The Ossola Valleys and Switzerland

There are various itineraries from Stresa to the Ossola Valley, Val Grande, and Switzerland, which take you through scenery alternating views of the mountains and the lake. Domodossola can be reached by train from Stresa in 30 minutes or so. Known as the “Burgh of Culture”, it is an excellent departure point for excursions for culture or nature lovers, thanks to its central position from which the seven valleys of the Ossola can be accessed with ease: Anzasca, Bognanco, Vigezzo, Divedro, Antigorio and Formazza and Antrona.

There are many small towns scattered throughout the Ossola Valley floor; one of the most attractive is the medieval burgh of Vogogna, famous for its Castle of the Viscontis and the ruined fortress above it. Vogogna is also one of the access points to the Val Grande National Park, the largest wilderness area in Italy.

Domodossola is also a frontier town: Switzerland can be reached in a very short time, either via the Simplon Pass or by taking the Centovalli railway. The latter is a line with a scenic narrow-gauge train, known as the "Vigezzina", which starts from Domodossola and runs through the Vigezzo Valley (the "Painters' Valley") to Locarno.

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