The Lake Maggiore (from the lat.Lacus Maximus) who too Lake Verbano is called (from the Lepontisch-Celtic words Ver (big and Benn (Container) and later used by the Romans in lat.Verbanus Lacus Latinized), in German also often as Langensee is a pre-Alpine lake of Ice Age origin, whose southwestern waters are in Italy and northeast portion in the Switzerland lies.
Regions
The western / northwestern part of the lake basin belongs to Italian region Piedmont. The provinces share the bank Novara in the west and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in the north-west.
The northeastern part of the lake basin belongs to the Locarno district in the Swiss Canton Ticino. Its south-eastern bank is called Gambarogno while the north-eastern bank is called Kreis Isole, Locarno and Kreis Navegna.
The southwestern part of the lake basin belongs to the region Lombardy. Its banks belong to the province Varese.
80.1% of the area of the lake is in Italy, the remaining 19.9% in Switzerland.
places
Lake Maggiore is surrounded by numerous small and medium-sized towns. The most important of these are:
- 1 Arona
- City on the southwestern bank of the lake with its castle. Two kilometers north of Arona, a 23 m (75½ feet) high copper colossal statue (35 m, 115 feet with a base) was completed by Charles Borromeo in 1697, which was the highest accessible from the inside until the start of construction of the Statue of Liberty for New York in France Statue was. - 2 Locarno - Swiss city in the north of the lake, known for its annual film festival in August «Pardo», Its little castle« Castello dei Visconti »and the sanctuary and pilgrimage church« Madonna del Sasso », enthroned high above the city on a rocky promontory.
- 3 Luino - The only larger place on the east bank of the lake with a well-known market.
- 4 Stresa - On the west side of the Borromean Gulf, which still exudes the charm of a sophisticated luxury spa today, with its beautiful promenade and the very elegant hotel buildings and villas from the Belle Epoque Time. Even the Orient Express stopped here earlier.
- 5 Verbania - Largest city on the lake, which is made up of the suburbs Intra, Pallanza and Suna. The botanical gardens of Villa Taranto, a gift from its founder, Captain Neil Mac Eacharn, are well worth a visit. Thousands of plants imported from all over the world, as well as rare botanical collections, some of which are unique in Europe, can be admired here.
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Smaller but not uninteresting places are:
- 6 Ascona - A place on the Swiss side with a beautiful promenade and a beautiful free beach as well as the largest golf course in Sopraceneri.
- 7 Brissago - westernmost place on the Swiss side, on the north shore of Lake Maggiore, between Porto Ronco and Cannobio in Italy.
- 8 Cannobio - Italian place south Ascona known for its market every Sunday, beautiful lake promenade, large, free parking lot (except on Sundays), pretty old town.
- Ronco s / Ascona - place between Ascona and Brissago halfway up with a magnificent view of Lake Maggiore.
Islands
There are a total of 11 islands in Lake Maggiore; eight islands in Piedmont, two in Ticino, and a single in the Lombardy.
- Borromean Islands - In front of Stresa are three of the five Borromean Islands: Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori (also known as Isola Superiore), and between the two the islet of Scoglio della Malghera. The other two, Isolino di San Giovanni and Isola Madre, are in front of the Verbania opposite.
- Brissago Islands - Porto Ronco upstream are the two Isole di Brissago: Isola di San Pancrazio (Isola Grande) and Isola di Sant’Apollinare (Isolino).
- Cannero Islands - In the north of Cannero Riviera The castle ruins and dungeons of the Castelli di Cannero are located on two islets.
- Partegora island - Islets in the small bay of Angera.
Other goals
- Cardada and Cimetta the local mountain of Brione, Locarno, Minusio, Muralto and Orselina.
- Mottarone Mountain - A cable car from Stresa Lido takes you through the hills above the lake with a panoramic view of the Borromean Gulf and its islands. A 360 ° view of the lake and the Alps in the district is possible from the top. In summer it is a good place for hiking or painting and in winter you can go there as well as in Cimetta To ski.
- Valle Vigezzo - Valley of the Hundred Valleys (Centovalli) on the Ticino side, east of Domodossola and west of Locarno.
- Maggia Valley - valley northwest of Locarno at the end of which there is a glacier area that can be reached by cable car.
- Verzasca valley - valley north of Locarno that invites you to swim in the river.
