Oropa Eastern Cycle Path: 99 km in the heart of the Alps
From Biella, a route with 2,290 meters of elevation gain traverses woods and small towns, reaching the Piedmontese sanctuary.
The Ciclovia di Oropa Orientale is a loop route of about 99 km, starting from Biella station. It's a challenging route due to the elevation, but it offers very scenic views. You pass through small towns that still show traces of their industrial past, with old chimneys rising among the greenery. The distance is shorter compared to other Oropa cycle paths, but here the climbs really make a difference.
The cycle path starts and ends at Biella San Paolo station and is divided into three stages. First, you climb towards Oropa, then cross the Valle Cervo to Bielmonte, and finally descend to the plains passing through Cossato and Candelo.
First stage: from Biella to the Sanctuary of Oropa (15 km, 813 m of ascent)
In just 15 km, you gain 813 meters of elevation. You pass through Cossila San Grato, Cossila San Giovanni, and Favaro, and the greenery becomes denser until you reach the Sanctuary of Oropa.
Second stage: from Oropa to Bielmonte, passing through the Valle Cervo (24.6 km, 865 m of ascent)
We start again from Oropa, climbing towards the Rosazza tunnel, then reach the Sanctuary of San Giovanni d'Andorno. From here, we descend into the wild Valle Cervo, skirting Rosazza, one of Italy's most beautiful villages.
The route follows the Panoramica Zegna, leading to Bielmonte, a panoramic point over the Biellese and the plains.
Here, you'll find bars, restaurants, and accommodation facilities.
Third stage: from Bielmonte to Biella, passing through Candelo (61.5 km, 691 m of ascent)
This is the easiest stage: the first 20 kilometers are downhill, from the green of Oasi Zegna towards Pray. We pass through Cossato and arrive at the ricetto di Candelo, a well-restored medieval village.
From Candelo, you return to Biella, and the cycle path ends at the station.
Our experience
For us, it was probably the most beautiful of the Oropa routes. One of the images we remember best comes right at the start. You begin from Biella and see the mountains ahead, with very few houses up high, lots of greenery, and a great sense of peace.
Starting from Biella San Paolo station is convenient for those arriving by train. On the blog, we've gathered useful information in our guide to Biella San Paolo station.
One of the things that struck us most about the entire route happens in the first stage. During the climb, you don't see Oropa: there's mostly nature, a few houses, and some cows grazing. Then, after one last climb, you turn, and the Sanctuary suddenly appears in all its beauty.
The Sanctuary of Oropa definitely deserves a visit. It's not just a stop on the cycle path but one of the most important places in the Biella area. You can also drink the excellent water from the Sanctuary's fountain. In the Sanctuary area, there are also several restaurants where you can taste local risottos and cheeses.
Along the first stage, we didn't find fountains directly on the route. To refill water, you need to enter the towns you pass through, making a small detour from the path.
Biella deserves some time before or after the ride. The historic center of Biella allows you to get to know the city better, adding a more urban part to the journey.
We also treated ourselves to an excellent Menabrea beer, one of the city's most well-known products. If you want to know more, we've also shared the story of the Menabrea Brewery in Biella.
