Introduction
A view of the Santa Caterina del Sasso hermitage near Ispra, perched on a cliff over Lake Maggiore. Ispra is a quiet lakeside village on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore in Lombardy, known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors here enjoy scenic lakeside walking trails (including the local passeggiata dell’Amore along the shore) that wind past small pebble beaches and historic lime kilns. The village offers sailing and water sports opportunities on the calm lake waters – the local sailing club in Ispra is among the region’s popular ones for enthusiasts. Ispra’s location is ideal for exploring nearby towns: Angera (about 10 km south) with its medieval castle and pretty promenade, and Ranco (just north) with its peaceful lakeside parks and views. These neighboring towns enrich Ispra’s appeal with cultural sights like the Rocca di Angera castle and additional waterfront cafés, all easily reachable for a day outing.
Why Stay with Hartmann Feel At Home
Hartmann Feel At Home is a charming Bed & Breakfast located in the hills above Stresa (in Gignese), roughly a 45–50 minute drive from Ispra. This family-run villa offers a unique blend of comfort, tranquility, and personal hospitality – truly a “home away from home.” The B&B sits 700 meters above sea level in a quiet park setting, ensuring cool summers and an oasis of well-being and tranquility away from the bustle of larger towns. Guests consistently praise the warm, multilingual service provided by the hosts, who treat every guest with kindness and courtesy, making you “feel at home” in line with their philosophy. Despite its secluded feel, Hartmann’s hillside location is very strategic: it lies halfway between Lake Maggiore’s western shore (Stresa and the Borromean Gulf) and the eastern shore (Angera, Ispra, etc.), giving travelers easy access to both sides of the lake for day trips. You can relax in peace each evening and still reach attractions on either the eastern or western lake towns by car with equal convenience. Moreover, staying here is budget-friendly compared to lakeside hotels, without compromising on comfort – perfect for couples seeking a romantic retreat, families on an adventure, or travelers on a budget.
Accommodation Overview at Hartmann
Hartmann Feel At Home – a renovated 1930s villa in Gignese, offering B&B lodging in a peaceful park setting. At Hartmann Feel At Home, guests can choose from a range of rooms and suites to suit every need. The villa was renovated in 2022 and has six private rooms plus a shared dormitory apartment, accommodating up to 19 guests in total. All rooms are thoughtfully furnished, blending historic charm with modern amenities (like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TV, linens, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries in each room). Breakfast is included and served in a cozy dining room or on the terrace, so you can start your day with lake breezes and Italian coffee.
- Quadruple Family Suite: A spacious ~50 m² suite with two adjoining rooms (separable by a sliding door) featuring two single beds and a sofa bed, comfortably sleeping four adults. Ideal for families, it even has space for yoga or play and a large private bathroom.
- Quadruple Suite: A ~31 m² suite with two twin beds and a sofa bed, accommodating up to 4 adults. This setup suits families or two couples traveling together, offering ample space and an en-suite bathroom.
- Triple Room: A ~30 m² room equipped with two single beds plus a raised loft-style bed, sleeping 3 adults. Perfect for a small family or group of friends, with a cozy atmosphere and private bath.
- Double Rooms: Hartmann offers several double rooms (16–20 m²) designed for couples. Some have a French double bed (a small double), while another offers twin beds that can be joined. One special double room is located in the villa’s “turret” on the top floor, featuring panoramic lake views from its balcony – a romantic choice for couples. All double rooms have their own modern bathrooms with showers.
- Shared Dormitory: For solo travelers or those on a budget, there is a three-bed shared room (dormitory-style) with access to a shared bathroom. This option provides a friendly hostel-like experience within the comfort of the B&B, and it’s an excellent value for money.
No matter which room you choose, you’ll enjoy the villa’s elegant common areas – including a sunny breakfast room, a yoga/meditation room, and a grand lounge with a central fireplace – all designed to make guests feel at home. The surrounding garden and park are perfect for unwinding outdoors, and there’s even a swimming pool on-site for summer relaxation. Hartmann’s blend of modern convenience and homely charm ensures couples, families, and solo travelers all have a comfortable base to explore Lake Maggiore.
