Rimella: Walser Culture, Mountain Trails and Living Traditions

Rimella is the oldest documented Walser colony in Valsesia and was founded in 1255 by a small group of farmers and shepherds from the Swiss canton of Valais.

Walser Culture and Historic Houses

Walser culture has survived in the Rimella area to this day; older residents still speak Tittschu, a language of German origin. In Rimella there is a Walser house with Lobien balconies that are still intact, dating back to 1607. In Sella is Casa Robbo, a Walser house dating from 1593.

Landscape Between Valley and High Mountains

In the Rimella area, the Alta Valsesia and Alta Val Strona Natural Park covers approximately 1,000 hectares on the right bank of the Landwasser stream. The area extends from an elevation of 930 metres to the 2,400-metre-high Capezzone peak in the S. Anna valley. The alpine landscape also includes Alpe La Res, a mountain pasture at 1,419 metres with alpine huts, a fountain and a small church.

Hiking Trails with Historical Connections

The hike to Bocchetta di Campello begins in Rimella at an elevation of 1,176 metres and reaches Bocchetta di Campello at 1,924 metres in 2 hours and 30 minutes, with an elevation gain of 748 metres. It crosses an area with historic alpine pastures and connects Rimella with its former hamlet of Campello Monti. An old connecting trail between the hamlets leads from Chiesa (Chiljchu) towards San Gottardo (Rund); an old paved path leads to the hamlet of Sella.

The Walser Trail Itinerario 4 / Rimella–Carcoforo passes the 18th-century Church of Madonna delle Grazie. The Rimella–Carcoforo route also passes picturesque waterfalls and mountain lakes and follows the trails of historic villages of the old Walser civilisation. Another path leads into the Alta Valsesia Natural Park towards Roncaccio Superiore after crossing the river.

Religious Traditions

Santa Gioconda is the most important religious point of reference for the community of Rimella; the festival in her honour is celebrated every year in August. The annual Festa dell’Ascensione at the parish church of San Michele Arcangelo includes a traditional procession. Afterwards, blessed bread is distributed to the residents of Fobello.

Alpine and Regional Cuisine

The recipe for Malbumfànnu from Rimella combines roasted flour, white flour, eggs, butter, milk and fine salt; Toma cheese, sugar or apple may optionally be added. The experience at Alpe Pianello (Bìdemje) includes a shepherd’s demonstration of how cow’s or goat’s Toma cheese and Mascarpa are made, as well as a visit to the cellar where the cheeses mature. At Alpe Cinenecca (Tschinenakku), you can taste fresh milk, cream and Toma cheese and talk with shepherds about life in the mountains and the pastoral way of life.

The Museo Antropologico G.B. Filippa

The Museo Antropologico G.B. Filippa was established by Giovan Battista Filippa to convey scientific and cultural aspects of the world to his fellow citizens. It displays minerals, shells, stuffed animals, books, coins and everyday objects.

More Destinations

Bianzè, Pila, Rimasco, Crescentino, Vercelli, Ferrera, Gattinara, San Genuario

To the main travel overview: Vercelli.