• Active & Green

Unforgettable Experiences on Lake Maggiore

from Redazione Varese
  1. Experiences in Lombardy
  2. Lake Vacations
  3. Unforgettable Experiences on Lake Maggiore

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.

Arriva comodamente in auto all’Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso, lascia l’auto nel parcheggio vicino e da lì imbarcati verso Laveno Mombello con la corsa delle 15.05
Arrivato a Laveno Mombello a te la scelta: una tranquilla passeggiata lungolago oppure un’avventurosa salita in funivia fino al balcone panoramico del Sasso del Ferro. Alle 17.30, riprendi il battello verso l’Eremo per goderti la visita guidata sul far della sera. La domenica alle 18, l’Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso saluta il chiacchierio dei tanti visitatori, e il silenzio lentamente torna tra le sue antiche mura. È uno degli orari più adatti ad una visita guidata, con il tempo calmo, i colori caldi, la pace della sera. La visita guidata dura circa 1 ora e prende avvio dalla zona dell’imbarcadero.
Lascia l’auto in città e raggiungi in treno e battello l’Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso, uno dei luoghi più affascinanti del Lago Maggiore
Grazie al nuovo collegamento diretto via lago, ogni domenica d’estate puoi imbarcarti alle 14 a Laveno Mombello, arrivare all’Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso via lago e partecipare alla visita guidata delle 14.30: la guida ti attende direttamente allo sbarco all’Eremo! Il percorso guidato dura circa 1 ora. Al termine, potrai degustare alcuni dei prodotti enogastronomici del Varesotto risalendo la panoramica scalinata sino al piazzale del Quicchio o salendo comodamente in ascensore.
Lascia l’auto in città e raggiungi in treno Laveno Mombello, uno dei borghi più belli del Lago Maggiore
Appena sceso dal treno, visita le Officine dell’Acqua, il grande progetto di recupero degli spazi storici dello scalo ferroviario di Laveno Mombello in cui è nato Il Museo delle Officine dell’Acqua, custode di un’eccezionale collezione di imbarcazioni d’epoca, strumenti di carpenteria navale e racconti di un passato legato alla navigazione e all’artigianato. Da Laveno Mombello, alle 14 parti per solcare le acque del Lago Maggiore e scoprire l’Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso con la visita guidata delle 14.30. Prima di rientrare a Laveno Mombello con il battello delle 16.35, goditi un po’ di relax sotto il meraviglioso glicine che guarda il lago.
Nell’estate 2025, navigare all’interno del golfo Borromeo del lago Maggiore tra Leggiuno, Stresa e Laveno Mombello non è mai stato così facile: ogni domenica potrai raggiungere via lago i 3 punti panoramici più amati
Sull’Isola Bella, goditi l’affaccio verso lago della terrazza superiore del Teatro, una meraviglia voluta da Vitaliano Borromeo nel XVII secolo. A Laveno Mombello, sali con la storica bidonvia sino al balcone del Sasso del Ferro: vedrai il lago Maggiore verso sud e verso nord, il lago di Mergozzo, la val D’Ossola e la Valcuvia. All’ora del tramonto, raggiungi l’Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso con il suo portico del 1624: resterai incantato dalle architetture e dai colori del tramonto.
Raggiungi agevolmente in treno Arona, luogo natio di San Carlo Borromeo
Se non conosci la statua del Sancarlone, è il momento di rimediare: dalla stazione con una passeggiata di 30 minuti raggiungi l’opera che fece da modello alla costruzione della statua della libertà a New York. Alle 12.15 prendi la barca che ti porterà all’Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso e, dopo uno spuntino alla Locanda, scopri l’Eremo con la visita guidata delle 14.30. Alle 16.35, il battello ti aspetta per portarti a Laveno Mombello dove potrai passeggiare lungo il lago prima di rientrare in treno.

On the same topic

Show all

Journey to the centre of the earth in Lombardy

Discover the secrets of Lombardy's mines: history, culture, mystery, and trade in the heart of the mountains
  • Active & Green
Viaggio al centro della terra, in Lombardia

Castelveccana

Breathtaking views and green woods characterize Castelveccana, a charming village situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
  • Active & Green
Castelveccana and its districts, among cycle tourism, history and culture

Five waterfalls to visit in Lombardy

Five ideas for a trip out of town to enjoy the spectacular waterfalls and picturesque scenery of Lombardy.
  • Active & Green
Five waterfalls to visit in Lombardy- ph@istock - inlombardia

Secret nature in Bergamo and Brescia

Hidden parks and botanical gardens, amidst old palaces and monasteries, to rediscover the bond between nature, history and art.
  • Active & Green
(Ph: I Mille)

Noci park

The Parco delle Noci, located in Melegnano, is one of the first Urban Oasis built in Italy.
  • Active & Green
Noci Park

Bruschera Oasis

On the shore of Lake Maggiore, it is a small paradise, a place of passage and nesting of various species of birds.
  • Active & Green
Visit the Bruschera Oasis and the cane thickets on Lake Maggiore

Sports Tourism Lombardy

The different landscapes of this area of ​​Lombardy allow every sportsman to experiment with different disciplines
  • Active & Green
Sports tourism Lombardy, adventurous proposals

Greenway Voghera - Varzi

A green way towards the Appennines
  • Active & Green
Greenway Voghera - Varzi

Doing sports in Varese

From rowing on the lake to gliding. From cycling to trekking. From golf to horse riding. Tips for playing sports in Varese
  • Active & Green
Doing sports in Varese

Gardens Milan

Spring is the best time of year to enjoy a green Milan with unexpected views
  • Active & Green
Gardens Milan, guide for visiting

Montorfano oasis

Here is a forest reborn thanks to WWF: the Oasis of Montorfano, in the Municipality of Melegnano.
  • Active & Green
Montorfano Oasis

Valsassina and the Grigne

From one-day trips that anyone can enjoy, to climbing on the vertical walls of the Grigne, through to splendid hikes leading up to the mountain refuges
  • Active & Green
Valsassina and the Grigne

Resegone and Piani d’Erna

A real mountain holiday. Chilling and fun for the whole family. Piani d'Erna and the most extreme climbs on the vertical rock walls of Manzoni's mountain
  • Active & Green
Il Resegone e i Piani d’Erna

Discover the province of Varese

5 must-see places to visit in Varese
  • Active & Green
A dirt path crosses a rural landscape at sunset, surrounded by golden fields and green vegetation. To the right, there is a small stone chapel with a cross on its facade, while to the left, large trees can be seen under a cloudy sky illuminated by the warm colors of the sunset. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, with the contrast between the golden light and the lengthening evening shadows.

Levadina

Walking in the Levadina Oasis of San Donato Milanese, an opportunity to spend an afternoon immersed in nature.
  • Active & Green
Levadina

Discovering the Big Benches in the province of Pavia

How to reconnect with childhood by rediscovering the landscape with the Big Benches!
  • Active & Green
Big Bench in provincia di Pavia

Birdwatching in Lombardy

Parks, nature reserves and oases where you can take a glimpse into the secret lives of birds
  • Active & Green
Birdwatching in Lombardy

Oasis of San Giuliano Milanese

Urban oasis of San Giuliano Milanese: the demonstration of the green that wins in the middle of the cement.
  • Active & Green
Oasis of San Giuliano Milanese

Foppe di trezzo

Trip outside the town of Trezzo d'Adda to discover a small but very suggestive WWF oasis.
  • Active & Green
Foppe di Trezzo

Visit to Val Gerola

  • Active & Green
Val Gerola