Punta dei Camosci

Bättelmatthorn is a 3,046-metre peak rising above Formazza, one of the highest-altitude villages in Piedmont. The mountain sits directly on the Italian-Swiss border, separating the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola from the canton of Valais, and forms part of the Lepontine Alps, within the Monte Leone–St. Gotthard subgroup. On the Italian side it's also known as Punta dei Camosci — a name that hints at the wildlife found here, since chamois regularly graze on the rocky slopes below the summit.

Where exactly is Bättelmatthorn?

The peak straddles the Italy-Switzerland border right next to Formazza, at roughly 46.44°N, 8.35°E. This is a stretch of the Alps where the landscape pays no attention to national lines — the ridge runs straight through, with the same rugged rock faces and stony terrain on both sides.

How do you get to the trail?

The most practical starting point is Formazza, from where paths climb into the high-altitude reaches of the valley. Hikers heading for the summit typically use Rifugio Città di Busto, on the Italian side of the ridge, as their base for the final stretch. From there the route turns into classic high-mountain terrain — rocky, exposed, and best suited to people with prior alpine hiking experience given the altitude involved.

What will you see along the way?

The approach passes through scenery typical of the high Lepontine Alps: rocky ridgelines, glacial tarns, and wide views toward the neighbouring peaks of the Monte Leone–St. Gotthard subgroup. From the top, the panorama takes in both the Italian side of the Formazza valley and the Swiss Valais beyond the border. It's a destination for hikers who prefer a quieter, less-crowded stretch of border ridge compared with the better-known summits nearby.

When is the best time to visit?

Sitting above 3,000 metres, Bättelmatthorn keeps snow and ice cover for much of the year. The summer window, roughly July to September, is when the approach and the refuge are most accessible without winter gear. Outside that window, conditions can call for crampons and an ice axe, so it's worth checking current trail conditions before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Bättelmatthorn? The summit reaches 3,046 metres and belongs to the Lepontine Alps.

Is Bättelmatthorn in Italy or Switzerland? It sits right on the border between the two — between the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and the canton of Valais.

Where's the best place to start the hike? Formazza is the most convenient starting point, with Rifugio Città di Busto serving as the base for the final approach.

Is the route suitable for beginners? Not really — this is high-mountain terrain above 3,000 metres that calls for good fitness and alpine experience, plus winter gear outside the summer months.