- Cannobinatal - valley west of Cannobio with very narrow and steep gorges.
language
Colloquial language is predominantly that Italian language with one typical of north-east Italy w: Galloital Galloital Pronunciation and the Bosin dialect spoken on the southern and southwestern shores of the lake as well as on the Piedmontese north side of the lake and in Ticino sopraceneri usual Ticino dialect. These two dialects are regional expressions of the common West-Lombard dialect Laghee which varies depending on the environment, with considerable regional linguistic contribution. Between valley and valley, and sometimes even between individual places, there are therefore different nuances and vocabulary that have developed over the past centuries, especially in the most isolated valleys. German is the first foreign language especially in the larger towns such as Stresa, Verbania, but also in smaller ones like Cannero Riviera, Cannobio as well as many places of the Locarno district widespread.
background
Lake Maggiore extends from the southern Alpine chain of the Lepontine Alps to the edge of the Po plain. Like the other northern Italian lakes, it was formed when ice age glaciers melted. Especially in the northern part it is surrounded by high rock walls.
The lake level is on average 193 m above sea level. (646 feet above sea level). The lake is 64.37 km (40 miles) long (between towns Magadino and Sesto Calende) and up to 10.8 km (6.7 miles) wide (between towns Feriolo and Laveno). It is 212.5 km² (82 mi²) after the Lake garda The second largest lake at 370.4 km² (143 mi²) Italy. The greatest depth is 372 m, so the bottom of the lake is more than 170 m below sea level. This makes Lake Maggiore the deepest lake in Switzerland.
The catchment area is 6,386 km² (3,326 km² in Switzerland and 3,060 km² in Italy).
climate
The places by the lake have a mild, humid, temperate climate with warm summers and no dry season. Over the course of a year, the temperature varies from –1 ° C to 28 ° C and is rarely below –4 ° C or above 31 ° C .
The warm season lasts from the beginning of June to the beginning of September with an average daily maximum temperature of over 24 ° C. The hottest days of the year are towards the end of July with an average high of 28 ° C and a low of 17 ° C.
The cold season lasts from mid-November to the end of February with an average daily high temperature below 11 ° C. The coldest days of the year are early to mid-January, with an average high of 6 ° C and a low of –1 ° C.
Optimal travel months, because of the mild climate, are above all the spring months from Easter to Pentecost and the autumn time.
vegetation
Because of the mostly mild winter, exotic vegetation can be overwintered outdoors in some places, although skiing is still a few kilometers further up in the mountains.
The hemp palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) from China grows like weeds in places, the seeds are spread by birds. In Germany, too, some of these palm trees can be overwintered.
getting there
By plane
On the Magadino plain is the small airport Locarno - Magadinowhich, however, is not approached with line machines. The nearest major airports are in Lugano and Milan (Malpensa). Go to Lake Maggiore from Malpensa Airport;
- the Intercity bus"Alibus" direction Verbania on the north side of the lake with a stop (on request at the push of a button) at Lake Maggiore in Arona - Meina - Solcio - Lesa - Belgirate - Stresa - Baveno - Feriolo - Fondotoce - Verbania Suna - Verbania Pallanza and its ultimate goal Verbania Intra. This departs from the airport (for EUR 15 to Intra) between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., only if booked in advance.
- the Train Trains of the line P. 30 to the places between Laveno and Magadino on the south side of the lake. Please refer train
By train
Coming from the north, the trains run through the Gotthard tunnel to Bellinzona. Here you have to change trains for the onward journey. There is a continuous railway line on the eastern shore of the lake, while on the western side only Locarno and the towns south of Stresa are connected by a railway line.
The S-Bahn trains on the line S 50 from Milan Malpensa Airport Terminal 1 Direction Bellinzona, stop at Lake Maggiore in Laveno - Caldè - Porto Valtravaglia - Luino (Stop with staff change FS / SBB) - Colmegna - Maccagno - Pino-Tronzano - 
- Ranzo-S. Abbondio - Gerra (Gambarogno) - S. Nazzaro and at the common train station of Magadino and Vira before the S-Bahn trains on the Magadino plain continue after Bellinzona drive. Due to the cross-border train traffic, buying tickets may be associated with obstacles. Tickets within Italy (from Luino to Malpensa or back) can be bought on the train from the conductor (possibly with a surcharge). In contrast, these cannot be selected at the machines in Italy and the SBB app does not display this route either (as of 2014). In Switzerland, on the other hand, the machines work for the entire route and there is an obligation to purchase before starting the journey. At the airport in Malpensa the tickets can be bought at the train counter.
