from cycle paths surrounded by greenery to rushing rapids, water tells the story of a surprising territory, to be experienced by following its course.
SHORES, RAPIDS AND REFLECTIONS: WATER THAT REVEALS THE TERRITORY
Where the Ticino River flows out of Lake Maggiore, in the Castelletto Ticino area, there is a cycle route that crosses the province of Novara from north to south. Sixty-three kilometres of dirt roads, bridges and countryside, along a route closed to traffic (except for a few short sections) and perfect for letting yourself be carried along by the flow of the water. You pass through small towns and lush woods, encountering Pombia – home to the church of San Vincenzo in Castro, an example of Romanesque architecture of such historical and artistic interest that it has been recognised as a national monument – Marano Ticino, Oleggio with the Romanesque church of San Michele, Bellinzago Novarese, where it is worth stopping at the Mulino Vecchio, now the Regional Centre for Environmental Education, or Cameri, with Villa Picchetta, headquarters of the Management Authority for the Protected Areas of Ticino and Lake Maggiore. The road then winds its way down to Galliate with the Visconti-Sforza Castle, Romentino, Trecate and finally Cerano. This route also offers total immersion in a natural setting, among canals, poplar groves and a peaceful atmosphere.
From water that relaxes and accompanies you to water that moves and surprises you: in Valsesia, water is the protagonist of breathtaking experiences. Here you can choose between rafting, canoeing, kayaking and hydrospeed, following the course of the rapids set among the valleys. The area, shaped by the Sesia and its tributaries, is a paradise for lovers of river sports, with equipped itineraries and glimpses of extraordinary beauty that reveal themselves between one wave and another.
Adrenaline also reigns supreme in the Biella area. Lake Viverone is the realm of the most challenging water sports, from wakeboarding to SUP and water skiing. And then there are boats, pedalos, canoes, motorboats, hiking, horse riding, cycling, quad biking and go-karting: a range of activities designed for every type of traveller, enriched by a wide choice of restaurants and accommodation facilities, making Viverone an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts, families and those who love to relax. And that’s not all: on the shores of the lake, inside a sports centre, there is also an area dedicated to mini golf, ideal for having fun and getting to grips with your swing.
In the Vercelli area, water marks the landscape with its slow and silent rhythm. It is here that the River Po flows through an area of great natural value, protected by the Piedmontese Po Natural Park. The municipalities in the area alternate between rice fields, woods, springs and reserves perfect for birdwatching, such as the Isola Santa Maria Reserve and the San Genuario Marsh. This section of the park preserves an important biodiversity and also tells a centuries-old story, as evidenced by villages such as Crescentino, a stop along the Via Francigena and home to the medieval tower that houses the largest bell in the Vercelli area, or Fontanetto Po, home of the violinist Viotti and site of the ancient water-powered mill and rice mill. Not far away, Trino is home to gems such as the Abbey of Lucedio and the Bosco delle Sorti della Partecipanza, a rare example of a lowland forest that has survived over time, while Palazzolo Vercellese surprises with its calanchi: spectacular walls shaped by water, perfect for exploring by bicycle.
And in the famous lakes of Upper Piedmont, water reveals another precious facet. Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and Lake Mergozzo are three pearls that reflect a layered beauty, made up of history, sport and nature, whose waters invite exploration by canoe and kayak.
On Lake Maggiore, the Tramontana and Inverna winds blow all year round, making it the ideal place for regattas and sailing, celebrated every June by the Verbania Vela Festival. but it is also a destination of great charm for those seeking moments of relaxation surrounded by the beauty of historic buildings and lush green gardens that dot the lake’s coastline and the magnificent islands of the Borromean Gulf.
The “waterways” also reach the rivers and alpine lakes nestled among the Ossola mountains, where you can enjoy the beauty of these bodies of water along rejuvenating trekking routes.
WATER AS A GUIDE, WONDER AS A DESTINATION
Seen from the water, Upper Piedmont is a constantly changing mosaic, where each piece holds a story waiting to be revealed. Whether you are riding a bicycle or paddling a canoe, navigating rushing rapids or quiet nature reserves, wonder is always there, within sight, ready to slip through your fingers.
For more information on the “Vivi Alto Piemonte – Un Mosaico di Meraviglie” (Experience Upper Piedmont – A Mosaic of Wonders) project and future initiatives, visit www.vivialtopiemonte.it.
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