Every summer Sunday until September 14, you can reach the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso by boat from Laveno Mombello in just 20 minutes — the perfect opportunity to explore one of the most fascinating places on the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore.
And to make your day even more special, choose one of the five experiences designed for you by Varese DoYouLake?.
Traveling by train? Take advantage of Trenord’s integrated ticket Train + Lake Navigation, allowing you to travel from any location in Lombardy to Laveno Mombello and then continue by boat to the Hermitage.

The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso at Sunset

Want to spend an afternoon on Lake Maggiore and enjoy the Hermitage at sunset?

Arrive comfortably by car at Santa Caterina del Sasso and park nearby. From there, board the 3:05 pm boat to Laveno Mombello.

Once in Laveno Mombello, the choice is yours: enjoy a relaxing lakeside stroll or take the adventurous cable car ride to the panoramic viewpoint atop Sasso del Ferro.

At 5:30 pm, board the return boat to the Hermitage and enjoy a guided tour in the magical light of evening.

At 6 pm on Sundays, as visitors leave, the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso returns to silence. It's the perfect time for a guided visit — peaceful, golden-hued, and serene.

The tour lasts about one hour and starts at the dock.

The Flavours of Santa Caterina

Want to visit the Hermitage and savour the tastes of Varese?

Leave your car in the city and reach Santa Caterina del Sasso by train and boat — one of the most stunning locations on Lake Maggiore.

Thanks to the new direct lake connection, every summer Sunday you can board the 2:00 pm boat in Laveno Mombello and arrive at the Hermitage in time for the 2:30 pm guided tour — your guide will greet you right at the dock!
The guided tour lasts about one hour. Afterward, taste some of the local specialties of Varese as you ascend the scenic stairway to the Quicchio terrace — or take the elevator for extra comfort.

Need a tip?
From Milano Cadorna, take the 10:52 train, arriving in Laveno Mombello at 12:23 — perfect for a walk and a bite before catching the boat to the Hermitage.

The Water Workshops: A Magical Start Before Crossing to the Hermitage

Curious about the history of navigation on Lake Maggiore?

Leave your car in the city and take the train to Laveno Mombello, one of the lake’s most charming towns.
As soon as you get off the train, visit Officine dell’Acqua, a restored historic railway complex now home to a museum showcasing vintage boats, naval carpentry tools, and stories of lake navigation and craftsmanship.

From Laveno Mombello, depart at 2:00 pm by boat to reach Santa Caterina del Sasso for the 2:30 pm guided tour. Before returning on the 4:35 pm boat, relax under the enchanting wisteria with a lake view.

Sailing the Borromean Gulf

Want to see the most scenic views of Lake Maggiore?

In summer 2025, exploring the Borromean Gulf — between Leggiuno, Stresa and Laveno Mombello — has never been easier: every Sunday, you can reach the three most iconic viewpoints by boat.

On Isola Bella, admire the lake from the upper terrace of the Teatro, built by Vitaliano Borromeo in the 17th century.
In Laveno Mombello, ride the historic bucket-lift to the top of Sasso del Ferro for breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore, Lake Mergozzo, Val d’Ossola, and Valcuvia.
At sunset, reach the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and be enchanted by its 1624 portico glowing in the evening light.

Not sure how?
Reach the Hermitage by car and take the 9:40 am boat to Isola Bella. At 1:00 pm, board the boat to Carciano, then on to Laveno Mombello, arriving at 1:55 pm.
Enjoy the ascent to Sasso del Ferro and at 5:30 pm take the boat back to Santa Caterina del Sasso to catch the sunset — on your own or with the 6:00 pm guided tour.

From Arona to the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso

Want to explore both shores of Lake Maggiore?

Easily reach Arona by train — the birthplace of Saint Charles Borromeo. If you’ve never seen the giant Sancarlone statue, this is your chance: a 30-minute walk from the station takes you to the monument that inspired the Statue of Liberty.

At 12:15 pm, board the boat to Santa Caterina del Sasso. After a snack at the Locanda, enjoy the 2:30 pm guided tour of the Hermitage.
At 4:35 pm, the boat will take you to Laveno Mombello, where you can enjoy a lakeside stroll before your train home.

Need a tip?
From Milano Centrale, take the 8:25 am train to Arona. For your return, catch the 6:28 pm train from Laveno Mombello Lago to Milano Cadorna.