An old railway track is now the Voghera - Varzi Greenway, a 33-kilometre-long bicycle and pedestrian route that winds through vineyards, woods and villages in the Oltrepò Pavese area www.greenwayvogheravarzi.it/A completely paved route that, thanks to its gentle slope, is within the reach of every cyclist, even families with children.
A leisurely ride, therefore, on a route that begins at the Voghera station with a first flat section to Salice Terme, 14 km with a difference in altitude of 84 m and an average gradient of 0.6%, and a second of a more hilly nature, from Salice Terme to Varzi, 19 km long, with a difference in altitude of 236 m and a gradient of 1.24%.
In addition to offering splendid views of the surrounding countryside, the route is also a wonderful opportunity to detour into the villages and marvel at their treasures. Discover the history and culture of the Oltrepò Pavese, taste typical products, and sample some of the best local wines.
The old railway
The Voghera - Varzi was a single-track electric traction railway that ran for 32 km, almost entirely along the Staffora torrent, connecting Voghera with the town of Varzi. The concession for the construction and operation of the railway had been granted by Royal Decree number 2573 of 31 December 1925 to the 'Società anonima per la ferrovia da Voghera a Varzi' (joint stock company for the railway from Voghera to Varzi) with head office in Milan, for a duration of seventy years. Once this term had expired, the concessionary company would have had to hand over to the State, in a good state of maintenance and conservation, all the works constituting the railway and its dependencies that would have become part of State property. The Voghera - Varzi railway ceased operation in 1966. The train was replaced by a bus and the tracks were removed.
From stage to stage
From Voghera to Codevilla with its Collezione Rossi, a stopover for lovers of contemporary art, from the medieval remains of Rivanazzano Terme to Godiasco - Salice Terme, there are many opportunities to explore the area.
From Godiasco, the Apennine route begins, leading to Ponte Nizza, Bagnaria and then Varzi, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and the main centre of the Staffora Valley. It is a town rich in treasures and art, which has preserved its medieval layout intact. Along the way you can enjoy the beauty of the Staffora Valley, with its woods, hills and waterways. Along the route you can also find places of interest such as green areas for a picnic or trattorias where you can taste the traditional cuisine of the Oltrepò Pavese.
The most experienced come from Milan
From the city to the hills. Experienced and trained cyclists can try their hand at the Milan-Pavia-Varzi Greenway. A 112-kilometre route that follows the course of watercourses: the Pavese Canal, Cavo Borromeo, Roggia Carona, Roggia Vernavola, the Ticino River and the Po River to the Staffora stream.
How to get there
The Voghera-Varzi Greenway is easy to reach. By train, on the Milan-Genoa line, get off at Voghera station. You can also reach the area by car from the 21 Turin-Piacenza motorway (Voghera exit) and from the A7 Milan-Genoa motorway (Casei Gerola exit).
