Lago di Mergozzo - Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta Travel Guide

When driving from Verbania around the Borromean Gulf to Baveno or Stresa, or via Gravellona Toce to Lake Orta, it is easy to overlook Lago di Mergozzo, at whose western tip lies the town of Mergozzo.

This lake was originally connected to Lake Maggiore; it was only in the 9th century that it was cut off from it by the alluvial deposits of the Toce.

Because of its separation from Lake Maggiore, Lago di Mergozzo is considerably warmer, and its campsites and beaches are therefore very popular with those in the know, especially as it is also considered one of the cleanest northern Italian lakes.

The shores and mountain slopes around the lake are also less built-up than around Lake Maggiore.


Framed by the foothills of the Val d'Ossola, the ash-tree valley, lies the village of Mergozzo, whose medieval layout is still well preserved.

Once known for its position on the old trade route from Italy over the Simplon Pass (Sempione) into the Valais, Mergozzo, with its little pedestrian lanes, precious churches and modest houses, feels like a dream from a bygone age.

The lakeside promenade of the little town is particularly beautiful and well kept.


Mont'Orfano (794 m) separates Mergozzo and Lago di Mergozzo from the busy Toce valley.

In the village of the same name, thanks to its remote location, the Romanesque church of S. Giovanni Battista from the 11th century still stands almost perfectly preserved, with an early Christian baptismal font.


A small path leads to a nearby viewpoint with a splendid outlook over the Borromean Gulf and the mouth of the Toce where it flows into Lake Maggiore.

On fine days a hike to the summit of Mont'Orfano is also worthwhile, with a unique view of the two lakes and the mouth of the Toce. Although Mont'Orfano is a hamlet of Mergozzo, no sign points the way from there. The easiest way to reach the village is from the expressway from Verbania to Gravellona Toce.

In the Verbania region, in the Cadarese district of 28866 Premia (VB), 800 m above sea level, there is a beautiful, newly built thermal spa. Premia lies in the Valle Antigorio, about 20 minutes' drive from Domodossola. The spa is closed on Mondays; further information can be found on the website (Italian only).

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Picture book "Val Grande – Wege in die Einsamkeit"