Hiking & nature

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

Map SwitzerlandMobility

Availability Available on 01.12.2023

The winter hiking trail is accessible between December and March.

Food & Drink

At the market in Domodossola, a culinary paradise, every Saturday you can discover fresh local ingredients and enjoy the flavours of the region. Just a stone’s-throw away, the Casa dei Ravioli invites you to experience the art of traditionally prepared, hand-made ravioli. And if you would like to experience the best of the Italian aperitif culture, the Piazza Mercato offers you the opportunity to enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious snacks in a relaxed atmosphere.

How to get there

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). From there, it’s just a 20-minute walk to the starting point.