Domodossola–Preglia winter hike
Historical winter hike in northern Italy
The route from Domodossola to Preglia (13.5 km, 4 hrs 15 min) passes numerous historical locations, such as the Tower of Ardignaga, and heads through the typical northern Italian villages of Caddo, Monte, Canei and Bosco. Between the wooded and open areas, the view widens to encompass the plain of Domodossola, right across to the snowy peaks in the background. In winter especially, when the trees are bare, this hike across the sunny, terraced landscape is extremely rewarding and so characteristically Italian.
You can travel comfortably to Domodossola with the RegioExpress Bern – Spiez – Kandersteg – Brig – Domodossola (Please note: until further notice you need to change trains in Brig. Please see the online timetable for details).
Domodossola-Hit
Starting at CHF 24.00 to Domodossola and back
Travel comfortably with the BLS RegioExpress from Bern or Thun/Spiez to Domodossola and benefit from our special offer “Domodossola-Hit” with a discount of more than 50%. The special ticket is valid from 16 October to 23 December 2023 and is only valid on the BLS RegioExpress via the mountain route.
- Special ticket "Domodossola-Hit" (Berne or Thun/Spiez Domodossola–Locarno return) From 16 October to 23 December, take advantage of the special "Domodossola-Hit" ticket
Winter hiking trail
Trail description
Part of one of the roads that historically connected central Europe with the Po Valley, the Via Francisca Ossolana, passes close to Domodossola. This first part, from Domodossola to Crevoladossola, does not follow the actual road, but passes instead through ancient settlements. The route initially encounters the sunny, scenically located villages of Crevola di Bosco, Canei and Monte. It then heads downhill, past the Tower of Ardignaga, to Mocogna, where it crosses the Bogna stream before the old dams come into view.
The trail to Caddo in Ardignaga is clearly sign-posted, and from there the trail begins to climb, with high stone walls marking the path. After crossing an area of woodland, where small cultivated fields supported by terraces are still well preserved, you are greeted by a beautiful panoramic view of the plain, from which the medieval Tower of Ardignaga rises. This is one of the most beautiful and majestic signal towers that are scattered across the Ossola region, whose existence is documented as far back as the 17th century.
Key data
Route | Domodossola–Mocogna–Preglia–Domodossola |
Distance | 13.5 km |
Elevation difference | 575 m |
Walking time | 4 hours 15 minutes |
Level of difficulty | T1 / T2 |
Viewpoints | Ardignaga Turm, Canei |