Territory

The Territory of Lake Maggiore

Travelling should be a personal revelation designed by our inclinations. Lakes Maggiore, Orta, Mergozzo and the picks and valleys of Ossola, seem to have been expecially created to accept the challenge of this invitation. A microcosm of emotions to explore following our instincts and our passions.

Three islands form the archipelago in the centre of the Borromeo Gulf: Isola Pescatori, with its picturesque lanes, shops and typical restaurants; and Isola Bella and Isola Madre, both property of the noble Borromeo Family, whose two palaces contain works of arts of inestimable value. The territory boasts a wide choice of qualified international structures and services, vicinity to Milan and Malpensa International Airport, optimal connections with Switzerland and France, special events and high quality leisure time entertainment. The colossal Statue of San Carlo in Arona is one of the tallest in the world.

TheMottarone

From Piazzale Lido, in the hamlet Carciano Stresa, the Cableway Stresa-Alpino-Mottarone starts. It takes 20 minutes to reach an altitude of 1.492 m above sea level and brings 40 people per cage.
The Mottarone situated between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, is considered one of the most beautiful natural balconies in the whole Piedmont, and not only. Its orographical formation allows the tourist's gaze to sweep over 360° from the Po Valley to the summits of the Alps. The visitor's eye is struck by the summit of Monte Rosa and by the seven lakes (Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo, Lake Varese, Lake Camabbio, Lake Monate, Lake Biandronno) lying in a natural basin, which give the impression you can take them with the hand of fantasy.
The Mottarone is not only breathtaking view, but also land amusement and diversion in every season: it's possible to practice winter sports (21 ski-slopes), go trekking, hand-gliding, make exciting descents from the top by mountain bike on properly marked paths, also renting a bycicle right on the spot, relax at the table with typical menus of the region in the characteristic restaurants. For nature lovers moreover, 300 metres from the intermediate stop of the cableway in the hamlet Alpino, we suggest to visit the Botanical Garden Alpinia with over 500 essences, unique of its kind for the typology of its plants, solely of alpine origin.
If you love nature, if you imagine fantastic landscapes, if you look for amusement and relaxation, make your dreams come true &…come to discover the Cableway Stresa-Alpino-Mottarone, the ideal means of transport for singles, families and groups, for an inimitable excursion in contact with the nature.

Orta lake

Lake Orta is one of the most captivating areas of Piemont. Two circuits “Girolago” and several minor hiking and mountain bike itineraries lead round the lake. Strolling around Orta the visitor breathes in an atmosphere of magic and the small town vaunts an impressive cultural and artistic heritage rich in splendid palaces, baroque churches, villas, gardens and medieval towers. The Island of San Giulio, with its lovely Romanesque church, can be easily reached by boat.  The area surrounding Lake Orta is the cradle of a rich craft and industrial tradition offering high quality products. Among the values sectors represented in this area the housewares sector produces design items that can be seen in the most important museums around the world. Company stores and outlets offer high quality goods at extremely competitive prices ( Bialetti, Barazzoni ecc.)

Ossola Valley

Ossola is surrounded by the Alpine Natural Parks Alpe Veglia, Devero and the first National Park of the Italian Alps: Valle Grande. Domodossola is the main town in the Ossola valley, from where you can reach about 150 km. of ski-slopes within one hour. Situated near the Swiss border it gives opportunity to experience the difference between the Swiss and Italian way of life. Ossola can also easily be reached by train with arrival at the Domodossola international railway- and bus station. The world of Milano is only about one hour away. Lowest natural border from Ossola with Switzerland in the North-West  is the Simplon pass, 2005 m. Highest point is the Punta Dufour, 4635 m.
 
Most important winter sport resorts: Macugnaga, San Domenico, Alpe Devero, Formazza, Domobianca (photo above), Valle Vigezzo-La Piana (photo above) and Montarrone. The Ossola Valley offers the opportunity to reach easily about 150 km. of slopes in this spectacular, natural area. Ossola is also a paradise for ski-alpinism: webpage ski-alpinism .

Ossola: a region with Palm trees and glaciers.
There are 7 valleys in Ossola: Anzasca, Antrona, Bosnaco, Divedro,Antigorio, Formazza, Isorno, Vigezzo and Val Grande.

Trips and Free Time

Discover the flavours and tastes of the lakes, mountains and valleys.

The territory of the Distretto Turistico dei Laghi, Monti e Valli dell’Ossola covers a vast area that extends from the scenic localities along the shores of Lakes Maggiore, Orta and Mergozzo to the majestic alpine valleys, especially rich in tradition and folklore. To this variety of landscapes, a precious resource for an active tourist industry, corresponds an equally rich eno-gastronomic offering; from the flavours of the mountain valleys, with their exclusive cheeses and typical cured meats, to the delicacies of the lakes with
their traditional fish dishes and assortment of sweets and confections. Starting from the tables of the numerous characteristic eating establishments, many of which can boast important international recognition, a voyage of discovery can be initiated: discovery of a territory that will delight not only the eye but the palate as well and discovery of a culture and the people who have treasured and preserved its precious secrets. This brief guide is an invitation to explore these intersecting worlds which have endured for generations and which we would like to share with all our guests and visitors.