 S 50 Bellinzona ↔ Malpensa aeroporto | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Milan Malpensa Airport | |
 | Ferno-Lonate Pozzolo | |
| Busto Arsizio North | |
| Busto Arsizio | S 5,  |
| Gall rate | S 5, , Long-distance transport |
| Besnate | |
| Mornago-Cimbro | |
| Ternate-Varano Borghi | |
| Travedona-Biandronno | |
| Besozzo | |
| Sangiano | |
| Laveno-Mombello | |
| Caldè | |
| Porto Valtravaglia | |
| Luino | (Forced stop with staff change FS / FFS) |
| Colmegna | |
| Maccagno | |
| Pino-Tronzano | |
 | ||
| Ranzo-Sant'Abbondio | |
| Gerra (Gambarogno) | |
| San Nazzaro | |
| Magadino-Vira | |
| Quartino | |
 | S 20 directionLocarno | |
| Cadenazzo | S 20 |
| Sant'Antonino | S 20 |
| Giubiasco | S 20, P. 30 |
 | Bellinzona | S 20, P. 30, Long-distance transport |
| Timetable: Course book routes № 633 (CH). Comment: Drives daily. Transfer options:After Locarno in Cadenazzo change to the S-Bahn line № S20. Operator:Treni Regionali Ticino Lombardia (TiLo). | ||
By bus
In the street
Coming from the north it is best to either take the 
from central Switzerland through the St. Gotthard or on the 
from Graubünden through the San Bernardino tunnel into Ticino. For Switzerland, however, you need the motorway vignette, which can be bought at the border crossings and at most petrol stations. Especially on the Gotthard motorway, traffic jams often form in the usually more popular direction of travel (south on Friday evening and north on Sunday afternoon), which hardly decrease even at night. Due to the relatively short distance "in the summer" is accordingly on the evenings before long weekends (Easter, Ascension Day, Whitsun) and on Fridays with long traffic jams in the north-south direction and at the end of the holiday and on Sunday evening due to the return traffic to the north in the opposite direction to be expected.
By boat
There has been passenger shipping on the lake since 1826. Today operates the Navigazione Laghi (NLM) a fleet of 25 ships. Passenger ships operate on the entire lake, some of which, however, require a reservation. A car and passenger ferry runs between Intra and Laveno approximately every 20 minutes between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. It is not recommended to visit the region by car on Sundays, as many Italians go on family trips on Sundays and you often end up in traffic jams for hours.
Tourist Attractions
- Borromean Islands. Isola Bella, Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori can be reached by liner and non-liner inland shipping.
- Visconteo Castle. Castle complex in Locarno with an important collection of Roman glasses and vases.
- Madonna del Sasso. Pilgrimage church in Orselina above of Locarno with a wonderful view of the lake.
- Monte Verita. Hill over Ascona with a museum about the alternative to the industrial society at the turn of the century and the famous guests (CG Jung, Hermann Hesse and others).
- Piazza Grande. Great place in Locarno, where films are shown every year as part of the international film festival.
- Villa Taranto. Botanical Garden in Pallanza (Verbania) with a variety of rare plant species and a baroque terrace garden with water lilies and lotus flowers.
- Santa Caterina del Sasso. Monastery complex built into the rock from the 12th century near Leggiuno (south of Laveno) with many frescoes and the founder's sarcophagus.
- Sacro Monte della Ss. Trinita. Monastery complex above Ghiffa (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with a beautiful park and nature reserve. Suitable to find peace and relaxation away from the main paths.
- Villa Pallavicino. The park of Villa Pallavicino, near Stresa Its botanical and zoological gardens with many plant and animal species are open daily from late spring to the end of October.
activities
Swimming: In most places on Lake Maggiore there are clean beaches for swimming. In some cases there are also public bathing beaches and the hotel's own pools. The most beautiful public and free lido is located in Ascona. It should be noted, however, that the water of Lake Maggiore rarely exceeds 22 ° C. Those who want it to be particularly cold can go to the valleys above Locarno River bathing. Heightened mindfulness is in places with large rocks by the watercourse - such as in Ponte Brolla - necessary, as unfortunately several tourists slip off there every year. The further up into the valley, the clearer and cooler the water.
Bungee jumping: North-east of Locarno there is a 220 meter high jumping facility on the Verzasca valley Dam.
golf: In Arona, Ascona, Locarno, Losone and near Stresa there are golf courses.
Climb: Near Locarno there are opportunities for climbing. In Baveno is there a Adventure park, which offers an introduction to climbing technique especially for children and young people.
To go biking: There are many ways to rent bikes, but bike paths are in short supply along the entire lake. Often you have to use the narrow, busy riverside road or mountain biking across the terrain. For the very lazy there are also electrically operated bicycles to borrow.
hike: There are numerous signposted hiking trails around Lake Maggiore, also for Nordic walking. Some mountain railways also lead to the surrounding mountains (Cardada /Locarno, Motarone /Stresa, Monte Tamaro / Rivera, Sasso del Ferro /Laveno). The national park is highly recommended Val Grande, the largest wilderness park in Italy. Guided hikes are also offered here and there are huts for overnight stays.
water sports: There are numerous opportunities to rent surfboards, sailing boats and motor boats. You can also take courses or drive bananas in many places. A small Water sports center with catamarans is located in Cannobio. Since the wind blows the strongest here, kite surfers also start on this beach. Diving: Lake Maggiore is not a diving paradise, as the visibility decreases considerably after just a few meters, despite the considerable depth. In the Sankt Anna Gorge at the end of the Cannobino River, is a popular place for white water rafting and kayaking.
