The Ermenegildo trail
“The Ermenegildo trail” a three-day circular trek, 51 km long with a total elevation gain of 2,020 meters, designed for intermediate hikers.
The trail passes through the iconic sites of the Oasi Zegna, a mountain area of extraordinary natural beauty, shaped since the early 1900s by the farsighted vision of entrepreneur Ermenegildo Zegna, the “solitary wanderer.”
A journey through nature and memory
The Ermenegildo trail is much more than a hiking itinerary: it is a journey into the cultural and environmental identity of the area, following in the footsteps of a man who dedicated his life to making the mountains accessible, livable, and fertile with opportunities for local communities.
During the three-day trek—with a total walking time estimated at 16 hours—participants will traverse a landscape spanning over 100 km², encompassing forests, high-altitude pastures, nature trails, and spectacular views of the Po Valley and the Alps.
The trail was conceived as an experience for those who wish to discover new horizons without undertaking a demanding route. Ideal for hikers who love the mountains, history, and sports.
THE WALK IN THREE STAGES
Stage 1 – From Trivero Valdilana to Bocchetto Sessera
The walk begins in Trivero Valdilana, still home to the Zegna Wool Mill, and winds through woods and pastures until it reaches Bocchetto Sessera, the junction between the Po Valley and the wild Valsessera.
In these places, Ermenegildo Zegna hiked the slopes to chart the best route of the Panoramica Zegna, the road that acts as a link between Trivero Valdilana and Bocchetto Sessera, before continuing toward the picturesque Valle Cervo.
Today, Bocchetto Sessera is the starting point for numerous hikes and an excellent stop for refreshments at the inn of the same name, or for renting bikes in the summer and snowshoes in the winter.
Length: 15 km
Elevation gain: 880 m
Approximate duration: 5 hours
Stage 2 – Upper Valsessera: Into the Wild Heart of Oasi Zegna
Second circular stage starting and finishing at Bocchetto Sessera through Valsessera, a significant geological site (the Insubric fault, the junction between the African and European plates), and the wildest area of Oasi Zegna.
Along the route, you’ll also encounter important archaeological mining sites, reminders of the valley’s historic mining activity.
At Bocchetto Sessera, don’t miss the inscription dedicated to the “solitary wanderer,” commemorating Ermenegildo Zegna and his passion for mountain hiking.
Length: 18 km
Elevation gain: 810 m
Approximate duration: 6 hours
Can be hiked year-round, except in winter due to possible snowfall.
Stage 3 – Panoramic return to Trivero Valdilana
The return route from Bocchetto Sessera to Trivero Valdilana follows ancient paths, mule tracks, and forest trails created during the construction of the Panoramica Zegna.
Along the way, you’ll come across the Locanda Argimonia, whose history is closely tied to the construction of the road: to undertake the excavation of the tunnels needed to cross the rocky spur of the Argimonia, between Bocchetta Luvera and Bielmonte, a construction site hut was built to house workers and vehicles. It later became an inn and restaurant, offering a refreshing stop for hikers.
Length: 18 km
Elevation gain: 330 m
Approximate duration: 5 hours
Discover the trail
