What to do in and around Viverone
Viverone Lake, located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Whether you're into nature, sports, or exploring historical sites, here’s a comprehensive list of things to do in and around the lake:In addition to our culinary experiences, we at Sapore Piemontese are delighted to assist you in booking any of the following activities.
History
Pieve di San Pietro (Church of Saint Peter): Located near the lake, this small Romanesque church dates back to the 12th century and is one of the most significant historical sites in the area. Viverone Archaeological Park: The lake area has archaeological significance, with discoveries of prehistoric stilt houses (palafitte), which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can explore these ancient remains and learn about the early human settlements around the lake. Castello di Roppolo: Just a few kilometers from the lake, this castle offers stunning views and has a fascinating history. You can tour the castle and its vineyards, as well as enjoy wine tastings. Ivrea: A short drive away, Ivrea is a charming town known for its industrial heritage and as the site of the famous Battle of the Oranges during Carnival.
On the lake
Swimming: The lake has several beaches where you can relax and take a swim in its clean waters. Sailing and Windsurfing: The steady winds make the lake ideal for sailing and windsurfing. There are schools and rental services for beginners and experienced sailors alike. Canoeing and Kayaking: You can rent kayaks or canoes to explore the lake at your own pace. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): A relaxing way to enjoy the lake’s peaceful atmosphere while getting a workout. Boat Rentals: Rent small motorboats or paddleboats for a leisurely ride on the water.
Golf
Golf Clubs Near Viverone Several golf clubs are located within a 30- to 60-minute drive from Viverone, offering excellent facilities and scenic courses. Golf Club Biella "Le Betulle" Location: Magnano, about 20 km (25-minute drive) from Viverone Lake. Highlights: One of Italy's top golf courses, consistently ranked among the best in Europe. Designed by British architect John Morrison, it’s an 18-hole, par 73 course. The beautiful, natural landscape with views of the Alps makes it a favorite for golfers. Facilities: Clubhouse, pro shop, and restaurant. Cavaglià Golf Club Location: Cavaglià, about 15 km (15-minute drive) from Viverone. Highlights: A scenic 18-hole course, par 68, ideal for both beginners and experienced golfers. It also has a driving range and offers golf lessons. Facilities: Clubhouse, driving range, restaurant, and a 4-star hotel with spa facilities. Golf Club San Giovanni dei Boschi Location: Sala Biellese, around 25 km (30-minute drive) from the lake. Highlights: A charming 9-hole course set in a peaceful natural environment. It's ideal for a more relaxed round of golf. Facilities: Clubhouse and restaurant.
Bike rides
Lake Viverone Loop: There’s a scenic 10 km trail that circles the lake, perfect for cycling or hiking. The trail offers beautiful views of the water, vineyards, and the surrounding countryside. Explore the Serra d’Ivrea Ridge: The morainic ridge behind the lake provides numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking. It’s a great place for nature lovers and those looking for panoramic views of the lake and nearby Alps.
Festivals
Fiera di San Michele: A local fair that takes place in the nearby town of Roppolo in late September, offering local food, wines, and entertainment. Lake Festivals: In summer, the lake hosts various cultural and music events, including fireworks and outdoor concerts. Ask us about all Festivals in Viverone
Day trips
Just 20 km away is Ivrea, a charming town in the Piedmont region, located on the Dora Baltea River. The city has a rich history dating back to Roman times and is best known for its industrial heritage and the famous Battle of the Oranges that takes place during the annual Carnival. Ivrea has a long history deeply rooted in the Roman and medieval periods. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city rose to international fame with the founding of **Olivetti**, the iconic Italian technology company that became world famous for its **typewriters** and later **computers**. Olivetti, under the leadership of **Adriano Olivetti**, transformed Ivrea from a small town to an industrial center and gave the city a modern character. The company was also responsible for many social and urban initiatives, giving Ivrea a progressive and innovative atmosphere. About an hour's drive away, **Turin** is a great day trip destination, with its rich history, art, museums (such as the Egyptian Museum) and vibrant culture. Aosta You can explore this mountainous area for **skiing** in winter or **hiking** and **sightseeing** in summer. It is about an hour and a half drive from the lake. The **Lake Viverone** and the surrounding region offer many more beautiful towns, such as the beautiful **Vercelli**, less than half an hour's drive away, or the capital of the region **Biella**. And less than an hour's drive away you will find **Milan**. If you want to spend a little longer in the car, you can reach **Genoa** within 2 hours, where you can visit the second largest aquarium in Europe, located on the Mediterranean Sea.