Aviation: The area around Lake Maggiore with the adjacent 2200 meter high mountains can also be easily explored from the air. For this purpose, at the regional airport Locarno - Magadino Alpine sightseeing flights with the helicopter and also shorter flights over the lake are offered. Parachute jumps are also possible from the same place. The Paracentro runs a diving school and offers tandem jumps from 4000 meters above sea level. Private glider pilots also start here. Paragliders mainly start where there are cable cars (Cimetta, Monte Tamaro, Sasso del Ferro).
Regular events
- On January 6th will take place in the port of the border village Brissago the Epiphany Swimming takes place. A distance of eighty meters has to be covered in the harbor basin.
There are numerous internationally oriented events on Lake Maggiore. The most famous is likely to be Locarno International Film Festival be. For music lovers are safe too Jazz Ascona and the Classical concerts from May to September in Stresa Interesting.
The tourism authorities of the two countries provide up-to-date information about events and activities in Portal Switzerland and Portal Italy ready.
kitchen
Italian cuisine is the most widespread cuisine on Lake Maggiore, which is typical in Ticino polenta (mashed corn porridge), risotto and Luganiga sausages, the hearty vegetable soup Minestrone and specialties made from chestnuts are becoming increasingly rare. Bars with Italian cuisine (pasta, pizza) and also with international dishes are easy to find.
Wine is made in Ticino, especially red wine Merlot cultivated in the Boccalino (Ceramic mug) im Grotto (traditional tavern) tastes best. Small bottling companies are still producing Gassosa ago, the lemonade in the glass bottle with swing top has also experienced a renaissance in German-speaking Switzerland.
nightlife
For going out in the evening there are a large number of bars around the lake in all towns and also night clubs and tank bars in larger towns.
- On the lake there are even those in summer Katia, a small "liquor steamer" that has the charm of an old lady. From the new port of Locarno, Giardini ARP, Lungolago Giuseppe Motta, starts Katia to smaller tours in the area. On the other hand, the modern opposite pole: the only solar-powered catamaran on the lake is a Party boat with cocktail bar. The Katamara with 50 seats, armchairs and sofas is in Cannero Riviera stationed and circulates from there. Both boats can also be hired for private parties such as weddings etc.
- On land, a little further away from the lake in the Quartino fraction of the large municipality Gambarogno Magadino there is a nice dance hall with music of the 70 'and 80' by the name of it "Nuova Pergola".
shop
Markets
The markets that have a strong tourist character are special Luino and Cannobio to mention. Several thousand visitors come every week and try to find a bargain in the mostly low-priced but not always high-quality goods (mainly clothing of all kinds, leather goods, bags, shoes and jackets).
Big Markets:
- Luino. Open: Wed 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Cannobio. Open: Sun 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Verbania Intra. Open: Sat 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Locarno. Open: Thu 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (only every two weeks in winter).
- Ascona. Open: Tue 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (May - October).
Smaller markets:
- Arona. Open: Tue Fri.
- Baveno. Open: Mon.
- Cannero Riviera. Open: Fri 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Stresa. Open: Fri.
security
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crime. - Opportunity makes thieves! As everywhere in busy travel destinations, valuables should not obviously be left behind in the high-priced vehicle. Fortunately, the times when you had to go for a walk with the car radio under your arm in Ticino and Italy are over. It is advisable to observe the usual safety rules as everywhere; Caution helps avoid dangerous situations. Do not walk alone through empty streets at night, avoid dark alleys, do not unnecessarily display watches, jewelry and expensive cell phones or cameras.
.svg/18px-Diamond_warning_sign_(Vienna_Convention_style).svg.png){kind=small}
crime. - Opportunity makes thieves! As everywhere in busy travel destinations, valuables should not obviously be left behind in the high-priced vehicle. Fortunately, the times when you had to go for a walk with the car radio under your arm in Ticino and Italy are over. It is advisable to observe the usual safety rules as everywhere; Caution helps avoid dangerous situations. Do not walk alone through empty streets at night, avoid dark alleys, do not unnecessarily display watches, jewelry and expensive cell phones or cameras.
Lake water quality. - It is advisable to inform yourself in advance about the quality of bathing water on the beaches from the individual shore communities, as there are also reports such as those in Corriere del Ticino Newspaper articles, Verbano inquinato come il Ceresio from July 6, 2013 (in ital. Language) about poor water quality and bathing bans.
Lake water quality. - It is advisable to inform yourself in advance about the quality of bathing water on the beaches from the individual shore communities, as there are also reports such as those in Corriere del Ticino Newspaper articles, 
