1.5 km on the level
About 1.5 km round trip, also accessible for visitors with disabilities and pushchairs.
Why visit
Gold, tunnels and three centuries of history
The Guia Gold Mine Museum, near Fornarelli in Macugnaga, is the first gold mine in the Alps open to tourist, cultural and educational visits — and Italy’s first “mine-museum”.
With an expert guide you retrace over 300 years of mining life: gold veins, equipment, working methods and the natural spectacle of caves and tunnels cut into Monte Rosa’s veins.
An authentic experience for families, schools and the curious — also a highlight of a weekend or mountain day trip: book now — booking is online.
The route
What you experience in the tunnels
A fully level, lit journey with a guide: about 45 minutes between mining history and underground wonder.
Veins and miners’ work
See the gold veins and the places where miners faced hard, risky work.
Videos and stories
Halfway through, a video illustrates methods and equipment; for the little ones, the local “crystal elves” tradition.
Book online
Secure your place in a few clicks
Online booking. Secure payment by card or PayPal. Instant confirmation by email. Ideal for a Macugnaga weekend, for families and anyone who wants to touch Monte Rosa’s gold history.
The history
Monte Rosa’s hidden treasure
On Monte Rosa, gold is not only traces in rivers: it is locked in rock folds, in deposits of auriferous pyrite among gneiss and mica schist.
The ancient mines of the Anzasca Valley — from San Carlo to Pestarena as far as Guia — tell centuries of toil, ingenuity and technical culture. Visiting Guia means entering that “theatre” of mining civilisation.
Further reading: minieradoro.it
Info pratiche
Where, when, what to know
- Durata
- Guided visit of about 45 minutes
- Route
- ~1.5 km round trip, entirely level and lit
- Dove
- Fornarelli / Guia, Macugnaga (VB) — Valle Anzasca, Monte Rosa
- Accessibility
- Suitable for people with disabilities and pushchairs
- Temperature
- ~9 °C and high humidity: a jacket is recommended. No animals.
- Booking
- Online on this portal, secure payment and email confirmation
Dove
Fornarelli / Guia, Macugnaga (VB) — Valle Anzasca, Monte Rosa
Durata
Guided visit of about 45 minutes · route ~1.5 km
Tunnel climate
~9 °C and high humidity: bring a jacket. No animals inside.
Typical summer season: early June to mid-September, with online booking and a minimum group size for safety (check current conditions when booking). From Pieve Vergonte or Piedimulera: about 45 minutes to Macugnaga.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the gold mine
How do I book the visit online?
Click Book now: the online booking form for the Guia Gold Mine opens. Complete payment and receive confirmation by email.
Where is it?
Near Fornarelli in Macugnaga (VB), in the Anzasca Valley at the foot of Monte Rosa — Guia Mine.
How long does it last and how long is the route?
About 45 minutes of guided visit; the route is about 1.5 km round trip, entirely level and lit.
Is it accessible for disabilities and pushchairs?
Yes: a single level usable also by visitors with disabilities and children in pushchairs.
What temperature is it? What should I bring?
About 9 °C with very high humidity: a jacket is recommended. Animals are not allowed.
Why is it worth it on a Macugnaga weekend?
It is Monte Rosa’s mining-history highlight: it pairs perfectly with the Walser House, walks and lifts. Ideal also on a day trip from Milan, Varese or Novara. Plan the weekend.
Who manages bookings on the booking portal?
Online booking is via the Macugnaga Booking portal – Experiences at the foot of Monte Rosa (Lem s.r.l. for Unione Montana and local operators). Secure payment by card or PayPal.
Information, prices and availability on the booking portal are provided by the operators. After booking you will receive the organisers’ contacts. Lem s.r.l. is not responsible for running the activities. More information