Take an off-grid vacation in Bognago, Piedmont

Sara travels throughout Europe, visiting communities, off-grid (vacation) locations, and households where sustainability plays a role. At each location, she stays for about a month and works as a volunteer. She does this to immerse herself in that way of life and to paint an authentic picture of daily life there.

She’d like to share one of the special places she’s visited. An off-grid village in Piedmont in northern Italy. A hidden paradise called Bognago!

You can also stay at this unique place yourself; read more about it below.

Bognano: A Sustainable and Self-Sufficient Village

The village is completely off-grid. That means that not a single house is connected to the municipal sewer, electricity, or water systems. Bognago generates all of its own electricity and water. Manager Viana explains how it all works in the video below:

New Center for Natural Living

Twenty-five-year-old Viana has taken on the responsibility of breathing new life into Bognago. The village, which is owned by her family, holds a special place in her heart, and she feels called to care for it now and build something of value there. Her father discovered the place in the 1970s. The village has served many purposes over the years, ranging from a mountain hut for shepherds to a shelter for troubled youth.

Viana’s goal is to turn Bognago into a beautiful place where people can come together and enjoy the tranquility of nature. She wants to create a center for Art, Spirituality, and a Natural Lifestyle. Bognago’s natural setting and size are designed to foster a sense of community, bringing people together and enabling them to work as a team.

That’s why she runs the village with the help of volunteers and the support of friends and family.

Working During Your Off-Grid Vacation

Currently, the team at Bognano is working on renovating the buildings and rooms. They are establishing a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle, for example by creating a vegetable garden. So you can contribute in all sorts of ways to building this special place. There are seven usable buildings in the village. They all need attention so that both visitors and residents can stay there comfortably in the future.

How do you get to this hidden paradise?

Bognago is accessible only on foot. It is located in the Piedmont region. In the Valle Cannobina, to be precise, just west of Lake Maggiore. A beautiful 45-minute walk through the woods takes you to this remote village. It’s quite a challenge to go grocery shopping when you live so far from everything.

Fortunately, you can do your grocery shopping in the nearby town of Domodossola. Thanks to a private cable car, you don’t have to carry your purchases on your back for the entire 45-minute trip. Viana, however, still has to walk the 45 minutes there and back every time she goes anywhere.

For Viana, grocery shopping is even more of a challenge because she doesn’t have a car and always has to hitchhike or take a taxi to Domodossola. Their regular local taxi driver, Marco, is always ready to help.

If you’re visiting Bognago by public transportation, you’ll likely meet your driver, Marco, for the last leg of your trip. He speaks only Italian, but his smile says it all. He’s a friendly man with a passion for cats.

The trip to Bognano by train

The trip to Bognago by public transportation is long but beautiful. It’s definitely worth it. From Milan, first take a train or bus to Domodossola, a town surrounded by stunning mountains. The next train is somewhat hidden, since the departure point is underground in the station! From Domodossola to Malesco, you can enjoy breathtaking views as you travel on a very charming, old-fashioned little train: the panoramic Centovalli Railway.

For the last leg of the journey to Orasso, where the forest hike to Bognago begins, you can join Marco, or opt for a more adventurous option by hitchhiking. Orasso is a small village with just a handful of residents and a coffee shop.

Off-grid vacation or volunteer stay

There are two ways to experience Bognano for yourself. You can stay in Bognano by volunteering in the village. This gives you the chance to experience the country in a much more authentic way. Although you’re not on “vacation” because you’re working, it still feels like a vacation. In exchange for your efforts, you’ll receive room and board.

You’ll learn how to garden, renovate, or even play the guitar, depending on what the area has to offer.

You’ll also meet people from all over the world. It’s easier to share special moments and make genuine connections because you eat, work, and relax together. It often feels like a second family. In your free time, you can enjoy hiking and swimming in the area, board games, movie nights, and other activities.

Finally, you’ll find yourself in a beautiful nature reserve that you wouldn’t normally visit. It’s a unique experience that feels much more authentic than, say, visiting the Trevi Fountain in Rome. You’ll have access to hiking trails unknown to the general public, and your host will share valuable insights about the area.

Off-grid vacation in Bognano: peace and nature

You can also choose to stay in Bognago as your vacation destination. If you really want to unwind in nature, away from civilization, Bognago is the perfect destination. This village, surrounded by mountains, offers the chance to enjoy breathtaking nature in peace every day. There are many hiking trails around Bognano, including a well-known route that runs through the village but, fortunately, isn’t crowded.

It’s fun to see the surprised expressions on hikers’ faces when they stumble upon this lively little village by chance during their hike. These encounters often lead to pleasant conversations over a cup of coffee with strangers who are very curious about the village.

Traveling to Bognano on Your Own

Bognano is the perfect place to visit on your own. There are always people from different countries there, so you won’t feel lonely. There are many beautiful hiking trails through unspoiled nature. Viana, the hostess, is an experienced hiker and has helpful tips for hiking in the area.

Amenities in Bognano for Your Off-Grid Vacation

Bognago actually offers all the amenities of modern homes—something that is quite unique and luxurious compared to other mountain villages and cabins. Hot running water and flush toilets are available. Although life in Bognago is comfortable, it is not the kind of luxury we are used to in the city. All resources must be used sparingly, and simple luxuries like heating must be earned, since all homes are heated with wood-burning stoves.

It is precisely these experiences that contribute to the feeling of being deep in nature. As a guest at Bognago, you have the option of having breakfast and dinner provided, and if you choose this option, Viana will personally cook for you.

Benefits of an Off-Grid Vacation

Taking an off-grid vacation has many benefits. First and foremost, you’re doing a great service to the community itself. Especially in Bognano, where they’re still in the process of rebuilding, they’re very grateful for all your help. What’s more, you become more self-reliant; you meet other people and become more aware of your surroundings and your diet. You’ll often stay in remote locations, surrounded by nature. There’s often a strong sense of community at off-grid vacation spots. You help each other and work together toward shared local goals.

Benefits of Off-Grid Living

Living off-grid does require some adjustments (and investments), but it also has many advantages:

• You’re less dependent on external services and suppliers and have more autonomy and control over your own life. Furthermore, costs may be lower in the long run. Although the initial investment in off-grid systems—such as solar panels, water purification systems, and water storage systems—can be high, you’ll save money in the long run by not having to pay monthly utility bills.
• Environmental friendliness is another important benefit. By using renewable energy sources such as solar power, you reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
• Off-grid living also encourages a natural lifestyle, which means living closer to nature. This, in turn, leads to a more conscious and sustainable use of natural resources and a healthier lifestyle. You also gain a deep awareness and understanding of the reality of our world, the finite nature of resources, and the cycles of nature.
• In addition, off-grid living offers peace and privacy. Living in a remote location means you’re far away from the hustle and bustle of the city and can enjoy a serene environment. Living in a natural setting and avoiding urban noise and pollution can contribute to better physical and mental health.
• Another positive side effect is that off-grid living often requires creative solutions and innovations to overcome everyday challenges.