Terre di Mezzo Tour – Inaugural Stage in Aurano (Alpe Calpera)

A trail that acts as a living museum

The Terre di Mezzo Tour is an ecomuseum trail conceived and promoted by the Comuniterràe association, which manages the Ecomuseum of the Terre di Mezzo. The itinerary, spanning approximately one hundred kilometers in total, connects Aurano to Trontano, crossing valleys, villages, and historic centers in the territory between the Verbano Cusio Ossola area and the Val Grande National Park. It is a true “living museum” that highlights the cultural, landscape, and human heritage of ten communities rich in historical landmarks, rural architecture, and intangible traditions in the heart of the Alpine Piedmont.

The inaugural stage in Aurano, at Alpe Calpera

The first stage of the 2026 edition took place on Sunday, May 31, in the municipality of Aurano, in the province of Verbano Cusio Ossola, with Alpe Calpera as the destination—a mountain pasture nestled in the woods above the town. Hikers reached the alp along the trails climbing from Aurano, discovering landscapes and architecture typical of the Walser and Ossola mountain pastures.

Traditions, games, and music

The day blended hiking with folk culture. Around the old washhouse, Franco De Ponti led songs and wooden games, including the typical Calperese sguaina game. Upon returning, lunch was accompanied by jazz interpretations from the FuturArkestra, featuring an original and curated musical program. The aperitif was organized by the Pro Loco of Aurano together with the Il Dragone di Piaggia association, highlighting the event's deep roots in the local community.

Hospitality as the theme of the edition

The 2026 edition revolves around the theme of hospitality: as president Ivana Ronchi recalled, hospitality is closely linked to a journey and is not limited to material accommodation, but encompasses experiences, sensory moments, and relationships with communities. The route opened with a conference on May 30 at the Ecoresort Fiorlago in Mergozzo and will conclude with a meeting dedicated to the value of walking trails.

Eight stages through villages and trails

The 2026 Terre di Mezzo Tour is divided into eight stages from late May to early October, visiting Aurano, Beura-Cardezza, Vogogna, Premosello Chiovenda, Mergozzo, San Bernardino Verbano, Cossogno, Miazzina, Caprezzo, Intragna, and Trontano. Each event combines gentle hiking, local gastronomy, storytelling, and entertainment, offering a slow and participatory way to discover the Terre di Mezzo of Piedmont.