Macugnaga: peace, landscapes and charming places at the foot of the Monte Rosa

Macugnaga is located almost at the extreme limit of Valle Anzasca, at the foot of the Monte Rosa and of its famous East Face.
It is the only location of Monte Rosa where it is possible to see the highest peak of the group directly from the village.

The first permanent settlements of settlers occurred in the second half of the 18th century. It was a folk coming from the Northern Alps: the Walser. They settled in the higher part of Valle Anzasca, as well as in other towns of Valdossola and Val Formazza.

Once the pass of Monte Moro has been crossed, these populations found an ideal place where to develop agriculture and sheep-farming, characterizing with specific elements of their culture the architecture and the dialect of the high Valle Anzasca.

Nowadays the typical houses of the Walser are still visible. Many houses have been splendidly renovated with a conservative approach, with stone basements, wooden structures and interiors, characteristic balconies and the stone roof covered by slabs of gneiss. These houses are heated typically by a stove in soapstone, called hofe, which generally has the date of the construction of the house. A splendid example of this architecture is the Walser museum house which is located in the Borca village.

In the winter season, Macugnaga is a classical winter sports destination. From spring to the late summer it is a tourist destination for customers looking for relax at the foot of the great mountain.

Paths and promenades open towards the whole valley from South to North. One of the must-see walks is in the direction of the Lake of the Fairies.

From the Isella location, signaled on the left and passing through a bridge, a wonderful path starts towards the Lake of the Fairies. Immersed through enchanting woods and unique landscapes, you arrive at a little lake which is magical and spellbound according to the legend…

Also the typical dishes of the valley have a Walser origin, such as gnocchi, which are prepared with potatoes, cheese and Alpine pasture butter; soups and rich dishes composed by ingredients which are poor but abundant.

From our hotels Villa Crespi, Hotel Approdo and Hotel Giardinetto one day trips are organized.