From Novara to Valsesia on Monte Rosa

Route details

Tour from the Po plain near Novara through Valsesia to the foot of Monte Rosa. The SP299 leads along the river Sesia through original Walser villages into the high mountains.

This 108-kilometre Tour starts in Novara and leads northwards into Valsesia, one of the most pristine Alpine valleys in northern Italy. The route mainly follows the SP299 provincial road, which is a well-paved Mountain road that runs through the entire valley.

The first few kilometers through the Piedmont plain are for warming up. From Serravalle Sesia, the actual descent begins along the Sesia river. The road surface is in good condition throughout and visibility is mostly good. The route has around 25 Hairpins and is classified as medium Difficulty level.

A short stop at Varallo Sesia is recommended. The Sacro Monte di Varallo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, towers above the town. The complex comprises 44 chapels with over 800 life-size statues and is considered the oldest Sacro Monte in Italy, founded in 1491.

The valley narrows after Varallo. The road leads through the villages of Balmuccia, Scopello and Campertogno - all characterized by traditional Walser architecture with wooden houses and stone walls. The river Sesia accompanies the Route throughout. Water sports enthusiasts will find numerous rafting opportunities between Scopa and Scopello. At Piode, it is worth taking a look at the "Salto di Piode", a cascade that can be observed from the Bridge.

A worthwhile diversion leads to Rassa, a small Walser village grouped around two bridges over the Torrente Sorba.

The destination of Alagna Valsesia lies at an altitude of 1,191 meters at the southern foot of Monte Rosa, the second highest mountain massif in the Alps. The village was settled by Walsers in the 12th century and still retains its authentic architecture today. The cable cars to the Monterosa Ski area start from here. Alagna is also the starting point for the Capanna Regina Margherita, the highest mountain hut in Europe at 4,554 meters.

Traffic is moderate during the week. It can get heavier at weekends and during the ski season. The route is suitable for all types of motorcycle and does not require any special off-road skills. The difference in altitude is around 1,000 meters. In the upper part of the valley, there are rocky safety features and galleries. The landscape changes from flat to wooded slopes to alpine terrain with views of four-thousand-metre peaks.