Top 20 Natural Monuments around Ternengo

The natural monuments in this region are characterized by diverse and often unusual landscapes. For instance, the Baraggia di Candelo – Baragge Nature Reserve is known as 'the Biella Savannah' due to its vast plateaus of clayey soil, grasslands, and sparse forests, resembling an African savannah. Other areas like Rive Rosse feature distinctive red-orange landscapes formed by ancient granite and lava flows, creating an almost Martian appearance.

The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Baragge Nature Reserve, for example, has a network of easy paths and dirt roads ideal for trekking, cycling, and horseback riding. You can find numerous routes for different sports. For gravel biking, explore options like the 'Menabrea Brewery – Bottalino Fountain loop' or the 'Ricetto of Candelo – Silent Park loop' which you can find in the Gravel biking around Ternengo guide. For hiking, consider routes like the 'Quaregna Castle Countryside Loop' or the 'Valdengo Castle – Castello di Cerreto loop' available in the Hiking around Ternengo guide.

Yes, Burcina Park is an excellent family-friendly option. It's a historic garden located on a hill north-west of Biella, perfect for a not-too-demanding hike. It's particularly beautiful in May when the rhododendrons are in bloom.

Many of the natural monuments, especially the Baragge Nature Reserve, offer magnificent views from summer to autumn. During this period, the grass takes on a golden hue, and patches of red from leatherleaf or brownish bracken add to the visual appeal. If you visit Burcina Park, May is highly recommended for the blooming rhododendrons.

The Baraggia di Candelo – Baragge Nature Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot. It hosts rare plants like the Siberian iris and golden lily. The heathlands, which turn purple in September, provide habitat for diverse birdlife, bees, and dragonflies. Temporary pools within the reserve also offer refuge to native amphibians such as the Paduan tree frog and the great crested newt.

Bocchetto Sessera Pass is a mountain pass situated at approximately 1,400 meters, connecting the Strona valley with the Sessera valley. It offers panoramic views and is a starting point for interesting mountain biking routes, some of which lead to Valsesia via the Boschirola pass. It's accessible from both the panoramic Zegna road and Alpe Mera.

Yes, the Baraggia di Candelo – Baragge Nature Reserve is near the famous Ricetto of Candelo, a well-preserved fortified medieval village. This offers a blend of natural exploration and historical discovery. Additionally, the Climb to Oropa from Biella leads to the Sanctuary of Oropa, a significant Catholic pilgrimage site and UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive architecture and a rich history.

Absolutely. There are several running trails in the vicinity. You can find routes like the 'Castello di Zumaglia loop from Valdengo' or the 'Running loop from Zumaglia' in the Running Trails around Ternengo guide. These routes offer varying difficulties and distances to suit different preferences.

Rive Rosse, meaning 'Red Banks,' is a natural monument in the eastern Biellese region. Its name comes from its unusual red-orange landscape, which is due to ancient granite formations and huge lava flows that covered the territory. Strong erosion over hundreds of thousands of years has further shaped this distinctive terrain, giving it an almost Martian appearance.

Visitors frequently appreciate the unique and expansive views, especially in areas like the Baragge Nature Reserve, which offers a sense of limitless space. The diverse landscapes, from savannah-like plains to red-hued geological formations, are often highlighted. The opportunity for various outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, combined with the rich biodiversity and historical proximity, also makes the region highly appealing.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Climb to Oropa from Biella is a very tough and intense route. It's about 13 km with constant, challenging slopes, including an iconic and difficult last kilometer on scenic pavé. This climb is a classic in Piedmont and offers rewarding views at the top.