Where to Eat in Ispra
Ispra and its neighboring towns offer plenty of dining options, from casual pizzerias to elegant lakeside restaurants. After a day of exploring, you can enjoy everything from authentic Italian home cooking to fresh lake fish with a view. Here are some recommended eateries in the area catering to various tastes and budgets:
- Ristorante San Gabriele (Ispra): A refined restaurant in Ispra’s center, known for its carefully presented Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Fresh lake fish and handmade pastas are highlights, and the elegant interior with attentive service make it great for a special occasion. (Price range: higher-end).
- Trattoria Vecchia Ispra (Ispra): A family-run tavern offering traditional Lombardy cuisine in a warm, rustic setting. You can savor regional specialties like risotto, braised meats, and polenta, accompanied by local wines. (Price: mid-range).
- Osteria del Golfo (Ispra): A cozy osteria near Ispra’s lakeside promenade focusing on fresh seafood and lake fish dishes. Enjoy grilled lavarello (a local whitefish) or pasta with shellfish while taking in views of the water. The intimate dining room and lake vistas create a lovely atmosphere. (Price: mid-range).
- Pizzeria da Antonio (Ispra): A no-frills pizzeria just outside the town center, popular for its wide selection of pizzas and affordable prices. It’s perfect for a quick, budget-friendly meal; you can eat in or grab a takeaway pizza to enjoy by the lake. (Price: budget).
- Pizzeria Damino (Angera): A historic pizzeria-restaurant in nearby Angera, famed for its thin and crunchy pizza crusts prepared with high-quality ingredients. It has a family-friendly atmosphere and a spectacular lakefront terrace – great for a simple lunch or a romantic dinner at sunset by the water. (Price: mid-range).
- MiraLago Pizza & Cucina (Angera): A restaurant in Angera with a romantic veranda overlooking the lake. MiraLago offers the best of both worlds: a seafood restaurant (think raw bar selections, mixed fried fish, and grilled lakefish) and a pizzeria with creative options. It’s loved for its fresh ingredients and panoramic lake views – an excellent choice for couples. (Price: mid-range).
- Il Sole di Ranco (Ranco): For a truly special meal, this is an upscale restaurant (and hotel) in Ranco known for gourmet cuisine and an extensive wine list. Set on a hill above the lake, it boasts terrace dining with breathtaking lake panoramas. It’s perfect if you’re celebrating an occasion or simply want to indulge in fine dining with a view of Lake Maggiore’s sunset. (Price: high-end).
Whether you’re grabbing gelato from a café in Ispra or dining al fresco in Angera, the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore has something to delight every palate. Enjoy a lakeside aperitivo in the evening – many bars in Ispra and Angera offer outdoor seating where you can sip local wine or an Aperol Spritz while watching the sky turn pink over the water.
What to Do Around Ispra
The Lake Maggiore area around Ispra is rich in outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and cultural sights. Here are some of the top things to do during your stay:
- Lakeside Promenades & Beaches: Stroll along Ispra’s waterfront path (the lungolago), which offers panoramic views of the lake and leads to small pebble beaches and picnic spots. The Parco del Golfo della Quassa, just north of Ispra, is a protected lakeshore park with forested trails and quiet inlets – ideal for walking or cycling in nature. You can even walk from Ispra to Ranco through this park, enjoying greenery on one side and the lake on the other. In summer, bring swimwear for a refreshing dip at one of the little beaches or designated swimming areas along the shore.
- Water Sports & Boat Trips: Make the most of Lake Maggiore’s clear waters by trying some water sports. Ispra’s sailing club (Circolo della Vela Ispra) offers sailing courses for adults and kids, and often organizes regattas – a great way to experience the lake under sail. For a more laid-back adventure, consider renting a motorboat or kayak in Angera or Ranco to explore the coastline at your own pace (no license needed for small boats). Angera’s marina also has ferry/boat connections across the lake – you can hop on a ferry to the town of Arona on the opposite shore, enjoying a short cruise with beautiful views. And for adrenaline-seekers, nearby offers include wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding (there are wakeboard parks and SUP rental outfits a short drive away on the lake).
- Hiking & Nature Exploration: Venture into the hills for some light hiking. Directly above Ispra, trails weave through woodlands and offer lookout points over Lake Maggiore. One unique walk in Ispra is the Old Lime Kilns Trail, which passes by 19th-century lime kiln ruins hidden in the forest – combining a bit of history with nature. If you’re willing to drive a bit further, the Sasso del Ferro cable car in Laveno (about 20 km north) will carry you up to a mountain viewpoint with an easy panoramic walking path at the top. There’s also Mount Mottarone near Stresa (accessible by car from Hartmann in under 30 minutes), which offers hiking trails, an alpine adventure park, and even summer bobsled rides on the mountaintop.