Fishing
Fishing at Viverone Lake is a popular and rewarding activity, thanks to the variety of fish species and the serene natural surroundings. Here’s a guide to fishing in Viverone: Fish Species The lake is home to a diverse range of fish species, making it suitable for various types of fishing, whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner. Some common species include: Pike Perch Carp Trout Eel Zander Tench Fishing Types Shore Fishing: There are numerous spots along the lake’s shore where you can set up for a relaxing day of fishing. The surrounding reed beds and quiet areas provide excellent habitats for fish. Boat Fishing: You can rent a boat to explore deeper waters and more remote fishing spots, increasing your chances of catching larger fish. Both rowing and motorboats are available for hire. Night Fishing: Night fishing is popular on Viverone Lake, especially for carp and eel. Be sure to check local regulations for any restrictions on nighttime fishing. Fishing Permits A fishing permit (licenza di pesca) is required to fish in Viverone Lake. You can obtain a daily or seasonal permit from local authorities or designated shops near the lake. Always ensure you are aware of the specific fishing regulations, including size limits and catch quotas, which are in place to preserve the ecosystem. Best Fishing Seasons Spring and Autumn: These are the most productive seasons, as fish are more active and closer to the surface. Summer: Fishing early in the morning or late in the evening tends to be more successful due to the cooler temperatures. Winter: While less common, winter fishing can still yield good results, particularly for pike and perch.
The Via Francigena
The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from Canterbury in England to Rome in Italy, crossing through France and Switzerland. It dates back to the early medieval period and was a key route used by pilgrims traveling to Rome, which was one of the major pilgrimage destinations of the time, along with Santiago de Compostela in Spain and Jerusalem. The route covers approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) and passes through a variety of landscapes, including English countryside, the vineyards of France, the Jura mountains, the Alps, and the rolling hills of Piedmont in Italy stage 7 is Viverone. Along the way, pilgrims historically visited churches, monasteries, and other religious sites. The Via Francigena gained its name from the Latin word "Francigena," meaning "from France" or "road to the land of the Franks." Its most well-known documentation comes from Sigeric the Serious, the Archbishop of Canterbury in the late 10th century. Sigeric made a pilgrimage to Rome to receive his pallium (a religious vestment), and he documented the 79 stages of his journey on the way back, providing a detailed record of the route, including stops at inns, monasteries, and towns.
Skiing
Viverone Lake is also within reach of some excellent ski resorts in the Italian Alps, making it possible to enjoy skiing during the winter months. Oropa Ski Resort Location: About 35 km (45-minute drive) from Viverone, near Biella. Altitude: 1,200 - 2,388 meters. Highlights: Located near the famous Sanctuary of Oropa, this small ski resort offers downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. It’s a good choice for beginners and families, with a few slopes but incredible views. Other Activities: In addition to skiing, visitors can explore hiking trails, visit the sanctuary, and enjoy the winter landscapes. Alagna Valsesia (Monterosa Ski) Location: Around 90 km (1.5-hour drive) from Viverone. Altitude: 1,191 - 3,275 meters. Highlights: Part of the Monterosa Ski area, Alagna Valsesia offers access to a huge ski area that spans across multiple valleys. Known for its off-piste skiing and more challenging runs, it’s perfect for experienced skiers. However, there are slopes suitable for all levels. Facilities: Ski schools, rentals, restaurants, and après-ski options. Gressoney-La-Trinité (Monterosa Ski) Location: Around 95 km (1.5-hour drive) from Viverone. Altitude: 1,350 - 3,275 meters. Highlights: Also part of the Monterosa Ski area, this resort offers a wide variety of runs for skiers of all levels. It's known for its scenic routes, cross-country trails, and alpine skiing. Facilities: Modern lifts, ski schools, rentals, and restaurants. Champorcher Ski Resort Location: About 85 km (1.5-hour drive) from Viverone, in the Aosta Valley. Altitude: 1,400 - 2,500 meters. Highlights: A smaller, less crowded resort perfect for families and intermediate skiers. It offers alpine skiing, snowshoeing, and a friendly atmosphere with stunning mountain views.
