Hiking in Piedmont, Italy
11 Breathtaking Trails Through Lakes, Mountains & Vineyards I’ve Tested & Loved
Looking for the best hikes in Piedmont? You’re in the right place!
Piedmont is a true paradise for hikers, making it nearly impossible to narrow down the best trails. Did you know: the name Piedmont comes from the Italian “al piè dei monte”, meaning “at the foot of the mountains”, and it couldn’t be more fitting.
From the rolling hills of the Langhe to the rugged peaks of the Alps, this underrated region of northern Italy is packed with breathtaking landscapes just waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed vineyard walk or a challenging alpine trek, there’s a perfect route for everyone.
After spending four summers hiking in Piedmont, I’ve put together a list of my favorite trails. Some are well-known classics, others are hidden gems. No ranking, just the ones I personally loved the most!
1. Sant’Anna di Vinadio Lake Hike (Cuneo)
The Santuario di Sant’Anna di Vinadio is the highest pilgrimage site in Europe and the perfect starting point for this stunning loop hike.
The “Giro dei Laghi” follows mostly old, wide military roads, leading past several breathtaking alpine lakes, including Lago di Sant’Anna and Lago d’Orgials. Make sure to pack your swimsuit – the water is freezing, but incredibly refreshing!
Along the way, you’ll come across abandoned bunkers and military barracks, now home to chamois and ibex.
The scenery is wild, rugged, and spectacular, with sweeping views over the surrounding peaks of the Maritime Alps and the picturesque border region with France.
My Tip: Stay overnight in Sant’Anna di Vinadio! The monastery offers both simple, budget-friendly rooms and camping spots with breathtaking views – an unforgettable experience in the heart of the alps.
Hike Details
Hiking time: ~3 hours | Distance: 12 km | Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 520 & ↓ 520 |
⇨ GPS track & more pictures on Komoot
2. 13 Lakes Plateau Hike – Prali (Val Germanasca)
A hike with postcard-perfect views! The plateau above Prali is dotted with crystal-clear alpine lakes, all connected in a stunning circular route.
Along the way, you’ll not only pass many of the “Tredici Laghi” but also stumble upon a large military complex and even two WWII cannons—a fascinating mix of nature and history.
The landscape is wonderfully diverse, sometimes feeling alpine and rugged, other times almost fairytale-like, with lush meadows, small streams, and panoramic views stretching endlessly.
The route isn’t too difficult, making it a great choice for a relaxed day in the mountains. However, you can easily extend or modify the hike at several points.
To reach the starting point at Bric Rond (2,540 m), you can take the chairlift, which operates only in summer (€10 round-trip). Otherwise, be prepared for a steep 1,000-meter ascent from the valley.
Hike Details
Hiking time: ~ 2hrs | Distance: 7km | Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 260 & ↓ 260 |
⇨ GPS track & more pictures on Komoot
3. Barolo Wine Hike (Langhe)
This tour is a must for wine lovers. The hike starts in the charming village of Barolo, officially recognized as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, and winds through the rolling hills of the Langhe, right in the heart of the famous Barolo vineyards.
About halfway, you’ll pass through the picturesque village of Novello, which offers several fantastic viewpoints over the wine region. Novello is also a great place to stop for a wine tasting, with several enotecas and restaurants where you can enjoy the local flavors.
If you’re up for a longer hike, you can extend the route to include the beautiful village of Monforte d’Alba, adding about 8 km to your walk.
The combination of stunning landscapes, historical charm, and excellent food and wine makes this a truly special experience in Piedmont.
⇨ Here you’ll find Barolo wine tastings – perfect for after your hike or the next day!
My tip: Avoid planning this and other hikes in Piedmont’s wine region or the Po Valley during the summer months. It gets far too hot for comfortable hiking. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to enjoy these trails!
Hike Details
Hiking time: ~ 3hrs | Distance: 11km | Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 320 & ↓ 320 |
⇨ GPS track & more pictures on Komoot
4. Villanova – Rifugio Jervis (Val Pellice)
This hike takes you into the wild Val Pellice, a valley with deep historical ties to the Waldensian movement.
Starting from the small village of Villanova, the trail follows the left side of the Pellice River, winding through a picturesque gorge over rocky terrain until it reaches the beautifully located Rifugio Jervis.
At the hut, you can enjoy traditional Piedmontese specialties while taking in the views of the sunny plateau and the surrounding mountains. If you have extra energy, you can extend the hike further into the valley.
