Introduction: Belgirate is a picturesque lakeside town on Lake Maggiore’s western shore, celebrated for its elegant 19th-century villas and historic churches set against a stunning alpine backdrop. A peaceful waterfront promenade lined with gardens invites leisurely strolls, offering beautiful views across the lake toward the Borromean Gulf. In the hills above town stands the Church of Santa Maria (the “Old Church”), a 12th-century gem with ancient frescoes and a Romanesque bell tower – from its courtyard you can enjoy spectacular panoramas of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains. Overall, Belgirate’s tranquil charm and scenery make it an ideal destination for couples seeking romance, families looking for relaxation, and anyone who appreciates the Italian lakes’ timeless beauty.
Why Stay with Hartmann Feel At Home
Hartmann Feel At Home is a renovated 1930s villa in Gignese, offering a tranquil retreat in the hills just above Lake Maggiore (20 minutes’ drive from Belgirate). The B&B sits in a lush park at 700 m elevation, ensuring cooler summers and an “oasis of well-being and tranquility” away from the tourist crowds.
Staying at Hartmann Feel At Home combines comfort, personal hospitality, and affordability – perfect for couples, families, and budget-conscious travelers. The villa was fully renovated in 2022, so guests enjoy modern amenities and immaculate interiors while still experiencing the charm of a historic mansion. The owners pride themselves on treating every guest “as we would like to be treated, and make them feel at home,” embracing values of kindness and respect. This warm, personalized service earns rave reviews: visitors describe the staff as “wonderful, very warm and kind…always helpful”. Couples love the peaceful atmosphere (the location is rated 9.4/10 for two-person trips), and families feel welcome too – the B&B offers spacious family suites and even a garden trampoline that “the kids loved” during their stay. Importantly, Hartmann is also easy on the budget: with competitive rates (reflected in its high 9.2/10 value-for-money rating) and even a hostel-style dorm option, solo travelers and backpackers can enjoy Lake Maggiore without breaking the bank.
Accommodation Overview at Hartmann Feel At Home
Hartmann Feel At Home features a variety of room types and amenities designed to suit different travelers, all under one roof of this charming villa. In total there are 6 private rooms plus 1 shared dormitory, accommodating up to 19 guests in a home-like setting. Each room is uniquely named and decorated (themed after vibrant colors), but they can be grouped as follows:
- Family Suites (Quadruple): Two large suites ideal for families or groups up to 4. One is a 50 m² Quadruple Family Suite with two adjoining bedrooms (separable by a sliding door) and a sofa bed, and another is a 31 m² Quadruple Suite with two single beds plus a sofa bed. These spacious suites have private bathrooms (one even has a yoga corner and extra-large shower) and plenty of room to stretch out.
- Double Rooms: Three cozy double rooms perfect for couples. Each features either a French double bed or twin singles, tasteful modern décor, and an en-suite bathroom. For example, the “Ajna Turchese” room (16 m²) has a French bed and intimate ambiance – one of the upper-floor doubles even offers a balcony peek of the lake in the distance.
- Triple Room: A 30 m² Triple called “Anahata Verde” suits small families or friends, furnished with two single beds plus a raised loft-style bed. A spacious private bath makes it comfortable for three adults.
- Shared Dormitory: A budget-friendly shared room (hostel-style) with three beds, for solo travelers or backpackers. This dorm-style apartment has its own shared bathroom and gives a social, communal option for meeting other travelers while enjoying the B&B’s facilities on a budget. Lockers and secure storage are provided for peace of mind.
Every guestroom at Hartmann comes with all the essentials to “feel at home.” You’ll have free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, quality bed linens and fluffy towels, a hairdryer, air conditioning for warm nights, and a complimentary toiletry set in the bathroom. Rooms feature wood floors (parquet) and ample storage (desk and wardrobe) for a comfortable stay. Many rooms offer garden views or mountain vistas, reminding you that you’re nestled “between lakes and mountains” in a unique setting.
Beyond the private rooms, Hartmann Feel At Home provides several inviting common spaces. Guests wake up to a hearty breakfast each morning in the dining room – a continental buffet with freshly baked pastries, fruits, cheeses, plus vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on request. During the day, you can relax in the elegant main hall (which features a circular fireplace and lounge seating) or practice yoga in the dedicated yoga room if you wish. The villa’s expansive garden is a highlight: it has outdoor seating areas, a play area (with that trampoline for kids), and even a small hot tub/Jacuzzi under the open sky. In summer, children can splash in the kid’s pool while parents unwind with a book in the shade. Come evening, the hosts often light up an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, creating a cozy ambiance where guests can mingle under the stars. Additional perks include free private parking on-site and even a little coffee bar/minimarket corner for snacks and essentials. With its blend of homely comforts and thoughtful extras, Hartmann Feel At Home truly lives up to its name – you’re not just a tourist here, but a welcomed houseguest in a serene lakeside home.
