Lake Lago Maggiore

A huge mountain lake lying on the border of Italy and Switzerland is one of the most ecologically clean bodies of water in this part of Europe.

The lake was formed due to the displacement of an ancient glacier, at the moraine of which the waters of the Maggiore are now lapping.

The length is 66 km.
The maximum width reaches 10 km.
The area is 212.5 km2.
The maximum depth is 372 m.
The average depth is 177 m.
The volume of water is 37 km3.
The height above sea level is 193 m.

Navigation is developed on the lake. It is especially attractive for those who are engaged in sailing, because there are practically no windless days in the mountain gorge where the lake is located. In the morning, the tramontana blows from the lake, and in the evening, the inverna blows in the opposite direction. Westerly and northern winds bring storms with them. But nothing can frighten those who cannot imagine life without a sail. In addition, you can practice this difficult task all year round — the lake never freezes. Every summer, when the weather is most favorable for social events, a Sailing Festival with a regatta is held at Lago Maggiore.

The mild climate in the vicinity of Lake Maggiore has contributed to the development of its shores for many centuries. A huge number of villas and hotels have been built on the rocky cliffs. The Swiss and Italian coasts are full of sights that Europeans treat with great reverence. Due to the variety of surrounding landscapes, the lake attracts both family tourists who want to relax on the shore of the reservoir with children, and outdoor enthusiasts, mostly climbers and skiers. From the waters of Lago Maggiore, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Monte Rosa mountain range, rising to an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level. Cycling is not well developed here, but you can walk along the picturesque slopes. Travel agencies offer both multi-day walks and trips for a couple of hours.

Of course, you can't explore all the beauties of the lake in a few hours. The waters of Lago Maggiore, which means "big lake" in Italian, are clear and cool. The reservoir is fed by small mountain rivers. The main sources of water are the Verzaska River, which carries water from Switzerland, and the Ticino River, which subsequently flows out of the lake and rushes on to the confluence with the Po River.

The lake shore is full of flowers. Even when the heat ends (and the velvet season here lasts from May to October), azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons continue to adorn the slopes of mountains and the streets of cities. Swimming on the lake is possible and even necessary. The two lake beaches of Cannobio and Cannero Riviera received the award, the title of the Foundation for Environmental Education "Blue Flag" movement, which confirms the exceptional purity of the local water and environment.

The famous archipelago of five islands, surrounded by greenery, is located near the eastern shore of the lake. These are the Borromean Islands, named after the Borromeo family, who managed to transform the corners of the wilderness into architectural and landscape masterpieces. Gardens, parks and palaces await the guests of Lago Maggiore all year round.

Fishing enthusiasts will also be delighted with the local ichthyofauna. Pike, walleye and carp, trout and perch grow to huge sizes here. All that remains is to catch these elderly and very cunning fish. And there is also an unusual inhabitant here — largemouth bass, or bass. Previously, the bass was not found either in Lago Maggiore or in the neighboring lakes. This is an American species that was specially brought here to reduce the mosquito population. Which he did a great job of. In the absence of blood-sucking insects, which poisoned the lives of the local population with constant outbreaks of malaria, Lake Maggiore flourished even more.

The reservoir is famous among tourists as the most environmentally friendly place for relaxation and therapeutic procedures. A huge recreational complex Antiche Cure di Ghiffa with a spa center has been built here. And the coastal town with the melodious name Verbania topped the ranking of the most environmentally friendly settlements in Italy.

Despite its apparent well-being, Lake Maggiore can bring unpleasant surprises. For example, during heavy rains, its level rises sharply, and the reservoir overflows its banks. And since the lake is surrounded by mountain ranges on almost all sides, the waters have no choice but to splash onto the streets of resort towns. The Italian Government is developing a special program to ensure hydrological safety. So far, this is the only serious problem in the lake region.