The Altopiano del Sole is tinged with autumn: the leaves of maples, beeches and chestnut trees become the stars of a magic landscape, spreading across the ground of the cool forest and forming a carpet of a thousand hues on which the chestnuts rest gracefully.

But what is there to do in October on the Altopiano del Sole?

Here is a BRIEF GUIDE with 5 activities to spend unforgettable days!

1. OSSIMO – COLLECTING CHESTNUTS IN PAT

October is undoubtedly the perfect time to visit “Pat”: an area characterized by well-preserved mountain chalets and farmsteads nestled in chestnut forests. This area can be easily reached both from Ossimo Superiore – taking the path that from the picnic area of Creelone descends to the right through the woods – and from Ossimo Inferiore, following the road that from the small church of San Rocco continues to Via Sant’Antonio. The second route is particularly scenic, with unpaved sections easily accessible even to young children. And here we come to the fun part! Equip yourself with gloves, basket and boots – you will need them to avoid slipping on the wet ground – after which you will be ready to hunt down your future roasted chestnuts.

2. BORNO – HAERETIC AND REENACTMENT OF THE PALIO

A night “de foco, strie et deavoli”: on Saturday, October 23rd, Borno will take a plunge into the past, a plunge well into the depths of the darkest medieval nights, where “everything has to happen”. Scary creatures will enliven the day, but also jesters, hawks in flight, markets, music and fire shows. Sunday, on the other hand, will feature the town’s “contrade”, which will compete in part of the historic games of the Palio di San Martino – normally celebrated in July, but canceled for the second year in a row due to the pandemic. If you’re looking for something to do in October on the Altopiano del Sole, you can’t miss this weekend of festivities and historical reenactments. A weekend for lovers of the Middle Ages, but especially for those who are not be afraid to face the eerie creatures of the night.

3. ANGOLO TERME – TRIP TO LAKE MORO

There are places of whose beauty resists time and space, but in autumn they take on a new charm. One of these is Lake Moro: the painted foliage embraces the deep blue water, the maples, chestnut trees, and olive trees all around are the perfect setting for a picture postcard. A picture that cannot fail to be mentioned among the best things to do in October on the Altopiano del Sole. A trip surrounded by the perfect scenery for a romantic walk, but also with family or friends. The loop trail that runs around the lake is about 3.5 km long, which can be covered in an hour, but longer if you intend to stop and collect chestnuts that can be found plentiful beneath the trees.

4. PIANCOGNO – HIKING ON VIA DELLE VOLTE

For those who missed last September’s “Piancogno in Vigna” event (click here for more information), a good opportunity is to retrace the pilgrims’ footsteps in October. The itinerary begins in the square of Piamborno’s Town Hall, from where we take the path in the direction of “Piazzuola,” continuing on to locality “Belarna.” From here we continue on the ancient Via delle Volte, following the “4 venti” path and finally reaching Annunciata. The route is very scenic, about 6 km long, and the cultivations of vines in the area are characteristic. A tip for food and wine lovers is to visit the wineries located along the route, booking your tasting through dedicated channels.

Cantina Bignotti – I Cultivar delle Volte, Cantina La Costa, Cantina Letari

5. LOZIO – TRY THE GNÖC DÈ CÖLA.

The Altopiano del Sole offers not only hiking and beautiful scenic drives, but also delicious food and wine. In Lozio, for example, a typical dish is “gnöc dè cöla,” prepared following a simple but at the same time very tasty recipe. Imagine yourself during a dreary Sunday in October, with the first cold weather advancing and the bright colors of the foliage all around: the perfect setting to enjoy a hot and steaming plate of gnocchi, perhaps paired with a good glass of wine. If you are on the Altopiano, this is definitely an experience not to be missed!