The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa
4.4
(2388)
11,692
hikers
32
hikes
Dog friendly hiking trails in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa traverse a landscape shaped by ancient Roman gold mining and glacial activity. The region is characterized by vast stone mounds, remnants of Roman engineering, which give the area a distinctive "lunar appearance." It is also part of the Serra moraine, featuring diverse rocks transported by the ancient Balteo glacier, and bordered by the Elvo and Olobbia rivers. Hikers will find areas of dense plant growth, including chestnut and oak woods, interspersed throughout the reserve.
Best dog friendly hiking trails in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa
- The most popular dog friendly hiking route is Stagno di Prè – Forest Above Torrazzo loop from Torrazzo, a 3.7 miles (5.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 36 minutes to complete. This easy route explores the natural features around Torrazzo.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is View of Lake Viverone – Plane Trees With Shared Branch loop from Viverone, a moderate 11.4 miles (18.3 km) path. This trail offers views towards Lake Viverone and passes unique natural landmarks.
- Local hikers also love the Romanesque Church of Il Gesiùn – Piverone loop from Piverone, a 4.0 miles (6.4 km) trail leading through varied terrain near historical sites, often completed in about 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Hiking in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa is defined by its unique stone mounds, glacial erratics, and river valleys, with sections of chestnut and oak woods. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy dog friendly hikes to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 1700 reviews. More than 8600 hikers have used komoot to explore Riserva Naturale Della Bessa's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
4.6
(72)
315
hikers
18.3km
04:52
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(50)
243
hikers
21.6km
05:42
200m
200m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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23
hikers
6.38km
01:45
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
16
hikers
6.57km
01:48
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
10
hikers
11.0km
03:03
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Lago di Cossavela is a hidden gem of the Serra Morenica, nestled between the municipalities of Zimone and Viverone 🌊🌿. More than an open lake, it is a suggestive body of water surrounded by reeds and dense woods, making it a paradise for birdwatching and for those who love absolute silence 🦆📸. It is a wild and little-visited place, where nature reigns supreme and the reflections of the trees on the water create an almost mysterious atmosphere 🍃✨.
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Reachable with easy hikes, it is part of the morainic amphitheater of Ivrea and offers a picnic area.
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A place immersed in silence, a recommended stop to find some rest before continuing along the Cammino di Oropa.
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Beautiful walk along the lake with various water birds 🦢🦆🪿
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These plane trees have a common branch. They probably joined together over time.
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The Torre della Bastia, located near Andrate, is one of the most beloved structures on the Alta Via dell'Anfiteatro Morenico (Morainic Amphitheater Trail). Built entirely of wood with iron details, it extends over three floors and offers breathtaking views of the Canavese area and, in particular, the Ivrea lakes. Easily accessible after a few kilometers of walking, it's an ideal place for a scenic stop, to take photos, or simply to enjoy a moment of contemplation at altitude.
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When you need to rest for a while this place is great, a little crowded during summer weekends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many dog-friendly hiking trails are available in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa?
Riserva Naturale Della Bessa offers a wide selection of dog-friendly hiking trails. You'll find over 30 routes suitable for you and your canine companion, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.
Are there easy dog-friendly trails suitable for beginners or older dogs?
Yes, there are plenty of easy dog-friendly trails. Out of the 32 available routes, 10 are classified as easy, perfect for a relaxed walk with your dog. An example is the Stagno di Prè – Forest Above Torrazzo loop from Torrazzo, which is just under 6 km long.
What kind of unique landscapes can I expect to see with my dog in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa?
The reserve is famous for its unique 'lunar appearance,' characterized by vast stone mounds. These are remnants of ancient Roman gold mining, creating a truly distinctive backdrop for your hike. You'll also encounter parts of the Serra moraine, Europe's largest, with diverse rocks transported by ancient glaciers.
Are there any dog-friendly loop trails in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa?
Yes, many of the dog-friendly routes in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa are loop trails, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For an easy option, consider the Romanesque Church of Il Gesiùn – Piverone loop from Piverone, which is about 6.4 km long.
What historical attractions can I visit with my dog along the trails?
The entire reserve is an archaeological site. You can explore the remnants of Roman engineering and labor, particularly at the Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site and the Victimula Goldpanners' Arena. These sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's ancient gold mining history.
Are there any picnic areas or facilities suitable for dog owners?
Yes, the reserve provides amenities for visitors. You can find well-equipped spots like the Vermogno Picnic Area, which is a great place to relax and have a break with your dog amidst nature.
What do other hikers say about the dog-friendly trails in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa?
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 1,700 ratings. Hikers often praise the unique historical landscape and the well-maintained network of trails, making it a rewarding experience for both humans and their dogs.
Are there longer, more challenging dog-friendly hikes for experienced hikers?
For those seeking a greater challenge, Riserva Naturale Della Bessa also offers moderate and difficult dog-friendly routes. For example, the Romanesque Church of Il Gesiùn – View of Lake Viverone loop from Piverone is a difficult 21.6 km hike, providing a longer adventure for you and your well-trained dog.
What kind of natural features can I observe with my dog in the reserve?
Beyond the gold mining mounds, you can observe large glacial erratics – boulders transported by ancient glaciers – some of which bear ancient petroglyphs. The reserve is also bordered by the Elvo and Olobbia rivers, and features diverse vegetation including chestnut and oak woods.
Is there a good dog-friendly trail for a moderate-length hike?
If you're looking for a moderate-length hike with your dog, consider the View of Lake Viverone – Plane Trees With Shared Branch loop from Viverone. This route spans approximately 18.3 km and offers a good balance of distance and scenery.
Are there any specific trails that highlight the historical gold mining aspect of the Bessa?
Many trails within the reserve immerse you in the historical gold mining area. The 'Ciapei parfundà' paths, for instance, directly showcase evidence of Roman mining exploitation, allowing you to walk through history with your dog.
Most popular routes in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa
Most popular attractions in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa
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