4.3
(1029)
5,915
riders
301
rides
Mountain bike trails in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa traverse a distinctive landscape shaped by ancient gold mining activities and glacial formations. The region features a "lunar" appearance with large stone mounds, interspersed with dense vegetation and bordered by morainic hills and the Elvo and Olobbia rivers. This area, part of the Serra moraine, offers cycling paths that are mostly flat or have moderate elevation changes, making them suitable for various skill levels. The terrain includes diverse rocks and historical features,…
Last updated: October 18, 2026
3.7
(3)
11
riders
27.1km
02:29
680m
690m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.5
(2)
13
riders
19.6km
01:49
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.5
(2)
12
riders
36.9km
03:08
600m
600m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
45.6km
03:41
870m
870m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
3.0
(1)
6
riders
18.4km
01:28
200m
200m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Netro is also a village on the mountain and on the road connecting to the Aosta Valley
0
0
It was built following a project called "Novella Gerusalemme" by don Nicolao Velotti, from Vercelli, which planned the creation of a Sacred Mount comprising 100 chapels between the town of Graglia and Colle San Carlo, but the work remained incomplete due to economic and logistical difficulties. As is now tradition, every year on August 5th, the feast day of Madonna della Neve (Our Lady of the Snows), a Holy Mass is celebrated here at 4:30 in the morning, in the presence of hundreds of people from all over Piedmont and neighboring regions.
1
0
From the Sanctuary's website: "The Sanctuary of Graglia, located in the Biella region, is a 17th-century place of worship dedicated to the Madonna of Loreto. Immersed in nature, it combines spirituality and baroque architecture. Originally conceived as a Sacro Monte project, it is today a destination for pilgrimages and offers an atmosphere of peace and contemplation."
0
0
Excellent hospitality for pilgrims
0
0
gallery along the route of the disused Biella Oropa tramway
0
0
Il Ricetto di Magnano is a 12th-century fortified village that seems suspended in time, located on the crest of the Serra Morenica 🏰. Unlike the more famous Ricetto di Candelo, this one retains a more intimate, wild, and authentic atmosphere 🌿. Strolling through its narrow cobbled streets and ancient stone houses, you'll be surrounded by an almost magical silence 🤫. The highlight is the entrance tower-gate, which still welcomes visitors today, projecting them directly into the Middle Ages 🛡️.
1
0
Area where gold prospecting competitions are held. Italian, European and World championships have taken place here.
1
0
There are over 290 mountain bike trails in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 750 reviews.
The terrain in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa is unique, characterized by a "lunar" landscape with large stone mounds, remnants of ancient gold mining. Trails wind through these historical features and wooded areas, often following the morainic hills and rivers like the Elvo and Olobbia. Most paths are flat or have moderate elevation changes, making them accessible to various skill levels.
Yes, Riserva Naturale Della Bessa offers trails suitable for beginners and families. Many of the cycling paths are mostly flat or have moderate elevation changes, such as the "Pista ciclabile delle Vecchie Cave" which is a flat, unpaved route alongside the Elvo torrent. There are 45 easy routes available, providing a gentle introduction to the region's unique landscape.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 66 difficult mountain bike routes in the reserve. One such route is the Croce Serra Castle – Belvedere Panoramic Viewpoint loop from Mongrando, which covers 37.6 km with significant elevation changes, offering extensive views across the varied landscape.
Spring and autumn are particularly recommended seasons for mountain biking excursions in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa. During these times, the weather is generally mild, and the natural scenery, with its unique geological formations and vegetation, is at its most appealing.
While mountain biking, you can explore several historical and natural attractions. The most prominent is the Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site, showcasing vast stone mounds from Roman-era gold extraction. You might also encounter the Victimula Goldpanners' Arena, reflecting the region's gold prospecting history. The landscape itself, with its "lunar appearance" and morainic hills, is a significant feature.
Yes, many of the paths in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa offer the possibility of creating loop routes. For example, the Mountainbike loop from Mongrando is a popular 19.6 km trail that guides you through the unique stone mounds and wooded areas.
While the region is well-suited for mountain biking, specific public transport options directly to the trailheads are not extensively detailed in the available information. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or train connections to nearby towns like Biella or Ivrea and plan onward travel, potentially by taxi or a short ride, to access the reserve.
The reserve typically offers parking facilities near visitor centers or main access points. You can often find equipped picnic areas, such as those near the visitor center or the Vermogno Picnic Area, which usually have parking available for visitors.
The provided information does not explicitly state restrictions or allowances for dogs on the mountain bike trails in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa. It is generally recommended to check local regulations or signage at the reserve's entrance or visitor center regarding pet policies before bringing your dog.
The komoot community highly rates mountain biking in Riserva Naturale Della Bessa, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique "lunar" landscape shaped by ancient gold mining, the historical context, and the variety of trails that cater to different skill levels, making for an engaging and distinctive riding experience.
While the reserve itself focuses on natural and historical exploration, specific cafes or accommodation options directly within the reserve are not detailed. However, being located between Biella and Ivrea, you will find various services, including cafes and accommodation, in these nearby towns and surrounding villages.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.