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Boden Lakes Trek: a scenic hike through alpine lakes and Walser culture in Val Formazza

Riale, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola · Piemonte•1 day · Saturday•Hiking · 2,403 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+18
Boden Lakes Trek: a scenic hike through alpine lakes and Walser culture in Val Formazza
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Guiddy Experience
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

The Boden lakes in Val Formazza

Two lakes shaped by glaciers, a step from Switzerland.

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

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Riale, the last village of the upper Val Formazza and a living trace of Walser culture, and climb towards Rifugio Maria Luisa, a historic base looking out over the Val Toggia. From there we carry on to the Passo di San Giacomo and the Boden lakes: two clear sheets of water ringed by unusual karst formations. All around stand the peaks of the Lepontine Alps, wide pastures and views reaching the Swiss border.

5 reasons to come - the Boden lakes and their karst formations - Rifugio Maria Luisa, a piece of upper Formazza history - the Passo di San Giacomo, on the Swiss border - Riale, a Walser village at the end of the valley - the Lepontine Alps all around

Who it suits An outing with no particular difficulties, though in high mountain country: normal mountain walking fitness.

The upper Formazza is another Italy: come and find it with the Guidders.

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
For the selected date: by 3 November, 23:59. You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+18 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
Included in the price.
Dog friendly
Your dog can come: add them when you book.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
870 m D+ · 12 km · 6 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 6 h and 870 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. 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
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Riale
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

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

Elevation gain
870 m
Max altitude
2,403 m
Distance
12 km
Duration
6 h
Saturday
7 Nov
12 km · D+ 870 m · 6 h
Map
The stops · 12 km
Meeting point 9:30approximate
Formazza, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, 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
09:30PARKING
Departure
Departure from the charming village of Riale, the last settlement in the valley and a true gem of Walser culture.
11:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Maria Luisa Mountain Hut
The ascent to Rifugio Maria Luisa, first opened in the 1930s, rewards us with sweeping views over Val Toggia and the majestic peaks that mark the border between Italy and Switzerland.
13:00PASS
San Giacomo Pass
Skirting the beautiful Lake Toggia, we arrive at the San Giacomo mountain pass.
14:00VIEWPOINT
Boden Lakes
Here are the two dark, atmospheric alpine lakes, surrounded by towering peaks. The larger of the two is watched over by Rupe del Gesso (2,438 m). When free of ice, it is possible to walk along the shoreline of the larger lake and, with a little more ascent, reach Bocchetta del Gesso. From here, you can enjoy an incredible view over the valley.
16:00RETURN
Return
We head back to the cars after a wonderful day in the upper Val Formazza.

How do you get to Riale? 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
for the selected date
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
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED

Guiddy Experience

Saturday 7 November
GuiddyExcursion
Hikes picked for you

Guides and coordinators we pick for you.

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?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6 h with 870 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 (for this date: 3 November, 23:59)
✓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.
Boden Lakes Trek: a scenic hike through alpine lakes and Walser culture in Val Formazza

Boden Lakes Trek: a scenic hike through alpine lakes and Walser culture in Val Formazza

Riale, Formazza (VB) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 2,403 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
870 m
Max altitude
2,403 m
Distance
12 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
6 h
Guiddy points
+18
2 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

The Boden lakes in Val Formazza

Two lakes shaped by glaciers, a step from Switzerland.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Riale, the last village of the upper Val Formazza and a living trace of Walser culture, and climb towards Rifugio Maria Luisa, a historic base looking out over the Val Toggia. From there we carry on to the Passo di San Giacomo and the Boden lakes: two clear sheets of water ringed by unusual karst formations. All around stand the peaks of the Lepontine Alps, wide pastures and views reaching the Swiss border.

5 reasons to come - the Boden lakes and their karst formations - Rifugio Maria Luisa, a piece of upper Formazza history - the Passo di San Giacomo, on the Swiss border - Riale, a Walser village at the end of the valley - the Lepontine Alps all around

Who it suits An outing with no particular difficulties, though in high mountain country: normal mountain walking fitness.

The upper Formazza is another Italy: come and find it with the Guidders.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
870 m D+ · 12 km · 6 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 6 h and 870 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Riale

Itinerary

Saturday · approximate times
Map
Stops · 12 km
Meeting point 9:30Riale
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
09:30PARKING
Departure
Departure from the charming village of Riale, the last settlement in the valley and a true gem of Walser culture.
11:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Maria Luisa Mountain Hut
The ascent to Rifugio Maria Luisa, first opened in the 1930s, rewards us with sweeping views over Val Toggia and the majestic peaks that mark the border between Italy and Switzerland.
13:00PASS
San Giacomo Pass
Skirting the beautiful Lake Toggia, we arrive at the San Giacomo mountain pass.
14:00VIEWPOINT
Boden Lakes
Here are the two dark, atmospheric alpine lakes, surrounded by towering peaks. The larger of the two is watched over by Rupe del Gesso (2,438 m). When free of ice, it is possible to walk along the shoreline of the larger lake and, with a little more ascent, reach Bocchetta del Gesso. From here, you can enjoy an incredible view over the valley.
16:00RETURN
Return
We head back to the cars after a wonderful day in the upper Val Formazza.

How do you get to Riale? By carpooling.

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

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
for this date
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
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED

Guiddy Experience

Saturday 7 November
GuiddyExcursion
Hikes picked for you

Guides and coordinators we pick for you.

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?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6 h with 870 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 →
Sat 7 Nov
€24.90
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed