Camminar Mangiando among the Walser Ovens

A day of walking, flavors, and Walser culture

In the heart of the Anzasca Valley, in the municipality of Macugnaga (Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piedmont), Camminar Mangiando among the Walser Ovens is an event that transforms a simple walk into a journey of taste and memory. Organized by the Pro Loco Macugnaga, the event guides participants on foot through the picturesque hamlets of the village, at the foot of the spectacular east face of Monte Rosa, along an itinerary that visits the ancient Walser communal ovens.

The communal ovens: the heart of Walser tradition

Macugnaga has a deeply Walser soul: the village was founded in the second half of the 13th century by populations from the Swiss Saastal, who called these places Z'Makana in their language, Titsch. One of the most fascinating legacies of this culture is communal bread-making: in the past, rye bread was baked only once a year, and each small hamlet had its own oven, shared by the entire community. The loaves were then dried on special racks to last all year. Camminar Mangiando pays homage to this very tradition by opening the doors of the historic ovens scattered among the hamlets.

A gourmet walk, stop by stop

The idea is simple and fascinating: walking while eating. Each oven reached along the route corresponds to a course of the menu, so that lunch is distributed throughout the entire walk. In previous editions, the route has included, for example, breakfast, an appetizer, a first course, the essential black rye bread, a main course, and a surprise dessert, each served in a different oven in the hamlets of Macugnaga. It is an opportunity to savor the typical dishes of the Anzasca Valley while immersed in the views of Monte Rosa.

Macugnaga and the Anzasca Valley

Macugnaga is made up of numerous hamlets—including Staffa (the main hub), Pecetto, Borca, Pestarena, Isella, Fornarelli, Motta, and Quarazza—each with its own character. Beyond the ovens, the territory holds a rich heritage: the Mountain and Smuggling Museum, the Walser House, the Guia gold mine, and the Miner's Museum of Pestarena. Participating in Camminar Mangiando therefore means fully experiencing the identity of this corner of the Alpine Piedmont.

Who it is for

The event is suitable for those who love walking at a leisurely pace, for families, and for anyone wishing to discover Walser culture through its cuisine. Booking is recommended, as places are limited: the Pro Loco Macugnaga handles registrations and information.