The Albrunpass crossing is the most popular itinerary to go to Binn. The ascent from the Devero side takes place among blue lakes, larch forests and extensive mountain ranges. The trail is always visible and signposted. Along the way, the remains of the medieval mule track emerge, which has been travelled for centuries by endless caravans of merchants, processional pilgrims, soldiers and smugglers. You walk along historical paths. From Devero you climb to Crampiolo passing along the beautiful path, still paved in places, which passes through Corte d'Ardui. Then, walking through the highest hay meadows in the region, you climb up to the Codelago dam, go along the lake to the bottom and with a short climb you reach Lake Pianboglio. Once past the little dam, walk along the lake on the meadow side, cross a small bridge over the stream that descends from Alpe Forno and start climbing until you reach Bocchetta d'Arbola. From here, descend on the Valais side (signposted trail) along a steep detritus slope and the Binntalhutte (2269 m), a stone refuge between large boulders at the foot of the western side of Punta d'Arbola, is just a little further on. You then descend to the high pastures of Oxefeld (2192 m) and with a long diagonal to the right, to the vast plateau of Blatt (2104 m), circumventing a series of bogs protected for their high naturalistic value (bogs of regional importance "Blatt" and of national importance "Oxefeld"). After descending a steep ridge and crossing the Turbwasser over a bridge, you reach the track that you follow as far as Binn. The valley gradually widens and you pass the mountain pastures of Freichi (1883 m) and Brunnebiel (1843 m). The environment is the harsh one of the high alpine valleys colonised by man: coniferous forests alternating with grassy clearings, wooden huts and barns, grazing cattle. A pleasant walk takes you gently down to Fald, the highest village in the valley, with a handful of houses among woods and pastures. After just a little more than two kilometres of paved road, you pleasantly enter the German-style alpine world, and you are in Binn.

Note: Halfway along Lake Devero, between A. Larecchio and at the bottom part of the lake there is a rather exposed stretch equipped with safety lanyard: be careful.

In Crampiolo there are splendid examples of stone architecture. This stage crosses the Alpe Devero Park and the Binntal Park passing beautiful places such as Lago delle Streghe, Lago di Devero or Codelago, Lago di Pianboglio. From the village of d'Arbola there is a splendid panoramic view. On the Swiss side there are the bogs of Blatt and Oxefeld. Beautiful wooden Walser architecture in Fald and Binn, museum in Binn.

In Crampiolo

Follow the A26 motorway as far as Gravellona Toce and then continue along the SS33 del Sempione as far as the junction for Valle ANTIGORIO FORMAZZA. Then follow the SS 659 as far as Baceno. A provincial road continues from Baceno as far as Goglio and then a municipal road reaches Alpe Devero.

Itinerary code: ARB
Phone coverage: Good
Recommended period: June, July, Auguat, September
Historical interest: Yes
Access by public transport: Yes
Classification: Medium and low mountain provincial
Provinces crossed: Distretto dei Laghi

The railway station of reference is Domodossola. In front of the station all the buses leave for the valleys. Take the Domodossola - Cascata del Toce line (for timetables Tel. +39 0324 240333 www.comazzibus.com) until you reach Baceno. Baceno and Alpe Devero are connected by Prontobus service (Tel. +39 349 0796016) The upper part of the Binn valley from Brunnebiel to Binn is served by the Bus Alpin service (www.busalpin.ch). Binn is served by the bus line (www.postauto.ch).