SLOW CITY 

Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo, Ossola Valleys 

PIEMONTE Italy

Ecotourism in the villages of Piedmontese lakes district: culture, nature, and traditions  

A holiday in the villages of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo and the Ossola Valleys means immersing yourself in an experience of slow and conscious tourism. It means going to the discovery of the hinterland, so close to the unmissable attractions of the region. It means enriching yourself with goodies of culture, art, history, and local lifestyle… Take home a holiday with an indelible memory.

SLOW CITY, a journey through the best villages between the lakes and mountains of northern Piedmont, is truly for everyone: couples on a romantic getaway, families looking for the perfect combination of leisure and relaxation, small groups ready to discover the territory with different eyes. 

On this journey we always start, with love, from here. Lake Maggiore, the Dolce Vita: thanks to unique jewels such as the Borromeo Islands and the botanical gardens, it was a source of inspiration for writers, artists and musicians from all over Europe who made it a favourite destination on the Grand Tour. Lake Orta, romanticism and spirituality: a casket of nature, art and faith described in the works of writers such as Balzac, Rodari, Montale and Soldati, today it is also the cradle of great names in the Italian household. Lake Mergozzo, the little one: a peaceful corner a few kilometres from Lake Maggiore, small yes, but which over the centuries has been able to donate its splendid marble to the great work of the Milan Cathedral. Ossola Valleys, the Alps: a mountain to be experienced all year round with excursions for young and old and joys of taste, where there is no shortage of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.

Among these wonderful views, the gaze turns to small ancient worlds made of welcoming squares, elegant buildings, great monuments, and curious museums that dot the green and blue landscapes of the region. Places where art and history blend with nature. Where popular tradition and memories are still so strong as to offer excellent food&wine, quality craftsmanship, lively festivals, and centuries-old celebrations. Where tourists meet and mingle with locals. Here also country or boutique-style accommodation helps to offer exciting experiences.

During our trip we then touch the "Bandiera Arancione" towns Arona, Cannero Riviera and Cannobio on Lake Maggiore, Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta, Mergozzo on the lake of the same name, and finally Vogogna, Macugnaga, Santa Maria Maggiore and Malesco in the Ossola Valleys. Not only that, because Orta San Giulio, pearl of Lake Orta, and the medieval Vogogna in lower Ossola are also among the "Borghi più belli d’Italia". These two brands are synonymous with the protection and enhancement of the important historical, cultural, and environmental heritage of our villages.

Domodossola is in turn "Borgo della Cultura": a thousand years of history to tell in the Ossola capital town.

And then there are the places where people have inherited the culture of the past, an expression of values, beliefs, and knowledge. You dive into the tradition on Isola dei Pescatori: a picturesque village suspended over the waters of Lake Maggiore, where fishing has always been carried out by the inhabitants. There are Macugnaga and Formazza, one at the foot of the majestic Monte Rosa and the other in front of the wonderful Toce Waterfall: here the Walser people originally coming from Switzerland brought their own language, customs, folklore as evidence of an alpine culture without borders, handed down from generation to generation.

Distretto Turistico dei Laghi is the official Tourism Board for information and promotion of LAKE MAGGIORE, LAKE ORTA, LAKE MERGOZZO and the OSSOLA VALLEYS.

Visit our official tourism portal! The MEDIA ROOM, available to trade and media operators as well, includes a 9 language-Press Kit describing the whole tourist offer of the destination, a Photo and a Video Gallery while Maps, Brochures and Guides to the territory are accessible in the EBOOK section.