The return route takes a wider, easier path on the opposite side of the river, offering scenic views back to Villanova. A highlight of the way back is the Cascata del Pis, a stunning waterfall right along the trail.
Hike Details
Hiking time: ~ 2hrs | Distance: 8km | Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 510 & ↓ 510 |
⇨ GPS track & more pictures on Komoot
5. 4-Lake Hike at Monviso (Val Po)
Monviso, the king of the Piedmontese Alps, dominates the landscape on this incredible hike, which offers some of the best views of the iconic peak.
The circular “Tour dei 4 Laghi” starts at the source of the Po River, Italy’s longest river and a popular picnic spot.
From there, the trail winds through scenic mountain paths, passing four stunning alpine lakes, including the famous Lago Chiaretto, known for its striking turquoise water.
A short but exciting challenge along the way is a 10-meter cable-assisted section next to a waterfall. Apart from that, the hike is technically easy and suitable for most hikers.
The route is incredibly varied, with ever-changing perspectives of Monviso’s towering 3,841-meter summit, making it one of the most scenic hikes in the region.
My tip: Park your car at Pian della Regina and save the €10 toll for the Pian del Re parking lot, the official starting point of the hike. This makes your route slightly longer but takes you along a scenic path following the Po River and past a charming chapel.
Hike Details (from Pian della Regina)
Hiking time: ~ 3hrs | Distance: 11km | Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 680 & ↓ 680 |
⇨ GPS track & more pictures on Komoot
Save Money (and Time) with my Ready-to-use Piedmont Itineraries
⇨ My 2 & 3-Day Piedmont Itineraries (crafted with love and expertise)
6. Piergiorgio Frassati Trail (Valle Maira)
This panoramic high-altitude trail offers some of the best views in the stunning Valle Maira and is easily one of my top three hikes in Piedmont. It is named after Piergiorgio Frassati, an Italian mountaineer and social activist.
The hike starts at the source of the Maira River, not far from the beautiful village of Chiappera. The trail winds through lush alpine meadows, steep mountain slopes, and, if you’re up for it, one or two mountain passes—though you can skip them if you prefer a less challenging route.
The dramatic mountain scenery, known as the “Dolomites of Cuneo,” is always in sight. My personal highlight on the way back is the stunning view of the distinctive Rocca Provenzale.
My tip: If you’re venturing this deep into Valle Maira, consider staying overnight (for example, at Visaisa Taverna & Foresteria) and doing the Rocca Provenzale loop (Hike #7) the next day.
Hike Details
Hiking time: ~ 3,5hrs | Distance: 14km | Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 900 & ↓ 900 |
⇨ GPS track & more pictures on Komoot
7. Rocca Provenzale Loop (Valle Maira)
Rocca Provenzale is one of the most striking rock formations in Valle Maira. Its steep cliffs resemble the Dolomites and make it a popular spot for climbers. This hike circles the impressive peak, offering breathtaking views along the way.
The route starts in Chiappera (1,610 m), one of the most beautiful villages in the valley – and in all of Piedmont, when you ask me. After about two hours of steady ascent through alpine meadows, you reach Colle Greguri (2,300 m), where you’re rewarded with stunning panoramas and a good chance of spotting ibex.
The descent follows gentle mountain trails through a picturesque high valley before leading back to Chiappera on wide and easy paths.
My tip: Just a short detour from the route, you can admire the Stroppia Waterfall. It may not be the most famous, but at nearly 500 meters, it’s the highest waterfall in Italy. Definitely worth a stop!
Hike Details
Hiking time: ~ 2,5hrs | Distance: 11km | Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 680 & ↓ 680 |
⇨ GPS track & more pictures on Komoot
8. Nivolet Plateau to Colle Leynir (Gran Paradiso National Park)
This hike, set in Italy’s first national park, takes you through one of the most spectacular high-alpine landscapes in Piedmont. The trail begins at the famous Nivolet Road, which winds its way up to over 2,600 meters in a series of dramatic switchbacks.
From there, the path follows the picturesque Nivolet Lakes before gradually ascending toward Colle Leynir (3,084 m).
Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Gran Paradiso glaciers and surrounding peaks. The final ascent is a bit steeper but technically straightforward.
At the Colle Leynir, you’ll find yourself on a natural terrace with panoramic views. On clear days, you can even see Mont Blanc in the distance.
