Entracque between glacial basins, wolves and mountain streams

Between glacial basins and the Gesso

Entracque lies in the valley of the Gesso della Barra, in a glacial-basin landscape between the waters of three streams. This makes a landscape the focus of your visit, its character shaped by water, mountains and different ways of observing nature.

Lago delle Rovine lies at an altitude of 1,535 metres in the Valle Gesso di Entracque and is associated with an ancient landslide. The Piastra and Chiotàs reservoirs are also part of the landscape: they were built to supply the underground hydroelectric power station near Entracque.

Understanding wolves and discovering them outdoors

The Centro Uomini e Lupi opened in 2010 to raise awareness of issues related to wolves. Interactive exhibitions, educational activities and learning programmes provide a deeper insight into the biology of this species. The centre consists of two complementary areas: the visitor centre in the village of Entracque and the wildlife area in Casermette.

The Percorso lupo learning trail is also dedicated to this subject. It runs outdoors along the route between the two areas of the Centro Uomini e Lupi in Entracque and Casermette. It covers the identification of wolf tracks, quiz questions, the analysis of objects found in the area, as well as information and facts about wolves.

Hiking, climbing and cycling

Entracque offers hiking and trekking trails in the Alpi Marittime Nature Park. Those looking for a more challenging way to explore the area will find the Via Ferrata dei Funs di Entracque on the limestone walls along the Gorge della Reina. It is equipped with cables and metal steps.

The Via Ferrata dei Funs can be reached by car via the provincial road through Santa Lucia and Tetti Violino; from there, an approximately 30-minute walk leads to the start. This sequence of driving and approach walk is useful practical information when including the via ferrata route in your daily itinerary.

Entracque has cycling routes for mountain bikes, e-bikes and bicycles. The range extends from gentle paths with little elevation gain and challenging gravel tracks to paved panoramic roads leading to hamlets. A climbing facility has also been set up at the dam of the Piastra reservoir.

Fishing is considered a nature experience in mountain streams and Alpine lakes. Together with the hiking trails, cycling routes and wolf-related activities, this creates a selection that appeals to different interests in landscapes and outdoor pursuits.

Cross-country skiing and regional cuisine

In winter, the Centro Sci Fondo Gelas di Entracque adds to the outdoor activities. It has more than 45 kilometres of cross-country ski trails across 10 loops, offering several types of routes within a connected cross-country skiing area.

The local cuisine includes Cuiette. These are potato gnocchi served with a cream made from the local Alpine cheese Castel d'Ariund or with a sauce made from red sausage. This speciality combines simple ingredients with a clear connection to the mountain region.

The potato festival in Entracque was held for more than 20 years on the first weekend of September. Visitors could sample handmade Cuiette prepared by volunteers from Entracque. This historical event reference adds a culinary perspective on the village without implying that the event is still held today.

Hydropower as part of the village's history

The Enel Green Power information centre is located at the “L. Einaudi” hydroelectric power station in Entracque. It provides visitors, school classes and the general public with information about the dams of the Valle Gesso and the operation of the pumped-storage power station. This makes it possible to explore the technical side of the landscape alongside its paths, waterways and nature-based activities.

More places for planning your trip: Borgomale, Moretta, San Damiano Macra, Carrù, Tre Stelle, Bene Vagienna, Verduno, Polonghera

To the main travel overview: Cuneo.