Why Choose Hartmann Feel at Home Near Belgirate?
The calm of the hills, the charm of the lake—just minutes from one of Lake Maggiore’s most picturesque villages.
Belgirate is a small lakeside village with timeless charm: a peaceful waterfront, narrow historic alleys, and stunning views across Lake Maggiore. It’s the perfect destination for travelers seeking elegance without crowds—ideal for quiet strolls, boat trips, and sunset aperitifs by the water.
Just a short scenic drive away, on the hills above Stresa, you’ll find Hartmann Feel at Home—a welcoming guesthouse that offers more space, more privacy, and more peace than a typical hotel in Belgirate.
Here’s why so many families and couples choose Hartmann Feel at Home as their base near Belgirate:
✔️ Spacious, light-filled apartments immersed in nature
Each unit features a fully equipped kitchen, cozy living spaces, and private outdoor areas, so you can enjoy your holiday with the comfort and independence of home.
✔️ Quiet garden where children can play freely
Unlike many lakeside hotels, we offer a fenced green space where children can play safely—while parents relax on the terrace, surrounded by birdsong and mountain air.
✔️ Family-friendly amenities that make a difference
We’ve thought of everything to make your stay easier:
🛏️ Cribs, highchairs, step stools, nightlights
🧸 Toys, books, and games
🍼 Microwave, fridge, and bottle warmer
🛌 Flexible sleeping arrangements for couples, families, or small groups
✔️ Breakfast available on request
Start your day with a wholesome, homemade breakfast prepared with local and seasonal products—bread, yogurt, jam, fruit, and more. We’re happy to accommodate children’s preferences or special diets.
✔️ Perfect location to explore Belgirate and the lake
In just 15–20 minutes, you can reach Belgirate and enjoy its lakeside promenade, ferry connections, and elegant churches. From there, explore the Borromean Islands, Stresa, or Arona—all within easy reach.
✔️ Free parking, fast Wi-Fi, and flexible check-in
Enjoy free private parking, stable internet, and arrival times that suit your plans, without the pressure of strict hotel check-in policies.
✔️ Multilingual hosts who truly care
We speak English, Italian, German, and French, and we’re always available to offer local tips—like the best panoramic walks, lakeside restaurants, or family-friendly beaches near Belgirate.
Whether you’re visiting in spring, when the lake is quiet and blooming, in summer, for swimming and boat rides, or in autumn, for golden foliage and lakeside tranquility—Hartmann Feel at Home offers you the space, serenity, and hospitality that make your trip unforgettable.
Because the best holidays don’t end at the lake—they continue in a place where you truly feel at home.
Where to Eat in Belgirate
Belgirate may be a small town, but it offers several delightful dining options along its lakefront – from casual cafés to romantic restaurants – ensuring every traveler finds something to their taste. Here are a few recommended spots, catering to a range of budgets and preferences:
- Ristorante La Bruma: A beloved lakeside restaurant with a spacious terrace literally by the water’s edge. La Bruma serves high-quality Italian dishes (from creamy risottos to wood-fired pizzas) prepared with fresh local ingredients. Diners praise the food and the setting – “really good… from risotto to pizzas. [We] really enjoyed the setting on the lake edge.” It’s a great choice for a special dinner or a relaxing lunch with craft beers and local wine. (Location: Via Mazzini 65, Belgirate)
- Ristorante Hotel Milano: For a uniquely scenic meal, try the restaurant of Hotel Milano, which is literally perched over Lake Maggiore on a pier. Its bright veranda and open-air terrace offer panoramic views of the lake – you might feel like you’re dining “immersed into the waters of Lake Maggiore”. The menu features regional Italian cuisine (lake fish, pasta, etc.) and fine wines. This spot is perfect for a romantic sunset dinner or any time you want dinner with a view. (Location: Via Mazzini 4, Belgirate)
- Anelli Coffee Wine & Food: A popular café-bar right on Belgirate’s lungolago, ideal for casual bites and drinks. By day, Anelli serves as a coffee bar – perfect for breakfast or a mid-morning cappuccino and pastry while you gaze at the lake. In the afternoon and evening it becomes a wine bar and bistro, great for aperitivo (they offer local wines, craft beers, and charcuterie boards) or a light meal. Locals describe it as “the ideal place for breakfasts, aperitivi and tasty breaks on the Belgirate lakefront”. It’s informal, affordable, and wonderfully located across from the boat pier. (Location: Lungolago Via Mazzini 41, Belgirate)
- Caffè Lago (Bar Lago): A cozy, no-frills café known for its friendly service and excellent coffee. In the mornings, stop by Caffè Lago for a delightful cappuccino with a panoramic lake view – you can sip your coffee outside while watching boats glide across the water. They also have fresh brioche, gelato, and simple lunch offerings. It’s a low-key spot where you can mingle with locals, making it perfect for budget travelers or anyone craving an authentic Italian bar experience. (Location: Along Belgirate lakeside, near the ferry dock)
Tip: In high season (summer weekends), it’s wise to reserve a table for dinner at the sit-down restaurants like La Bruma or Hotel Milano, as they can fill up with both tourists and locals enjoying the lakeside evenings.
