sentieri europa
sentieri europa

The Land

The Alps to the south

At a time in history when climatic conditions were particularly favorable, with receding glaciers and many passes that could be used for most of the year, the Walser did not hesitate to explore the valleys south of the Alps, places accessible to them but which they had not yet been to.

A migration in search of new pastures for livestock and uncultivated land to put to good use.

Vallone di San Grato
Vallone di San Grato

The valleys

There are four main valleys where the Walser settled: Val d’Ossola and Valsesia in Piedmont, Valle di Gressoney and Val d’Ayas in Valle d’Aosta. Various lateral valleys branch off from these: a once virgin and depopulated land, rich in forests and natural pastures, which the wise settlers knew how to transform and make productive.