Rimasco: Lake, churches and seasonal trails

Rimasco brings together Lago di Rimasco, churches built in different periods and trails for different seasons. In summer, the network of trails around the town offers opportunities for trekking; in winter, the mountains are suitable for snowshoeing and ski touring. The history of the lake and the churches’ furnishings also give a trip to Rimasco different themes to explore.

Lake and churches

Rimasco stretches along the shore of Lago di Rimasco, an artificial lake. It was created in 1925 by building a dam downstream from the town to increase electricity generation. The body of water is therefore also part of the town’s specific infrastructure history.

The Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Giacomo has ancient origins and took on its present form in 1688. Its furnishings include a wooden high altar with a pyramidal tabernacle; the church also has statues of Saint John the Baptist and Saint James. Numerous fragments of 15th-century medieval frescoes depict the months and people at work. San Giacomo thus brings together religious furnishings and imagery of the passing seasons and human work.

The Chiesa di Santa Croce stands on the banks of the Egua stream near Lago di Rimasco. It was built toward the end of the 17th century at the initiative of private individuals. San Giacomo took on its present form in 1688, also toward the end of the 17th century; the frescoes in San Giacomo date back to the 15th century.

Trails and activities in different seasons

The network of trails around Rimasco offers many opportunities for trekking in summer. Trail No. 363 leads to Alpe Vallè Piat and offers views of Rimasco. A winding path through deciduous trees leads to Pian della Ratta at an altitude of 1,140 m. The chairlift’s upper station and the starting point of the summer bobsled run are located there. The route descriptions highlight different features: Trail No. 363 is defined by Alpe Vallè Piat and views of Rimasco, while the route to Pian della Ratta is characterized by its path through deciduous trees and the chairlift and summer bobsled run there.

The Fun Bob is located at Rimasco’s redeveloped former ski area. In winter, the mountains around the town are suitable for snowshoeing and ski touring. When planning your trip, it therefore makes a difference whether you focus on summer trails or winter activities in the mountains.

Dorca, getting there and a fixed annual event

The hamlet of Dorca lies at an altitude of 1,276 m, just outside Rimasco. You can reach it on foot via a stone-paved mule track or by rack railway. If you plan to take the railway, check the timetable in advance.

Daily bus services connect Varallo and Rimasco. Check departure times for your travel date so you can factor the connection into your journey plans.

A fixed date in the annual calendar is the Sagra della Miaccia, which Rimasco holds every year on August 16. If your trip falls on this date, you can take the event into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Varallo, Santhià, Fobello, Borgosesia, Alagna Valsesia, Riva Valdobbia, Scopello, Vocca

For the full travel overview: Vercelli.