Premeno: Hiking, Golf and Local History

Premeno can be explored through a range of interests: highlights include the Volon Trail with its high points, Golf Piandisole, as well as historic buildings, handicrafts and local food culture. If you are looking for a hotel in Premeno, these differences can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Hiking around Premeno

The Volon Trail Premeno is a 13.5-kilometre circular route with 645 metres of elevation gain. It starts in the park of Villa Bernocchi and passes through the historic centre of Premeno and the hamlet of Esio. The route also includes the path known as the “Sentiero dei Partigiani”. Its high points provide clear landmarks: it leads to Sasso Corbè at 1,066 metres and reaches Pizzo d’Omo at 1,070 metres. From there, you can enjoy views of Lake Maggiore and Cima Morissolo.

Individual routes around Esio and Pian di Sole can also be described in terms of specific walking times. From Esio, it takes 30 minutes to reach Alp Medèe, the alpine pasture of Esio. From Alp Medèe, it takes an hour to reach Pian di Sole. From there, a path leads in 20 minutes through part of the pine forest to Cima di Pizzo d’Omo.

Another hike, open to everyone, starts and ends at Villa Bernocchi. Its route passes through Bagn and Pollino, as well as “Australie”, before returning to Premeno and the villa. The Volon Trail is also a solidarity event: the participating associations use the proceeds to fund projects for the community. As event arrangements can change, check the latest information in advance.

Golf Piandisole

Golf Piandisole has a regulation 9-hole course with double tees. It is located in Premeno at an altitude of about 1,000 metres and offers views of Lake Maggiore and the Monte Rosa area. The course was established in the summer of 1962 in the hamlet of the same name in the municipality of Premeno. Golf Piandisole therefore brings together the course’s specific layout, its history and its views.

Churches, handicrafts and local cuisine

The Oratorio di San Salvatore was built in 1645. The present-day parish church of Santa Margherita was built between 1938 and 1944. The feast of the Oratorio di San Salvatore is celebrated in early August; check the latest dates and arrangements before visiting.

Woodworking is practised in Esio. Items made there include agricultural tools, rakes, baskets, chopping boards and spoons. One special example is the “masne”, a spoon used to stir polenta. The alpine pastures are also part of the municipality’s landscape: the highest ones lie above the hamlet of Esio, in the direction of Pian di Sole, in the Medeè area.

Chestnuts feature in several local food traditions. Dried chestnuts are eaten with milk in winter or used to make jams and desserts such as the famous Montebianco. Roasted chestnuts are also eaten in Premeno, and chestnuts are still dried on the “grà”. The “ravasa” apple is considered typical of Premeno and especially juicy and tasty. It also keeps well throughout the winter.

Getting to Premeno

By car, you can reach Premeno from the A26 via the exit towards Verbania, then take the SS34 del Lago Maggiore to Intra. From there, follow the signs for Arizzano, Bèe and Premeno. Check your navigation before setting off.

The nearest railway station is Verbania-Pallanza, 16 kilometres from Premeno. From there, you can reach Premeno by public transport. Check the connections before you travel so you can plan your journey accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Quarna Sopra, Cambiasca, San Domenico, Miazzina, Trasquera, Passo, Traffiume, Verbania.

Back to the main travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.