Giro delle Frazioni
A culinary and cultural walk through the hamlets of Montecrestese, in the Ossola Valley
About Giro delle Frazioni
A walk through the hamlets of Ossola
The Giro delle Frazioni is one of the most cherished spring events in Montecrestese, a scattered municipality in the Ossola Valley, in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (Piedmont). Organized by the Pro Loco Montecrestese in collaboration with the local council, the event brings together three elements that are inseparable in Montecrestese: hiking, local history, and fine food.
The route winds along old paved mule tracks, alleys, and trails cleared by volunteers, linking the many hamlets scattered across the mountainside. It is a medium-difficulty loop that takes about 3-4 hours to complete, with gentle yet steady elevation changes; for this reason, hiking boots are recommended, and walking poles are optional for those who prefer them.
The hamlets and their heritage
The walk takes you through some of the village's historic hamlets, each with its own character and hidden treasures. Notable landmarks along the Montecrestese trails include the restored old oven in Pontetto, the small Lepontine temple in Roldo, ancient wine presses, and villas and stone clusters of extraordinary beauty. The main village, Chiesa, is home to the tallest bell tower in the Ossola valleys, a true symbol of the area.
- Pontetto, Roldo, Burella, Altoggio: mountain hamlets nestled among chestnut groves and meadows.
- Chiesa: the main village, featuring the parish church and its towering bell tower.
- Mule tracks and trails with continuous panoramic views of the Ossola Valley.
Culinary stops
The true highlight of the day is the food. Along the route, the Pro Loco sets up various delicious stops featuring local specialties: starting with breakfast, continuing with the aperiMonte aperitif, followed by hot polenta accompanied by local cured meats, and finishing with dessert and coffee. It is a convivial way to discover the flavors of Ossola while walking, chatting, and singing in good company.
An initiative that celebrates the territory
More than just a hike, the Giro delle Frazioni is a labor of love for the village: volunteers are the ones who clear the paths, cook the food, and welcome the hikers. The event showcases the rural identity of Montecrestese and the Ossola Valley—defined by stone hamlets, mule tracks, and culinary traditions—inviting residents and visitors to rediscover it step by step.
Giro delle Frazioni — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Giro delle Frazioni was held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, on the occasion of Republic Day, confirming the now-traditional appointment organized by the Pro Loco Montecrestese.
Start and route
The meeting point was set in the hamlet of Chiesa, in front of the parish church, with free departures between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM and a return to the same hamlet. The loop, of medium difficulty and taking about 3-4 hours, connected the hamlets of Pontetto, Roldo, Burella, Altoggio, and Chiesa along mule tracks and trails.
Culinary stops
Along the way, volunteers offered the usual culinary stops: breakfast, the aperiMonte aperitif, polenta with local products, and finally dessert and coffee.
Programme Giro delle Frazioni 2026
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
- 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM — Meeting point and staggered departures from the hamlet of Chiesa, in front of the parish church.
- Loop hike on mule tracks and trails between the hamlets of Pontetto, Roldo, Burella, Altoggio, and Chiesa (medium difficulty, 3-4 hours).
- Culinary stops along the route: breakfast, aperiMonte aperitif, polenta with local products, dessert and coffee.
- Early afternoon — Return to the hamlet of Chiesa.
Equipment: hiking boots mandatory, walking poles recommended.
Highlights Giro delle Frazioni 2026
- Loop hike on ancient paved mule tracks through the hamlets of Montecrestese.
- Culinary stops with local products from the Ossola Valley: breakfast, aperiMonte, polenta, dessert, and coffee.
- The tallest bell tower in the Ossola valleys located in the hamlet of Chiesa.
Prices Giro delle Frazioni 2026
Practical information — Giro delle Frazioni
Getting there
Montecrestese is located in the Ossola Valley, a few kilometers north of Domodossola (VB). By car, take the A26 motorway (exit towards Domodossola) and follow the signs for the village. By train, arrive at Domodossola station, an international hub on the Simplon line, and continue with local transport.
Starting point and meeting place
The meeting point and start are in the hamlet of Chiesa, in front of the parish church, with staggered departures throughout the morning. The return is expected in the early afternoon in the same hamlet.
Tips
Wear hiking boots (mandatory) and bring walking poles if you are used to them. The route is of medium difficulty and suitable for families.
Registration and contacts
For information and registration: Pro Loco Montecrestese, tel. +39 340 1404438 or +39 348 7266993, e-mail [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Giro delle Frazioni
Frazioni di Montecrestese
Frazione Chiesa, 28864 Montecrestese