Vinyards and DOCG
Viverone, is surrounded by rolling hills that are ideal for grape cultivation. The area is part of the Canavese wine region, known for producing high-quality wines, especially from indigenous grape varieties. Here are some key wines and aspects of the Viverone area: 1. Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG: Erbaluce is the signature white grape variety grown around Viverone. It produces a variety of wines, from dry whites to sparkling and sweet passito wines. Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG is known for its bright acidity, delicate floral notes, and refreshing citrus flavors. It pairs beautifully with seafood, fresh cheeses, and light pasta dishes. The sweet Erbaluce Passito is particularly prized, made from dried grapes, giving it intense aromas of honey, apricots, and dried fruits. 2. Canavese Rosso: The red wines of the region are often blends of Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Bonarda grapes, creating structured wines with a balance of fruit and earthiness. Canavese Rosso DOC is versatile and pairs well with the hearty local cuisine, such as game meats, risottos, and aged cheeses. 3. Nebbiolo: While Viverone is not in the heart of the famous Barolo and Barbaresco regions, Nebbiolo is still grown here and produces elegant, more approachable wines. These wines are slightly lighter but still have the characteristic tannins and complexity of the Nebbiolo grape. Wine Culture and Tourism: Viverone’s proximity to both the lake and the vineyards makes it a popular destination for wine lovers looking for scenic beauty alongside excellent wines. At Sapore Piemontese we offer winerie tours and tastings, giving our guests the chance to explore the region’s viticultural traditions.
F1 & Karts
If you're staying near Viverone Lake and are interested in Formula 1 or motorsports, the closest major event is the Italian Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. Here’s more information about F1 and motorsports opportunities near Viverone: 1. Italian Grand Prix at Monza (Autodromo Nazionale Monza) Location: Monza, Lombardy (approximately 120 km / 1.5 hours from Viverone). Event: The Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix is held annually at the Monza circuit, typically in September. It's one of the most iconic and oldest F1 circuits, known for its high-speed straights and passionate fan base, especially for Ferrari. Experience: Monza is a must-visit for F1 enthusiasts, offering the chance to witness F1 races in an electric atmosphere, tour the circuit, and enjoy a range of motorsport events throughout the year. Other Events: In addition to F1, Monza hosts endurance races, touring cars, and other motorsport competitions. 2. Circuito di Torino (Turin) Location: About 80 km (1-hour drive) from Viverone. Overview: Though primarily known for hosting smaller-scale events, the Circuito di Torino sometimes holds amateur racing, karting, and track days where visitors can participate or spectate. While it's not an F1 venue, it’s a good stop for motorsport fans looking for some local action. 3. Go-Karting Near Viverone For a more hands-on motorsport experience near Viverone, try one of the nearby go-kart tracks: Kartodromo di Cavaglià: Located just 5 km from Viverone, this karting circuit offers fun for both adults and children. It’s a great place to get a taste of racing yourself, with rental karts and regular events. Kartodromo Cerrina: About 40 km away, another great option for go-karting and competitive fun in a controlled environment.
Hiking
Hiking around Viverone, a beautiful area in Piedmont, Italy, offers scenic routes with views of Lake Viverone, rolling hills, and nearby vineyards. Here are some hiking opportunities in the region: 1. Lake Viverone Trail Distance: Approximately 10–15 km depending on the path chosen. Highlights: A loop around the lake, passing through charming villages, reed beds, and peaceful lakeside paths. Perfect for nature lovers. Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Best for: Birdwatching, serene landscapes, and lakeside photography. 2. Serra Morenica Ridge Distance: Varies; popular segments range from 5 to 15 km. Highlights: A moraine hill with stunning views of the Alps, Lake Viverone, and the Po Valley. Historical sites like ancient Roman roads and small chapels can be found along the way. Difficulty: Moderate. Best for: History buffs and panoramic vistas. 3. Via Francigena Segment Near Viverone: Part of this ancient pilgrimage route passes near the lake. Highlights: Scenic countryside paths with a mix of cultural and historical landmarks. You'll encounter vineyards, old villages, and peaceful trails. Difficulty: Moderate, depending on the specific section. Best for: Long-distance walkers and cultural enthusiasts. 4. Zimone to Viverone Distance: About 8–10 km. Highlights: A trail through lush woodlands and vineyards, connecting Zimone to Viverone. You'll experience authentic rural Italian landscapes. Difficulty: Easy. Best for: Short hikes and exploring Piedmont's countryside
