What to Do in the Biellese Area: Ponte della Pistolesa and Surroundings
Discover one of the most unusual places in the province, famous for bungee jumping and traditional flavours
If you're looking for things to do in Biellese beyond well-known spots like Oropa and Oasi Zegna, the Ponte della Pistolesa is a unique stop. It connects the towns of Veglio and Mosso, crossing the Poala stream valley. It's famous for hosting Italy's first permanent bungee jumping center.
Even if you don't plan to jump, it's worth stopping for a few minutes. You can admire the deep Poala stream valley and the impressive Bridge, suspended between forested slopes. It offers one of the most spectacular views in Biellese.
What to see around the Bridge
The main reason the bridge became famous is bungee jumpingbungee jumping. The jump costs €110 per person (2026 rate), and booking is mandatory. People jump mainly for the unique adrenaline rush, testing their limits, and experiencing a safe free fall.
The Bridge's success has made it one of the most recognizable places in Biellese, even outside Piedmont. Over the years, it has been a location for films like Tutta colpa della musica, directed by Ricky Tognazzi, and Tutta colpa di Freud, by Paolo Genovese, as well as for commercials and TV productions.
The Bridge, also known as Colossus, is located between Veglio and Mosso, about 15 km from Biella. You can easily reach it by car in about 30 minutes via the SP232. If you want to watch jumps or try bungee jumping, the best time is from April to October. During this period, the center is usually open, and the weather is more favorable.
The Biellese area isn't just nature and views. So, take a break to explore the local cuisine. It's full of genuine recipes, local products, and flavors that tell the story of Piedmont's mountain traditions.
A surprise here is the great quality-to-price ratio. In the area's taverns and inns, you can enjoy dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients. Often, you'll spend less than in other Piedmont tourist spots.
Take the Locanda Agricola Gribaud, for example. It's about 15 minutes by car from the bridge, in Località Brughiera, Valdilana, next to the Santuario della Brughiera. It's more than just a restaurant. It's a low-mountain tavern with a beekeeping farm, surrounded by pastures and chestnut woods, and connected to local agricultural producers.
The kitchen highlights Biellese traditional recipes with genuine, seasonal ingredients. Besides lunches and dinners, they also organize typical merende sinoire. On weekdays, there's a work menu for €22. Throughout the year, they offer themed dinners, like vegetarian nights for €30 or special events with menus at €35.
If you visit Biellese, try the traditional merenda sinoira. It's a hearty snack-dinner from Piedmont tradition, featuring cold cuts, cheeses, vegetables, hot dishes, and local wines. It's one of the best ways to experience local cuisine and enjoy a typical convivial moment in these valleys.