What to Do Around Belgirate
Despite its peaceful vibe, Belgirate and its surroundings offer plenty of activities and sights to fill your days. Whether you love scenic walks, cultural sites, water sports, or exploring nearby towns, you’ll find something enjoyable. Here are some highlights:
- Lakefront Promenade & Old Church: Start with a leisurely stroll along Belgirate’s lakefront promenade, a quiet walking path lined with flowers, benches, and historic villas. The promenade is perfect for couples to enjoy a romantic lakeside walk or for families to push a stroller as ducks paddle in the lake. As you walk, you’ll see elegant century-old villas and manicured gardens on one side and the calm waters of Lake Maggiore on the other – an idyllic setting, especially at sunset. For a touch of history, make your way up the old cobbled lane to the Chiesa Vecchia di Santa Maria (Old Church of St. Mary). Perched on a hill just above town, this small 12th-century stone church is known for its faded but beautiful Renaissance frescoes inside and its 11th-century Romanesque bell tower. Visiting is like stepping back in time. Plus, the vantage point is incredible: from the church’s courtyard, you get a panoramic view over Lake Maggiore and the red-tiled rooftops of Belgirate below. It’s a fantastic spot for photos, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a summer classical concert here, as the atmosphere is truly magical.
- Enjoy the Lake – Swimming & Boating: Lake Maggiore’s clear blue water will surely tempt you on warm days. Belgirate has a small public beach area and lakeside access where you can wade in or sunbathe (near the Belgirate Lido area). For a more substantial beach or swimming spot, the town of Lesa (5 minutes south) offers the Spiaggia dell’Erno, a sandy-pebble beach with shallow, calm water that’s perfect for families with kids. Here you can rent paddleboats or stand-up paddleboards in summer. If you’d rather be on the water than in it, take advantage of the ferry services and boat tours. Belgirate is a stop on the Lake Maggiore ferry line, and is actually a major starting point for lake excursions. Regular ferries (and faster hydrofoils in season) connect Belgirate to Stresa, Baveno, Verbania, and even to the Borromean Islands, so you can easily plan day trips by boat. For example, you could hop on a morning ferry to the Borromean Islands – Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori – famed for their opulent palaces and gardens, and be back by evening. A ferry to Stresa takes only about 30 minutes and costs just a few euros. Boating on the lake is both practical transport and a wonderful activity in itself – scenic lake cruises at sunset are especially romantic. If you’re more adventurous, consider renting a small motorboat or joining a sailing excursion (sailing tours depart from Belgirate as well) to enjoy the breeze and panoramic vistas from the water.
- Hiking and Outdoor Activities: The area around Belgirate is crisscrossed with scenic trails that invite you to explore the green hills overlooking the lake. A highly recommended hike is the Chestnut Trail (Sentiero dei Castagni), which runs between Stresa and Belgirate. This historic mule-track route leads you through chestnut woods and rustic villages, with “picturesque views over Lake Maggiore” along the way. The trail is about 7.5 km one-way (approximately 2.5–3 hours of walking), mostly easy underfoot with some uphill sections, making for a pleasant half-day trek. Many hikers start in Stresa and end in Belgirate (where you can reward yourself with gelato or a swim) – then conveniently take a boat or train back to Stresa. The Chestnut Trail is especially lovely in spring or autumn when the forest is vibrant. Besides that, shorter walks from Belgirate can take you up to viewpoints like Motta Rossa hill or through neighboring hamlets. If you’re a golfer, note that two of Italy’s notable golf courses (Golf des Iles Borromées and Alpino di Stresa) are just minutes away in the hills near Gignese, offering mountain-view fairways. And for a family-friendly adventure, you can drive (or take a cable car from Stresa) up to Mottarone Mountain (1,492 m). In summer Mottarone has hiking trails, bike rentals, and the Alpyland bobkart coaster, while in winter it offers modest skiing – truly something for everyone. (The Stresa-Alpino-Mottarone cable car has re-opened, taking you from lake level to the summit with 360° views of seven lakes – an unforgettable ride on a clear day.)
