On Monday, August 10, 2026, the Upper Staffora Valley will host one of the most enchanting summer outdoor experiences: the Monte Chiappo Night Hike, organised by the Varzi Viva Cultural Association (OdV). This guided trek offers participants the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Apennines at sunset, walking through forests and mountain ridges before admiring the star-filled sky during the traditional Night of San Lorenzo.

Standing at 1,700 metres above sea level, Monte Chiappo is one of the highest and most panoramic peaks in the Oltrepò Pavese. Located at the meeting point of Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna, it offers breathtaking views that, on clear days, stretch from the Alps to the Ligurian Sea. Thanks to the area's very low light pollution, it is also an excellent location for watching the Perseid meteor shower.

The hike is designed for nature lovers who wish to experience the mountains in a unique atmosphere. The route begins as the sun sets, when the colours of dusk illuminate the surrounding peaks, and continues into the evening beneath a spectacular starry sky.

Participants will have the chance to observe the famous "Shooting Stars of San Lorenzo", part of the annual Perseid meteor shower, one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the summer.

Meeting points are scheduled as follows:

• 7:30 pm – Piazza Fiera 28, Varzi.

• 8:30 pm – Capanne di Cosola, at the hotel parking area, where the hike begins.

The return to the starting point is expected around midnight.

The excursion is classified as moderately difficult and is reserved for members of the organising association. Visitors who are not yet members may register before departure.

Participation fee: €15 per person.

Advance booking is required. In the event of adverse weather conditions, the hike will be cancelled.

Participants are advised to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles, a headlamp or flashlight, a fleece, a waterproof jacket, a ground sheet or blanket, and a change of shoes.

Reservations can be made through the Varzi Viva Cultural Association  varziviva@gmail.com

This event is a wonderful opportunity to discover one of the most authentic mountain landscapes of the Oltrepò Pavese, an area renowned for its hiking trails, forests and spectacular viewpoints. Monte Chiappo and the nearby Capanne di Cosola are among the favourite destinations for trekking enthusiasts, landscape photographers and amateur astronomers.

Combining outdoor adventure, nature and the magic of the Night of San Lorenzo, this experience offers visitors an unforgettable evening in the heart of the Lombardy Apennines.

Event: Monte Chiappo Night Hike – Sunset and Shooting Stars
Date: Monday, August 10, 2026
Location: Monte Chiappo – Capanne di Cosola, Santa Margherita di Staffora, Province of Pavia, Lombardy, Italy
Organiser: Varzi Viva Cultural Association (OdV)
Difficulty: Moderate
Participation Fee: €15 per person
Booking: Required
Estimated Return: Around midnight

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