Over the Alps into Piedmont: Locarno to Biella
Day two of the Italy Road Trip takes us from the shores of Lake Maggiore over the Alps and into the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Leaving Locarno, we cross the Italian-Swiss border and begin climbing through spectacular mountain passes. The roads here are everything a motorcyclist dreams of — sweeping curves carved into mountainsides, hairpin bends with breathtaking views, and long stretches where the only company is the rumble of the engine echoing off granite walls.
Biella sits at the foot of the Alps where the mountains give way to the rolling hills of Piedmont. It is a town built on textiles — for centuries, Biella has been the centre of Italy’s finest wool and fabric production, supplying luxury fashion houses around the world. The upper town, Biella Piazzo, is connected to the lower town by a funicular railway and offers narrow cobbled streets, medieval towers, and views across the Po Valley. After the high-altitude drama of the mountain passes, Biella feels like a warm, grounded welcome to Italy proper.
Route Highlights
- Crossing from Switzerland into Italy through high Alpine passes
- Spectacular mountain riding — hairpin bends and panoramic views at every turn
- Biella Piazzo — the atmospheric upper town reached by funicular railway
- Entering Piedmont, one of Italy’s richest gastronomic regions
Travel Tips
Mountain passes between Switzerland and Italy can be cold even in September, so pack layers and waterproofs. The border crossing is seamless within the Schengen zone — no stops required. Biella is not a major tourist destination, which means authentic Italian experiences without the crowds. Visit the Sanctuary of Oropa, a stunning mountain monastery just above town that has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. Piedmont cuisine is outstanding — this is the land of risotto, agnolotti pasta, and some of Italy’s finest wines.
Previous: Day 1: To Locarno | Next: Day 3: To Turin
