The Oropa Trail: stages, difficulties, and helpful tips

Incredible as it may seem, this route through the heart of Piedmont's wildest wilderness is often used as a "training" trail for other, far more well-known and challenging hikes: the Oropa Trail boasts stunning landscapes and historic sanctuaries. A slow journey immersed in the pristine nature and traditions of Upper Piedmont.

Majestic mountains covered in dense forests and dotted with villages nestled among the high peaks and ancient sanctuaries, with evocative views of the valleys and the Po Valley.

This is the landscape that surrounds the Cammino di Oropa , an adventurous trekking route and a significant pilgrimage for the faithful, which passes through various places of worship until reaching its final destination: the Sanctuary of Oropa , in the province of Biella. The main route is the most popular due to its fame and tradition, but there are also branches that lead to Oropa: there are four of them, each with its own distinct but fascinating stages .

Let's explore the main stops on the trails leading to the Sanctuary of Oropa, discovering the sanctuaries of the Biella area and the scenic beauty of those places where time stands still. Here, you can still savor the pleasure of a slow journey, immersed in nature, history, and popular traditions handed down to the present day. An excellent alternative to a workout on the Camino de Santiago or the Via Francigena.

The destination of the Oropa Trail is the majestic Sanctuary of Oropa , an authentic architectural and spiritual jewel located just a few kilometers from Biella. Nestled in the mountainous landscape, it is the most important Marian sanctuary in the Alps and a pilgrimage destination since ancient times.

This majestic place of worship, dedicated to the Black Madonna , is not just a final stop on the journey, but is also a site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an integral part of the system of the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy.

The heart of the Sanctuary of Oropa is the Ancient Basilica , inaugurated way back in 1620, and its structure is imposing and of great architectural value. But these elements aren't what make it so extraordinary. Indeed, beyond its beauty and historical importance, the sanctuary is shrouded in a series of legends that make it even more fascinating to visitors. It is said that the statue of the Black Madonna, dating back to the first half of the 14th century, shows no signs of wear or woodworm, despite the passing of the centuries.

Oropa Trail: 4 itineraries for a spiritual journey through sanctuaries and nature.

We speak of the Cammino di Oropa in the singular, but in reality there are four paths that cross this wonderful landscape and join together at the final destination, the Sanctuary of Oropa.

The most popular and popular route among trekking enthusiasts is the classic Cammino di Oropa della Serra , a route easily accessible by public transport, well-marked and with a medium-low difference in altitude.

The other three itineraries of the Oropa Way include less popular and often more challenging routes, but equally enjoyable and evocative. They are the Eastern Oropa Way, the Oropa Canavesano Way, and the Aosta Valley Way. Let's take a look at them all.

The Oropa della Serra Trail: Departure from Santhià

The Oropa della Serra trail, which can be covered in four stages (or three for experienced hikers), is the most popular route . 63 kilometers long, it features stages of increasing difficulty and elevation gain, making it perfect for both those who aren't particularly fit and more experienced trekkers.

Stage 1: from Santhià to Roppolo (12.6 km, 240 D+, 3-4.5 hours)

We depart from Santhià, following the famous and ancient Via Francigena and approaching the moraine hills of Ivrea. We then pass through the village of Cavaglià until reaching Roppolo, after about 16 kilometers, with its imposing castle offering a breathtaking view of Lake Viverone .

Stage 2: from Roppolo to Sala Biellese (17 km, 400 D+, 5 hours)

The second stop is Sala Biellese. It's reached after a hike through the woods on the moraine hills of the Serra d'Ivrea , a true plateau among the largest in Europe. Along the way, you can admire the ancient village of Ricetto di Viverone, the village of Zimone with the Bose Monastery, the village of Magnano, Torrazzo, and finally Sala Biellese. Here, travelers can stay overnight and rest.

Stage 3: from Sala Biellese to Graglia (16.1 km, 550 D+, 5-6 hours)

Located on the sacred Monte di Graglia, below the peak of Mombarone (on the border between Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta), in the province of Biella, the Sanctuary of Graglia is another important place of worship. Like the Sanctuary of Oropa, it is dedicated to the Black Madonna and is linked to the cult of Our Lady of Loreto in the Marche region. To get there, you take the path that enters the forest and passes the Cossavella lake.

After a journey with various ups and downs, the sacred Monte di Graglia opens up before your eyes. But the sanctuary isn't the only thing to see in this area: it includes 18 chapels/stations (of which 5 are still intact), which were part of an ancient and ambitious 17th-century project that was never completed: the plan was to build 100 chapels symbolically representing the entire life cycle of Jesus, from birth to resurrection. Some of the most beautiful overlook the sanctuary's promontory, such as the chapel on San Carlo hill, where the church of the same name (now closed) and the sculptural group Deposition from the Cross (perhaps destroyed during World War II) stand, and four chapels dedicated to the childhood of Christ.

Stage 4: from Graglia to the Oropa Sanctuary (15.1 km, 800 D+, 5-6 hours)

The fourth and final stage of the Oropa della Serra Trail is the Oropa Sanctuary . The final stretch is more challenging, with significant ups and downs and dirt trails through the villages of Sordevolo and Favaro, through thick woods and beautiful landscapes. After about 15 kilometers, you reach the final destination, the majestic Sanctuary.

Those who feel more experienced can divide the route into three stages: the first in Magnano, the second at the Sanctuary of Graglia, and the third to the final destination of Oropa. Beginners, however, can continue the journey on foot or by bike, choosing the four stages as per the standard itinerary.

