In the upper part of Valle Divedro, above Varzo, lies ’Alpe Veglia: a broad Alpine plateau enclosed by peaks rising above 3,000 metres, which, together with nearby Alpe Devero, is part of the Alpe Veglia-Devero Natural Park.
A traffic-free plateau
One of Alpe Veglia’s defining features is its closure to private vehicle traffic during the busiest periods, with shuttle services or access on foot used instead: a choice that has made it possible to preserve a natural environment of great value, with pastures, centuries-old larches and clear-water streams.
For up-to-date access arrangements and any traffic closure periods, please refer to the website of the ’Veglia Devero Park Authority.
Hikes for every level
Trails leave from the plateau and suit different fitness levels: from easy walks through the pastures to more demanding hikes towards the mountain huts and peaks surrounding the basin. It is one of the most popular destinations in Val d’Ossola for those seeking authentic mountain scenery without giving up routes that are also accessible to families.
One park, two valleys
Together with ’Alpe Devero, Alpe Veglia forms one large natural park stretching across two different valleys in Val d’Ossola, both characterised by still-active Alpine pastures, a mountain dairy-making tradition and some of the most unspoilt nature in the Western Alps.
From the mountains to the vineyard
For those staying in Val d’Ossola, a day at Alpe Veglia pairs well with a visit further down the valley among the vineyards, perhaps with a tasting to discover how the same area tells such different stories, from high-hill vineyards to high-altitude pastures.
A plateau among Ossola’s most popular destinations
Every year, Alpe Veglia attracts numerous hikers, drawn by its combination of relatively easy access and the authenticity of its natural environment: few other places in Val d’Ossola allow visitors to immerse themselves so quickly in a genuine high-mountain setting, far from the more intrusive tourist infrastructure found in other Alpine destinations.
A fragile ecosystem to respect
The beauty of Alpe Veglia comes with a particularly fragile ecosystem, which is why access rules and restrictions on vehicle traffic are designed specifically to protect pastures, streams and local wildlife from excessive human pressure, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this environment in its most authentic form.
A park created from the union of two protected areas
The Alpe Veglia and Alpe Devero Natural Park was established by regional law on 14 March 1995, through the merger of the pre-existing Alpe Veglia Natural Park (1978) and Alpe Devero Natural Park (1990). The protected area is administratively divided between the municipalities of Varzo, Trasquera, Crodo and Baceno.
Flora and fauna of the plateau
The natural environment of Alpe Veglia is characterised by wide pastures bordered by larch woods, with an understorey of rhododendrons and blueberries that gives way to high-altitude grasslands, where catchfly, Alpine chrysanthemum, glacier buttercup, Alpine aster and genepì grow. Wildlife includes Alpine ibex, red deer, roe deer, chamois, foxes, wolves, golden eagles and badgers. The Alpine ibex, recorded in Val d’Ossola until the early 18th century, then disappeared for more than two centuries, only to reappear in the park area in the late 1970s: a great small success in environmental conservation that makes every sighting even more special.
Even a short visit to Alpe Veglia, perhaps limited to the more accessible summer period, leaves a lasting memory of one of the best-preserved Alpine environments in the entire western arc of the Alps.
One final practical tip: always check the weather conditions before setting off, as the weather at high altitude can change quickly even during the summer months.
An experience that remains in the memory of those who live it for a long time.
