Geopark Day
The Geopark Day along the Sesia River in Scopa
About Geopark Day
A day to discover the Geopark
Geopark Day is the signature event through which the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark opens its geological heritage to schools, enthusiasts, and local professionals. It takes place in Scopa, a small town in the Valsesia valley in the Province of Vercelli, nestled in the heart of a UNESCO-recognized geopark that stretches from Lake Maggiore to Monte Rosa, bordering the Aosta Valley and Switzerland.
The Sesia River takes center stage
The most recent edition, the "River Edition", focused on the Sesia River: a day of free training designed to bridge the gap between outdoor activities, local knowledge, and geotourism opportunities. The goal is to foster an understanding of the Sesia's geological and environmental value, not just as a hub for river sports—like kayaking, rafting, and canoeing—but as a natural and cultural treasure to be preserved and promoted.
A unique geopark
The Sesia Val Grande is one of the most fascinating geoparks in Europe: its territory preserves one of the most spectacular sections of the Earth's crust and the fossilized remains of an ancient supervolcano, which are studied by geologists worldwide. For this reason, Geopark Day is more than just an event; it is a moment of scientific outreach specifically aimed at river sports schools and tourism operators in Valsesia.
Organizers
The day is promoted by the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark in collaboration with the Municipality of Scopa and local river sports organizations. The initiative is part of the European Geoparks Week calendar, which every year, between late May and early June, brings UNESCO geoparks across Europe to life with excursions, workshops, and informative meetings.
Why attend
- Discover the geological value of the Sesia River through an engaging, educational approach.
- Connect outdoor sports, local knowledge, and geotourism.
- Experience a free event in an exceptional natural setting between Valsesia and the Piedmont Alps.
- Get an up-close look at the work of a UNESCO Geopark.
Geopark Day — edition 2026
Il Geopark Day 2026 – River Edition si è tenuto mercoledì 27 maggio 2026 a Scopa, in Valsesia (Provincia di Vercelli), come parte del calendario della Settimana Europea dei Geoparchi (dal 24 maggio al 7 giugno 2026). La giornata, gratuita, ha messo al centro il fiume Sesia, approfondendone il valore geologico e ambientale e mettendo in relazione le attività outdoor, la conoscenza del territorio e le opportunità legate al geoturismo. L'iniziativa, rivolta in particolare alle scuole di sport fluviali e agli operatori turistici, ha registrato la partecipazione di una trentina di persone.
Programme Geopark Day 2026
Giornata di formazione e divulgazione dedicata al fiume Sesia, organizzata dal Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark con il Comune di Scopa e con realtà locali degli sport fluviali, con il patrocinio del Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra "Ardito Desio" dell'Università degli Studi di Milano.
- Approfondimenti sul valore geologico e ambientale del fiume Sesia.
- Collegamento tra attività outdoor (sport fluviali), conoscenza del territorio e geoturismo.
- Incontro rivolto in particolare a scuole di sport fluviali e operatori turistici.
Il dettaglio orario degli interventi non è stato diffuso pubblicamente.
Highlights Geopark Day 2026
Prices Geopark Day 2026
Practical information — Geopark Day
Where
Scopa (13027), Valsesia, Province of Vercelli, Piedmont. The town can be reached by car via the SS299 road up the Sesia valley, or by train to the lower Valsesia stations followed by a bus connection.
When
One day, usually in late May, during the European Geoparks Week.
Costs
Admission and participation are free. The day is aimed primarily at river sports schools and tourism operators.
Information
Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark — [email protected] — www.sesiavalgrandegeopark.it
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.