Eastern Oropa Trail: Departure from Valle Mosso

With a total of approximately 35 kilometers , it is the most challenging of the itineraries leading to the Oropa Sanctuary, best suited to those who are well-trained and experienced in trekking.

It can be done in three stages (but those who have greater difficulty can do it in 4).

Stage 1: from Valle Mosso to Bocchetta di Sessera (13 km, 1000 D+, 4-5 hours)

We start from the charming village of Valle Mosso, in the province of Biella, tackling a steep path through the woods of the Oasi Zegna , stopping at the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Brughiera , and continuing to the first stage: the Bocchetta di Sessera . The elevation gain to get here is significant, so be careful to take it very slowly.

Stage 2: from the Bocchetta di Sessera to the Cervo Valley (12 km, 459 D+, 4 hours)

We continue downhill along the Cervo Valley, characterised by pastures, woods and small villages, until we reach the second stage of the route: the Sanctuary of San Giovanni d'Andorno .

Stage 3: from the Cervo Valley to the Oropa Sanctuary (8 km, 483 D+, 3 hours)

From here, along a path that is sometimes very simple and sometimes impervious, you arrive at Oropa, the final stage of the Eastern Way.

With its 85 kilometers of route , the Oropa Canavesano Trail is the longest and connects the province of Turin with that of Biella.

It is made up of 5 stages and the starting point is Valperga.

Stage 1: from Valperga to Cuorgnè (13 km, 400 D+, 4-5 hours)

From here, you skirt the village's castle and then enter the woods to the Belmonte Sanctuary and the Sacred Mount , now part of a breathtaking panorama. You then descend towards the village of Pemonte and take a path through the woods that leads to the first stop: Cuorgnè.

Stage 2: from Cuorgnè to Vidracco (13 km, 600 D+, 7 hours)

We set off again for the second stage of the Canavese Trail, namely Vidracco . To get there, we cross the Sacred Valley, the woods, and the Orco and Piova streams, crossing a very evocative bridge. We also pass through the hamlets of Sant'Anna Boschi and Campo Canavese, to arrive, after a stretch through the woods, at the summit of Bric di Muragliolo and finally in Vidracco. Here, you can admire the religious architecture created by members of the Damanhur community , founded in 1979.

Stage 3: from Vidracco to Ivrea (19 km, 350 D+, 6 hours)

The third stage takes you to Ivrea , crossing the Valchiusella with its stream and the Dora Valley. The views along the route are spectacular, with valleys and rivers, which can be enjoyed without too much effort, given the moderate elevation gain. You then reach the Dora Baltea River, which you cross to reach the historic center of Ivrea.

Stage 4: from Ivrea to Graglia (23 km, 800 D+, 6-7 hours)

The most strenuous and longest stage of this walk. We start from the town hall of Ivrea, taking the Via Francigena to Lake Campagna . From here, we begin climbing towards the Church of Santo Stefano di Sessano and then further, through the woods that lead to the Serra Morenica. Here the trail becomes more challenging and leads to the imposing erratic boulder Roc Basariund .

The Serra Morenica of Ivrea is the protagonist of a long and challenging stage, where we enter the Biella area and join the main branch of the Cammino di Oropa. We pass through the village of Donato, where we can stock up on water and supplies, and then tackle the final ups and downs that lead to the fourth stage of the Cammino Canavesano: the Sanctuary of Graglia.

Stage 5: from Graglia to the Oropa Sanctuary (23 km, 800 D+, 7 hours)

The route to the fifth stage, the final one at the Oropa Sanctuary, is the same as the Cammino della Serra. Please note: during the colder months, this section of the Cammino Canavesano is accessible only upon request due to snow and ice. Before setting out, it's a good idea to obtain good information from the accommodation facilities.

Oropa Valdostano Trail: Departure from Fontainemore

The Aosta Valley Way begins in Fontainemore , in the province of Aosta, and connects to Oropa along a path also used by a historic torchlight procession held every five years. This route takes only two days (about 17 kilometers in total), but the route is very challenging , with significant elevation changes. The route involves crossing the Colle della Barma at about 2,200 meters above sea level, then descending towards the Sanctuary of Oropa. This route is best recommended for experienced and well-equipped hikers.

Sanctuary of Graglia, in the province of Biella

How to prepare for the walk

The training depends on which of the 4 itineraries you want to follow: the technical difficulties are not prohibitive , although some sections of the path involve a significant difference in altitude.

Furthermore, although Piedmont boasts stunning mountain landscapes—and, alas, too little-known and explored—the altitudes are never high, so even altitude fatigue isn't felt. Suffice it to say that the Oropa Sanctuary is only 1,150 meters above sea level.

Where to sleep and what to eat along the way

The larger towns along the various segments of the Camino, such as Santhià and Ivrea, offer various accommodation options , but it's important to keep in mind that we're in an area of Piedmont not accustomed to tourism. Accommodations here are few and far between, despite the spartan Piedmontese hospitality that can be very pleasant.

The Oropa area is extremely sparse in shelters and places to stay overnight or get refreshments. Worthy of note are the Rifugio Rosazza, at 1,800 meters in the heart of the Oropa basin, the Capanna Renata, and the Rifugio Coda. The famous Rifugio Savoia, however, has been closed for several years.

The area's gastronomic delights include the classic polenta with "rustida," a simple but nutritious roast of meat morsels, and some desserts, such as the famous torcetti di Biella.