4.4
(951)
5,886
riders
306
rides
Mountain bike trails in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa traverse a distinctive landscape shaped by ancient gold mining activities and glacial formations. The region features a "lunar" appearance with large stone mounds, interspersed with dense vegetation and bordered by morainic hills and the Elvo and Olobbia rivers. This area, part of the Serra moraine, offers cycling paths that are mostly flat or have moderate elevation changes, making them suitable for various skill levels. The terrain includes diverse rocks and historical features,…
Last updated: July 15, 2026
4.0
(3)
10
riders
27.1km
02:30
680m
690m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.5
(2)
12
riders
19.6km
01:49
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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17
riders
46.0km
03:45
870m
870m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
3.0
(1)
6
riders
18.4km
01:28
200m
200m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
4
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Excellent hospitality for pilgrims
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gallery along the route of the disused Biella Oropa tramway
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Area where gold prospecting competitions are held. Italian, European and World championships have taken place here.
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Language Follow Edit Il Sacro Monte di Graglia is a pre-Alpine locality situated in Graglia, in the province of Biella, in Piedmont, a few kilometers west of the provincial capital. It is located at the foot of the more majestic peak of Mombarone, almost on the border with the Aosta Valley; it mainly hosts the sanctuary of the same name (812 meters above sea level), dedicated to the Black Madonna and linked to the cult of Our Lady of Loreto, in the Marche. It is therefore part of that system of pre-Alpine devotional complexes that characterized a widespread popular Marian and Christian religiosity, which expressed itself between Piedmont and Lombardy starting from around the 16th century, such as, for example, the re-enactment of the Passion of Christ in the nearby town of Sordevolo, or other similar localities such as Sacro Monte di Arona, Sacro Monte di Oropa, Sacro Monte di Varallo, Sacro Monte di Ghiffa.
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characteristic pile of stones following the extraction of gold flakes
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Wikipedia: Victimulae (or Victumulae), or more commonly Victimula, is a Roman-era settlement (probably already developed in pre-Roman times) located in Piedmont, in the southwest of the Biella area, not far from Lake Viverone. More precisely, it is believed to have been located on the slopes of the Serra Morenica d'Ivrea near the Bessa plateau.
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From the shelter website: WHAT WE DO IN ITALY We have a shelter in northwest Italy. Our work focuses on providing support, advice, and counseling to owners, collaborators, and authorities to ensure the well-being of donkeys within the community. OUR MISSION To improve the lives of donkeys every day. OUR VISION A world where every donkey has a good quality of life.
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The center of Zubiena is quite small and centers around a large square that is quite remarkable from an urban planning perspective. It features a large fountain, the town hall, and, opposite it, at the top of a flight of steps, the imposing façade of the parish church of San Nicolao, dating from 1756. Its exposed brickwork lends a warm and captivating tone. Although relatively rare in the Biella area, where this is the largest example, brick Baroque church façades are common in other parts of Piedmont and, overall, constitute a distinctive feature. Zubiena's Baroque style, however, is simple and unadorned, with two clear-cut string courses that restrain the upward thrust of the six pilasters. Next to it stands the very tall 19th-century bell tower: anyone observing the Serra from the Biella plain, even from afar, will easily recognize it.
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There are over 290 mountain bike trails in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 750 reviews.
The terrain in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa is unique, characterized by a "lunar" landscape with large stone mounds, remnants of ancient gold mining. Trails wind through these historical features and wooded areas, often following the morainic hills and rivers like the Elvo and Olobbia. Most paths are flat or have moderate elevation changes, making them accessible to various skill levels.
Yes, Riserva Naturale Della Bessa offers trails suitable for beginners and families. Many of the cycling paths are mostly flat or have moderate elevation changes, such as the "Pista ciclabile delle Vecchie Cave" which is a flat, unpaved route alongside the Elvo torrent. There are 45 easy routes available, providing a gentle introduction to the region's unique landscape.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 66 difficult mountain bike routes in the reserve. One such route is the Croce Serra Castle – Belvedere Panoramic Viewpoint loop from Mongrando, which covers 37.6 km with significant elevation changes, offering extensive views across the varied landscape.
Spring and autumn are particularly recommended seasons for mountain biking excursions in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa. During these times, the weather is generally mild, and the natural scenery, with its unique geological formations and vegetation, is at its most appealing.
While mountain biking, you can explore several historical and natural attractions. The most prominent is the Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site, showcasing vast stone mounds from Roman-era gold extraction. You might also encounter the Victimula Goldpanners' Arena, reflecting the region's gold prospecting history. The landscape itself, with its "lunar appearance" and morainic hills, is a significant feature.
Yes, many of the paths in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa offer the possibility of creating loop routes. For example, the Mountainbike loop from Mongrando is a popular 19.6 km trail that guides you through the unique stone mounds and wooded areas.
While the region is well-suited for mountain biking, specific public transport options directly to the trailheads are not extensively detailed in the available information. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or train connections to nearby towns like Biella or Ivrea and plan onward travel, potentially by taxi or a short ride, to access the reserve.
The reserve typically offers parking facilities near visitor centers or main access points. You can often find equipped picnic areas, such as those near the visitor center or the Vermogno Picnic Area, which usually have parking available for visitors.
The provided information does not explicitly state restrictions or allowances for dogs on the mountain bike trails in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa. It is generally recommended to check local regulations or signage at the reserve's entrance or visitor center regarding pet policies before bringing your dog.
The komoot community highly rates mountain biking in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique "lunar" landscape shaped by ancient gold mining, the historical context, and the variety of trails that cater to different skill levels, making for an engaging and distinctive riding experience.
While the reserve itself focuses on natural and historical exploration, specific cafes or accommodation options directly within the reserve are not detailed. However, being located between Biella and Ivrea, you will find various services, including cafes and accommodation, in these nearby towns and surrounding villages.


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