This remote and pristine area is also home to ibex and marmots, which you’re likely to spot along the way. The return follows the same route.
My tip: If you’re arriving by car, park at Rifugio Savoia (2,534 m), which is located right along the road. In the peak summer months, when the road is closed to private vehicles, shuttle buses run from Ceresole Reale to the trailhead.
Hike Details
Hiking time: ~ 2,5hrs | Distance: 11,5km | Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 580 & ↓ 580 |
⇨ GPS track & more pictures on Komoot
9. Forte di Fenestrelle – Usseaux – Laux (Val Chisone)
This hike is a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture, combining some of the most beautiful places in Piedmont.
It begins at the Fenestrelle Fortress, the largest fortification in the Alps, stretching an impressive 3 kilometers up the mountainside.
From the highest of the three fortresses, a well-marked trail leads to Usseaux, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. With its narrow alleys, fresco-adorned houses, and traditional architecture, this charming village is a true hidden gem.
The route then continues to Laux, a tiny but equally picturesque hamlet with a serene mountain lake. From there, an easy trail, mostly through forest paths, leads back to Fenestrelle.
My tip: Before starting the hike, take some time to visit the Fenestrelle Fortress. The “Amici Tour” (€3 per person) is a great way to get an insight into the history and impressive scale of the fortification.
Hike Details
Hiking time: ~ 4hrs | Distance: 19km | Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 860 & ↓ 860 |
⇨ GPS track & more pictures on Komoot
10. Colle di Tenda – Rocca dell’Abisso (Cuneo)
The Colle di Tenda is a historic alpine pass marking the border between Italy and France, south of Limone Piemonte. It has been a trade route since Roman times and later played a key role in military defense.
Before setting off on the hike to Rocca dell’Abisso (2,755 m), one of the best viewpoints in the Piedmontese Maritime Alps, take a moment to explore Forte Centrale. The massive fortification is still an impressive sight.
Although this is technically a point-to-point hike, there are plenty of ways to vary the route and avoid hiking the exact same path twice.
On the way up, while still full of energy, I took the shorter but steeper hillside trails. On the way back, I opted for the wider, more gradual paths that curve around the slopes. Both offer great views.
Along the way, you pass the ruins of Fort Pernant and Fort de Giaure. The final stretch to the summit is a bit steeper and crosses rocky terrain but remains easy to navigate.
At the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views over the Maritime Alps, stretching all the way to the Côte d’Azur. On a clear day, you can even see the Mediterranean shimmering in the distance.
Hike Details
Hiking time: ~ 6hrs | Distance: 22km | Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 1100 & ↓ 1100 |
⇨ GPS track & more pictures on Komoot
⇨ If the full hike feels too long, stop at Fort de Giaure and skip the ascent to the summit.
11. GTA – Grande Traversata delle Alpi
The Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA) is the ultimate long-distance hike in Piedmont, bringing together many of the highlights mentioned above.
Spanning more than 1,000 kilometers, the GTA crosses the entire Piedmontese Alps, from the Maritime Alps in the southwest to the Ossola Valley in the north. Hiking the full route takes several weeks, but even tackling individual sections is a rewarding experience.
During my alpine crossing from Chamonix to the Mediterranean, I spent several weeks hiking the southern section of the GTA, and I still can’t stop raving about it.
The trail mostly follows old mule tracks, linking remote mountain villages with breathtaking high-altitude paths. Accommodation along the route is simple but full of character.
You’ll spend the nights in small mountain huts or family-run guesthouses, where hospitality is as authentic as the landscapes.
While the GTA isn’t technically difficult, it does require good endurance, as many stages involve over 1,000 meters of elevation gain per day.
Final Thoughts on Hiking in Piedmont
Piedmont is a dream destination for hikers: diverse, authentic, and surprisingly remote.
Whether you prefer leisurely vineyard walks in the Langhe, breathtaking high-altitude trails in the wild alpine valleys, or historic routes past old forts and secluded mountain huts, this northern Italian region has an incredible variety of landscapes to explore.
What makes Piedmont so special is the combination of untouched nature, stunning panoramas, and rich cultural heritage.
Many trails pass through historically significant areas, where you’ll come across abandoned military roads, ancient fortifications, and centuries-old villages that seem frozen in time.
⇨ Here you can find my complete Komoot collection with hikes in Piedmont.