- Visit Stresa (20 minutes away): No trip to this part of Lake Maggiore is complete without visiting Stresa, the most famous resort town in the area, located just 5 km north of Belgirate. From Hartmann Feel At Home, Stresa is only a 10–15 minute drive, so it’s very easy to access. In Stresa you can stroll the elegant lakeside boulevard, lined with grand Belle Époque hotels and flower gardens, or sip coffee in the piazza of the charming old town. Don’t miss taking a boat from Stresa to the Borromean Islands – especially Isola Bella, with its stunning terraced gardens and Baroque palace, and Isola dei Pescatori, a quaint fishing village island known for its seafood restaurants. History and architecture lovers will enjoy the opulent Villa Pallavicino Park in Stresa (a zoo and botanical garden) and Villa Taranto gardens across the water in Verbania. If you have time, ride the cable car up to Mount Mottarone from Stresa (as mentioned) for breathtaking views and perhaps a hike or picnic up top. Stresa also hosts summer music festivals and evening markets – it’s a lively contrast to quiet Belgirate, and easily explored in a day trip or even a half-day visit.
- Explore Lesa and Other Nearby Towns: Heading a few kilometers south of Belgirate, you’ll find Lesa, another small lakeside town worth a stop. Lesa offers a similarly scenic lungolago promenade and is known for its relaxing, family-friendly waterfront. In fact, “Lesa’s lakefront promenade is perfect for relaxing walks… The peaceful setting makes Lesa ideal for families (with shallow, calm waters and beach play) and for couples (seeking romantic sunsets)”. You can swim or rent paddleboards in Lesa’s calm bay, or explore its quaint historic center with medieval churches and villas (the writer Alessandro Manzoni vacationed here – Villa Stampa in Lesa now houses a museum). Continuing south, the town of Arona (15 km from Belgirate) is another enjoyable day trip: Arona has a lively shopping street, a lakeside castle ruin (Rocca di Angera is visible across the lake), and the famous Sancarlone – a colossal 35m-tall statue of St. Charles Borromeo that you can actually climb inside!. Arona’s weekly market and many gelaterias make it fun for families. On the opposite shore (accessible by ferry or a longer drive around), Laveno and Santa Caterina del Sasso hermitage are spectacular destinations as well. But even without venturing far, the immediate surroundings of Belgirate provide a great mix of relaxation and exploration – lake, hills, and culture all within arm’s reach.
Booking and Contact Information
Booking a stay at Hartmann Feel At Home is straightforward, and the hosts are very responsive. You can reserve your room directly on the official website (they have an online booking system) or through popular booking platforms – the B&B is listed on sites like Booking.com and Agoda. For the best rates and a personal touch, it’s often recommended to book directly via their website or by contacting the hosts. You can reach out by phone at +39 349 3726750 or email info@homehartmann.com. The owners, Francesca and team, speak English and will gladly answer any questions about the accommodation or the area before your stay.
Location: Hartmann Feel At Home is located at Salita Rognoni 10, 28836 Gignese (VB), Italy. Gignese is a hillside village above Stresa – approximately 20 minutes by car from Belgirate. If you are driving from Belgirate, the simplest route is to head north along the lakeshore road to Stresa (about 10 minutes), then follow the signs up the mountain towards Gignese/Mottarone. The road winds uphill for about 6–7 km into the cooler hills (you’ll pass the Alpino golf course) before reaching Gignese. Hartmann B&B is easy to find in the village; it has free private parking on-site for guests.
Public Transportation: Travelers without a car can also reach Hartmann Feel At Home. The nearest major train station is Stresa, which is well-connected on the Milan–Swiss border rail line (Belgirate also has a small train station on this line, but fewer trains stop there). From Stresa station, you can take a local bus (Line 34) that goes up to Gignese; the bus ride is about 25–30 minutes and runs several times a day. (Ask for the bus toward “Gignese/Alpino/Mottarone” – it departs near the Stresa FS train station or Piazza Marconi ferry terminal). Alternatively, a short taxi ride from Stresa to Hartmann Feel At Home is convenient (around 15 minutes by taxi). If you’re coming from Milan’s Malpensa Airport, it’s roughly 50 km – you could rent a car or arrange an airport transfer to Gignese; many travelers actually find it easiest to take a train or shuttle to Stresa, then continue up from there.
When you arrive, you’ll find Hartmann Feel At Home tucked in a peaceful residential area of Gignese. The staff will give you a warm welcome and plenty of local tips. Check-in is typically in the afternoon, and check-out in the morning, but they can be flexible if arranged in advance. The owners can also assist with directions, luggage storage, or coordinating a taxi if you need one.
Get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds: the tranquil home-like atmosphere at Hartmann in the hills, and the easy access to Belgirate and the splendors of Lake Maggiore down below. With comfortable accommodations, friendly hosts, and the beauty of the lake district at your doorstep, your couples getaway or family adventure to Belgirate is sure to be memorable. Buon viaggio!
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