PROPOSED BY THE GUIDE
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Baranca Lake and the Villa Aprilia Hike

Frazione Santa Maria, Vercelli · Piemonte•1 day•Hiking · 1,830 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
EASY
Where?
Vercelli, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+16
Baranca Lake and the Villa Aprilia Hike
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Baranca Lake and Villa Aprilia

Located between the Anzasca Valley and the Valsesia, this evocative alpine pasture was a holiday destination for the Turin bourgeoisie at the beginning of the last century. As evidence of this, the remains of Villa Lancia, or Villa Aprilia, built at the beginning of the twentieth century on this promontory above Lake Baranca, are still visible. The villa is still owned by the Lancia family, originally from Fobello, the same one that founded the famous car manufacturer and produced the Lancia Aprilia model, from which the name of the summer residence in the mountains derives. During the route, we will touch the Lake and the Baranca Refuge. The departure is scheduled from Valsesia, precisely from Santa Maria di Fobello. This excursion is suitable for everyone, not overly demanding but certainly rich in history and beauty. An unforgettable experience that I want to share with you. So, what are you waiting for?

Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

Located between the Anzasca Valley and the Valsesia, this evocative alpine pasture was a holiday destination for the Turin bourgeoisie at the beginning of the last century. As evidence of this, the remains of Villa Lancia, or Villa Aprilia, built at the beginning of the twentieth century on this promontory above Lake Baranca, are still visible. The villa is still owned by the Lancia family, originally from Fobello, the same one that founded the famous car manufacturer and produced the Lancia Aprilia model, from which the name of the summer residence in the mountains derives. During the route, we will touch the Lake and the Baranca Refuge. The departure is scheduled from Valsesia, precisely from Santa Maria di Fobello. This excursion is suitable for everyone, not overly demanding but certainly rich in history and beauty. An unforgettable experience that I want to share with you. So, what are you waiting for?

GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+16 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Dog friendly
Your dog can come: add them when you book.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
650 m D+ · 10 km · 5 h
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5 h and 650 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Transport
✕Packed lunches
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Elevation gain
650 m
Max altitude
1,830 m
Distance
10 km
Duration
5 h
Day
10 km · D+ 650 m · 5 h
Map
The stops · 10 km
Meeting point 9:00approximate
Start from Santa Maria di Fobello., Frazione Santa Maria 18, 13025 Fobello provincia di Vercelli, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
HOW TO GET THERE
09:00WATER
Start from Santa Maria di Fobello.
We'll kick things off in Santa Maria di Fobello, where we'll park the car and stock up on water. From here, an easy trail begins, winding gently through the woods until we emerge from the trees, giving us breathtaking panoramic views. From this vantage point, the scenery is simply stunning! Our destination? Alpe Baranca.
11:00WATER
Alpe Baranca: Hike Through Untouched Alpine Beauty
At Alpe Baranca, you'll find a mountain refuge. From here, we'll set off again to reach the beautiful Lake Baranca, where all the surrounding mountains are mirrored in its crystal-clear waters. We'll then enter the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VCO). At the bottom of the hollow, we'll soon reach the ruins of Villa Aprilia, the summer residence of the Lancia family. Here, we'll enjoy our packed lunch together.
14:30MOUNTAIN HUT
Selle Alp
We'll set off again from Alpe Selle, which overlooks the Anzasca Valley, and take a short loop to the Alpe Selle refuge. There, we can enjoy a sweet treat (I have a sweet tooth, what can I say!). From here, we'll descend back down to the valley along the ascent route. And once again, we'll return home satisfied with our beautiful hike in Valsesia!

How do you get to Frazione Santa Maria? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Windproof
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Trail running shoes
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Snack
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Cap
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
Change of clothes
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED

Your guide

Gilberto G.
Gilberto G.
· 27 outings
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Gilberto, an environmental hiking guide. They say happiness is only real when shared, and for me there's no greater joy than a view earned together. I take people to find the most genuine side of our trails, away from the rush and at footprint pace. I can't wait to share with you not only the walking, but the stories, the silences and — why not — a good piece of cheese at the top. Backpack on, we'll work out the rest as we go. Experience, care for safety and that pinch of adventure it takes to make an outing unforgettable: joining the next walk? 🧀 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

Italiano
Inglese
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
—
no reviews yet
Itinerary—
Organisation—
Overall experience—
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 650 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Ibex
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Message Ibex on WhatsApp
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice.
Baranca Lake and the Villa Aprilia Hike

Baranca Lake and the Villa Aprilia Hike

Frazione Santa Maria, Fobello (VC) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 1,830 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
650 m
Max altitude
1,830 m
Distance
10 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
5 h
Guiddy points
+16
3 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Baranca Lake and Villa Aprilia

Located between the Anzasca Valley and the Valsesia, this evocative alpine pasture was a holiday destination for the Turin bourgeoisie at the beginning of the last century. As evidence of this, the remains of Villa Lancia, or Villa Aprilia, built at the beginning of the twentieth century on this promontory above Lake Baranca, are still visible. The villa is still owned by the Lancia family, originally from Fobello, the same one that founded the famous car manufacturer and produced the Lancia Aprilia model, from which the name of the summer residence in the mountains derives. During the route, we will touch the Lake and the Baranca Refuge. The departure is scheduled from Valsesia, precisely from Santa Maria di Fobello. This excursion is suitable for everyone, not overly demanding but certainly rich in history and beauty. An unforgettable experience that I want to share with you. So, what are you waiting for?

Come alone, leave with new friends

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
650 m D+ · 10 km · 5 h
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5 h and 650 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Transport
✕Packed lunches

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Stops · 10 km
Meeting point 9:00Start from Santa Maria di Fobello.
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
09:00WATER
Start from Santa Maria di Fobello.
We'll kick things off in Santa Maria di Fobello, where we'll park the car and stock up on water. From here, an easy trail begins, winding gently through the woods until we emerge from the trees, giving us breathtaking panoramic views. From this vantage point, the scenery is simply stunning! Our destination? Alpe Baranca.
11:00WATER
Alpe Baranca: Hike Through Untouched Alpine Beauty
At Alpe Baranca, you'll find a mountain refuge. From here, we'll set off again to reach the beautiful Lake Baranca, where all the surrounding mountains are mirrored in its crystal-clear waters. We'll then enter the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VCO). At the bottom of the hollow, we'll soon reach the ruins of Villa Aprilia, the summer residence of the Lancia family. Here, we'll enjoy our packed lunch together.
14:30MOUNTAIN HUT
Selle Alp
We'll set off again from Alpe Selle, which overlooks the Anzasca Valley, and take a short loop to the Alpe Selle refuge. There, we can enjoy a sweet treat (I have a sweet tooth, what can I say!). From here, we'll descend back down to the valley along the ascent route. And once again, we'll return home satisfied with our beautiful hike in Valsesia!

How do you get to Frazione Santa Maria? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike.
Windproof
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Trail running shoes
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Snack
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Cap
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
Change of clothes
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED

Your guide

Gilberto G.
Gilberto G.
27 outings with Guiddy
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Gilberto, an environmental hiking guide. They say happiness is only real when shared, and for me there's no greater joy than a view earned together. I take people to find the most genuine side of our trails, away from the rush and at footprint pace. I can't wait to share with you not only the walking, but the stories, the silences and — why not — a good piece of cheese at the top. Backpack on, we'll work out the rest as we go. Experience, care for safety and that pinch of adventure it takes to make an outing unforgettable: joining the next walk? 🧀 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Reviews

— · none yet
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
Only from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 650 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Ibex
Still unsure? Message Ibex on WhatsApp →
No date
€25
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed