Grand tour of Lake Orta

Grand Tour of Lake Orta: 115 km, 6 thematic stages, 3,290 m of overall difference in altitude

A hiking ring that embraces the entire Lake Orta, from the shores to the peaks that surround it. The route is divided into 6 stages, to be covered in about 6 days for those who choose the complete experience, or one stop at a time to savor the territory calmly. The track is marked throughout the route, with a bottom of 80% dirt and 20% asphalt. The itinerary is inspired by the Grand Tour that in past centuries made this lake famous among European travelers.
Development of the path

Stage 1 — Del Torrente
Borgomanero → Ameno: 16.6 km, D+ 450 m. You start from the railway station of Borgomanero and follow the Agogna stream on dirt road, passing through Briga Novarese and the hill of San Colombano, up to Bolzano Novarese and finally to Ameno.

Stage 2 — Of Chestnuts
Ameno → Ornavasso: 28.8 km, D+ 510 m. The longest stage. From Ameno you go down towards Armeno, then you skirt the Pescone stream to Pettenasco and Crabbia, with lake view. You pass Omegna and go up the Val Guerra up to Ornavasso.

Extra Stage — Orta San Giulio
Ameno → Orta San Giulio (roundtrip): 14.9 km. Variant that allows you to explore the village, the Island of San Giulio and the Sacro Monte, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stage 3 — Of The Artisans
Ornavasso → Omegna: 22 km, D+ 1,130 m. The most challenging difference in altitude of the tour. You travel the trenches of the Cadorna Line to the Sanctuary of Boden, then you descend through Casale Corte Cerro to Omegna.

Stage 4 — Granite
Omegna → San Maurizio d’Opaglio: 23 km, D+ 1,050 m. From the lakefront of Omegna you go up to Nonio and Cesara, crossing woods and old granite quarries, with spectacular views of the lake.

Stage 5 — Of The Vineyards
San Maurizio d’Opaglio → Borgomanero: 26 km, D+ 410 m. You leave the shores of the lake for the vineyard hills. You skirt the Park of Monte Fenera, you pass through Pogno, Soriso and Gargallo, up to Maggiora, Città del Vino, and you return to Borgomanero closing the ring.

Practical notes Grand tour of Lake Orta

Period: walkable all year round, with spring and autumn as ideal seasons.

Signage: present all over the path.

Attention: Stage 3, after the Sanctuary of Boden, has stretches of wild and rather exposed path, not recommended in case of heavy rains.

Credential: Passpartour GTLO available on the official website at a cost of €10

VISIT THE GRAND TOUR LAKE ORTA WEBSITE

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