- Cultural Sights: Don’t miss the chance to visit the Rocca di Angera, the majestic medieval castle dominating Angera’s skyline. You can drive (15 minutes) or even bike there from Ispra. At the Rocca, you’ll walk through historic halls (including a beautiful hall of medieval frescoes) and climb the towers for stunning views over the lake. The castle also houses a fascinating Doll and Toy Museum, which is fun for families. Another must-see is the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a 14th-century monastery clinging to a cliffside just a short drive north of Ispra. You can reach it by descending a scenic staircase or by elevator, and admire its ancient frescoes and the tranquil atmosphere of this unique site above the water. In Ispra itself, you can peek into the Church of San Martino in the town’s upper part, or the Church of San Remigio, for a touch of local history and architecture. And if you enjoy local life, check out the weekly open-air markets: Ispra has a small market on Saturday mornings, while Angera’s larger market is on Thursday mornings – perfect for picking up fresh produce, cheeses, or artisanal goods as a souvenir.
- Family Activities: Families will find plenty to do. The gentle lakefront cycling paths are perfect for biking with kids (bike rentals are available nearby). In Angera, there’s a lakefront playground and a gelateria for treats after a walk. A short ferry ride across the lake takes you to Arona, which has the huge San Carlo statue (you can climb inside for a view from the saint’s head!) and more playgrounds. If you drive to Stresa (on the west shore), you can also take a boat to the Borromean Islands, which include a palace and gardens that kids find magical (especially the white peacocks on Isola Bella). From Stresa or Gignese you could also visit the Alpine Zoo at Villa Pallavicino or the interactive Mottarone Adventure Park for some climbing fun – both are within half an hour of Hartmann’s B&B. With a home base in Ispra/Gignese, you have countless options to fill your days with adventure, nature, and culture around Lake Maggiore.
The medieval Rocca di Angera castle overlooks the lake and is a highlight of the region, just a short trip from Ispra.
Booking and Contact Information
Booking a stay at Hartmann Feel At Home is straightforward. You can reserve your room directly through their official website (which offers an online booking system) or by contacting the B&B via phone or email. The hosts speak multiple languages (including English, Italian, French, and German) and are very responsive to inquiries. For the best rates and a personal touch, consider booking directly with them.
Hartmann Feel At Home – Contact Details: You can call +39 349 3726750 or email info@homehartmann.com to inquire about availability. The B&B’s address is Salita Rognoni 10, 28836 Gignese (VB), Italy. If you’re driving from Ispra, the quickest route is typically to go south toward Angera and Sesto Calende to cross to the western shore (either via the bridge at Sesto Calende or the ferry from Angera to Arona), then follow the lakeside road north to Stresa and up the hill to Gignese. The journey by car takes roughly 45–50 minutes, and there is free parking at the B&B for guests.
For travelers relying on public transport, here are some tips: From Ispra, you can take a local bus or taxi to Angera, then a ferry across the lake to Arona. From Arona’s train station, regional trains run north to Stresa (a short 20-minute ride). At Stresa, you can catch a taxi or a local bus up to Gignese (the hill town where Hartmann is located, about 15 minutes above Stresa). Alternatively, you can travel via Sesto Calende – bus from Ispra to Sesto Calende train station, train to Stresa – and then up to Gignese. While it requires a few connections, the trip is scenic and doable without a car. The Hartmann hosts can also provide guidance, and in some cases may arrange a pick-up from Stresa if arranged in advance.
Travel Directions Recap: Whether by car or public transport, aim first for Stresa (the well-known town on Lake Maggiore’s western shore near Gignese). From Stresa, head up the hill (via winding road SP36) for about 7 km to reach Gignese. Hartmann Feel At Home is located in a residential area of Gignese – look for the signs or use GPS coordinates (45.8667 N, 8.5092 E) to find the villa easily. The B&B is happy to assist if you need any help on the way – just give them a call. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a warm welcome and all the local tips you might need to enjoy Ispra and its surroundings to the fullest.
We hope this guide helps you plan a memorable trip to Lake Maggiore’s eastern shore. With Hartmann Feel At Home as your comfortable base, you can savor the best of Ispra’s natural beauty, nearby culinary delights, and exciting activities around the lake. Enjoy your stay and buon viaggio!
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