Activities · Hiking
From a flat two-and-three-quarter-hour family loop to a seven-hour ascent of Mottarone — no transfer, no trailhead car park, no queue.
Five waymarked hiking loops begin at the Lakeside Harmonies residence on Via Due Riviere, Baveno. The shortest is 8.95 km, the longest 20.8 km; elevation gain ranges from 170 m to 990 m, and walking time from about 2 h 45 m to about 7 h. A path through the woods behind the residence climbs towards Mottarone.
| Trail | Distance | Elevation | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selva Spessa – Refreshing Waters Loop | 11.9 km | 470 m | ~4 h | Intermediate |
| Giardino Botanico Alpinia Loop | 9.78 km | 450 m | ~3 h 15 m | Intermediate |
| Pisarota Waterfall Loop | 8.95 km | 480 m | ~3 h | Intermediate |
| Mottarone – Levo Loop | 20.8 km | 990 m | ~7 h | Expert |
| Selva Spessa Loop | 10 km | 170 m | ~2 h 45 m | Easy – Intermediate |
Shaded paths make this one perfect for warm days, with access to refreshing streams along the way. Forest cover for most of the route, and water where you want it.
Intermediate
Climbs to the Alpinia botanical garden, home to more than 700 alpine plant species, with wide views over the Borromean Islands on the way up and back down.
Intermediate
Leads to a secluded waterfall that is at its best after rainfall — worth timing to the weather. The shortest of the five, though not the easiest.
Intermediate
The big one: a challenging hike over technical terrain up to the Mottarone ridge, with the whole of Lake Maggiore below you. Start early, carry water, and check the forecast.
Expert
The gentlest option — 170 metres of climbing across ten kilometres — and the one we point families and casual walkers towards first.
Easy – Intermediate
The Selva Spessa Loop — 10 km, 170 m of climbing, about 2 h 45 m, rated easy to intermediate. Flattest of the five and forgiving with children.
Yes — the Mottarone–Levo Loop, 20.8 km and 990 m of gain, roughly 7 hours, rated expert with technical sections. If that is more than you want, the Stresa cable car reaches the summit in minutes.
Late April to June and September to October: comfortable temperatures, clear air, best views. In high summer take the shaded, stream-fed Selva Spessa routes. Visit the Pisarota waterfall shortly after rain.
Proper walking shoes with grip — the terrain is steep and can be loose — plus water, sun protection and a light layer for the ridge. Phone signal is patchy in the woods, so download your route before you leave. Ask us and we will show you where each loop begins.
Boots by the door
Both our homes are at the trailhead — and both have a pool waiting for you when you get back.
