PROPOSED BY THE GUIDE
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Val Bognanco: Where Italy meets Switzerland.

Bognanco, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola · Piemonte•1 day•Hiking · 2,015 m
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+16
Val Bognanco: Where Italy meets Switzerland.
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Val Bognanco, where Italy meets Switzerland

Val Bognanco, famed for its thermal waters, hides a treasure trove of unspoiled nature, still relatively undiscovered. Nestled between Italy and Switzerland, this valley offers pristine landscapes, sparkling alpine lakes, high-altitude peat bogs, and an authentic tranquility that you can breathe in with every step.

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

The experience

We'll hike through a stunning environment where biodiversity reigns supreme, and the silence of the mountains accompanies you along the entire route.

A must-see stop is the renowned Rifugio Gattascosa, one of the most well-known and welcoming mountain huts in the Ossola region, perfect for a scenic break or a revitalizing lunch.

This accessible yet breathtaking hike is ideal for Guidders looking to discover hidden and authentic corners of the Alps.

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
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
600 m D+ · 13 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 600 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, 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
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunches
✕Transport
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

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

Elevation gain
600 m
Max altitude
2,015 m
Distance
13 km
Duration
6 h
Day
13 km · D+ 600 m · 6 h
Map
The stops · 13 km
Meeting point 9:30approximate
Starting from Rifugio San Bernardo, 28842, Bognanco, 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
09:30WATER
Starting from Rifugio San Bernardo
We will start right here, from the San Bernardo Refuge on a comfortable path that will slowly become steeper to reach the Torbiera valley that we will cross on a long wooden walkway so as not to contaminate this ancient and mysterious terrain.
11:30VIEWPOINT
Gattascosa Torbiera
From the Gattascosa Torbiera will start again on a steep path, until we reach the two lakes of Arza and Ragozza. a truly enchanting place. With a last snatch, we will reach the Gattascosa Refuge. Ideal place to relax a bit.
12:45HIDDEN POINT
Gattascosa Mountain Hut
We leave the Gattascosa Refuge and with a long cross we reach Lake Monscera. Going up the steep slope we will arrive at the Bocchetta di Monscera, located right on the border with Switzerland. You can nicely expatriate and return to Italy in a few seconds. We'll stop here to have a packed lunch.
17:00PASS
Monscera Pass
We leave the Bocchetta of Monscera and go down into the valley but immediately we deviate to go to the lakes of Arza and if someone brave wants to dive this is a truly magical place. From here we will go down the valley until we conclude our beautiful tour, happy and with the desire to return. What are you waiting for, book your experience with Guiddy and come with us to the mountains.

How do you get to Bognanco? 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
Cap
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Shorts
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Change of clothes
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Swimsuit
RECOMMENDED

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.
4.0
1 review
Itinerary4.0
Organisation4.0
Overall experience4.0
S
Salvatore P.
Outing on 2 August 2026

Bella escursione, peccato che il rischio di pioggia abbia costretto ad accelerare la discesa. Molto interessante la torbiera

Your guide

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 600 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.
Val Bognanco: Where Italy meets Switzerland.

Val Bognanco: Where Italy meets Switzerland.

Bognanco, (VB) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 2,015 m
Elevation gain
600 m
Max altitude
2,015 m
Distance
13 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
6 h
Guiddy points
+16
4 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Val Bognanco, where Italy meets Switzerland

Val Bognanco, famed for its thermal waters, hides a treasure trove of unspoiled nature, still relatively undiscovered. Nestled between Italy and Switzerland, this valley offers pristine landscapes, sparkling alpine lakes, high-altitude peat bogs, and an authentic tranquility that you can breathe in with every step.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We'll hike through a stunning environment where biodiversity reigns supreme, and the silence of the mountains accompanies you along the entire route.

A must-see stop is the renowned Rifugio Gattascosa, one of the most well-known and welcoming mountain huts in the Ossola region, perfect for a scenic break or a revitalizing lunch.

This accessible yet breathtaking hike is ideal for Guidders looking to discover hidden and authentic corners of the Alps.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
600 m D+ · 13 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 600 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, 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
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunches
✕Transport

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Stops · 13 km
Meeting point 9:30Starting from Rifugio San Bernardo
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
09:30WATER
Starting from Rifugio San Bernardo
We will start right here, from the San Bernardo Refuge on a comfortable path that will slowly become steeper to reach the Torbiera valley that we will cross on a long wooden walkway so as not to contaminate this ancient and mysterious terrain.
11:30VIEWPOINT
Gattascosa Torbiera
From the Gattascosa Torbiera will start again on a steep path, until we reach the two lakes of Arza and Ragozza. a truly enchanting place. With a last snatch, we will reach the Gattascosa Refuge. Ideal place to relax a bit.
12:45HIDDEN POINT
Gattascosa Mountain Hut
We leave the Gattascosa Refuge and with a long cross we reach Lake Monscera. Going up the steep slope we will arrive at the Bocchetta di Monscera, located right on the border with Switzerland. You can nicely expatriate and return to Italy in a few seconds. We'll stop here to have a packed lunch.
17:00PASS
Monscera Pass
We leave the Bocchetta of Monscera and go down into the valley but immediately we deviate to go to the lakes of Arza and if someone brave wants to dive this is a truly magical place. From here we will go down the valley until we conclude our beautiful tour, happy and with the desire to return. What are you waiting for, book your experience with Guiddy and come with us to the mountains.

How do you get to Bognanco? 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
Cap
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Shorts
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Change of clothes
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Swimsuit
RECOMMENDED

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

Only from people who completed the outing.
4.0
1 review
Itinerary4.0
Organisation4.0
Overall experience4.0
S
Salvatore P.
Outing on 2 August 2026

Bella escursione, peccato che il rischio di pioggia abbia costretto ad accelerare la discesa. Molto interessante la torbiera

Your guide

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 600 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