The Antrona Valley is one of the seven valleys making up the Ossola area, and is well worth exploring. The steep road leading up to the valley begins in Villadossola, a busy little industrial town just before Domodossola.
The Antrona area is a land of ancient traditions, characteristic villages and marvellous landscapes in which enchanting mountain lakes shimmer among woods of birch and larch. Numerous trails over gentle or rugged territory offer the possibility of relaxing walks, more strenuous hiking or mountain biking. This is a valley where peace and silence can still be found, surprising visitors used to a hectic pace of life.
The road winds up through the villages of Montescheno, Seppiana, Viganella and San Pietro before reaching the “capital” of Antrona Piana. Here the 13th century parish church of San Lorenzo is worth visiting, as are the 17th century oratories of Sant’Anna and the Blessed Virgin of the Snow.
Of all the Ossola Valleys, Antrona is one of the least known and least “developed” for tourism, which has enabled it to keep its genuine character. The lakes which are a feature of the valley are used to produce hydro-electric power; the main artificial reservoirs are Lago di Campliccioli and Lago Alpe dei Cavalli, the largest lake in the valley, dominated by dense fir woods.
The main peaks are Pizzo d’Andolla, Pizzo Bottarello and Punta di Saas, all of them on the border with Switzerland.
The Valle Antrona Natural Park is a must for anyone in search of peace, wild landscapes, unspoiled places, mountain lakes, good food and friendly people.
