Monte Mottarone (1491 m) rises between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, with panoramic Alpine views from summit to lakeside. Its grassy summit affords a 360° vista of seven lakes and the distant Alps. The mountain is ringed by mature forests (pine, fir, larch, beech and chestnut) and dotted with alpine meadows and botanical gardens. In summer it’s a lush wilderness of wildflowers and herbs; in winter it becomes a ski and snowshoe area. Mottarone is reached by road (the “Due Riviere” drive from Armeno or the Borromeo toll road linking Stresa–Gignese) or by the historic Stresa–Alpino cable car (currently out of service). From the peak you can enjoy unmatched lake views – on a clear day you see Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo and more.
The hiking terrain is equally appealing. Trails wind under chestnut and mixed hardwood forests and through open pastures. Mid-mountain is the Giardino Botanico Alpinia (at ~800 m), a century-old alpine botanical garden with over 1,000 species. Wildflowers and grasslands crest the ridgeline. In winter the mountain’s gentle slopes (5 green and 2 blue runs) make it beginner-friendly. In summer the Alpyland alpine coaster – a 1,200 m “roller coaster” down the mountain – is a fun family attraction. All this variety – lakes, woods, flowers and even granite quarries – gives Mottarone its unique hiking appeal.
Main Hiking Trails
- Stresa (Train Station) → Mottarone Summit (via Someraro/Levo) – A classic uphill route (~12.2 km, ~4½ h, +1300 m) starts at Stresa’s old rail station. The trail follows the path of the former Stresa–Mottarone rack railway. It climbs steadily through woods, passing the villages of Someraro and Levo. Along the way you’ll find a spring (Fonte Vitaliana) near the start and the Rifugio Casa della Neve around 1450 m with mountain specialties (open seasonally). The path eventually emerges above tree line to the summit, offering continuous views. (Difficulty: moderate–hard, well-marked CAI trail with some steep sections.)
- Stresa/Carciano → Mottarone (via Alpinia Garden) – Another popular trail (~10 km one-way, ~4 h, +1294 m) begins at the Carciano suburb of Stresa (near the Piazzale Lido beach). From there follow a mule-track up through the village of Lev, climbing past the historic Giardino Botanico Alpinia. The final stretch ascends past alpine meadows and landmarks like Monte Croce della Tola and the little Madonna del Canà chapel, reaching the cable-car top station at the summit. (Trail LV1 is well-marked by CAI paint marks. This route is graded easy–moderate, though the high elevation gain makes it a solid effort.)
- Summit – Monte Zuchero Loop (via Alpe Nuovo) – This easy circular hike (10.6 km, ~3 h, +255 m) is typically done starting from the Mottarone cable-car summit plateau. First walk the short way up to the true summit for the 360° view. Then descend across the meadow to Rifugio Alpe Nuovo (at ~1450 m), a classic wooden hut perfect for a lunch or break. From there ascend gently to Monte Zuchero’s viewpoint, then descend to the hamlet of Alpe Cañà. The trail continues down to the Alpino mid-station (803 m); hikers often make a final detour to visit the Alpinia botanical garden nearby. Finally return by cable-car (or retrace steps). Overall this loop is graded easy, mostly wide trails through grassy clearings.
Circular Routes and Loops
For those wanting longer circuits, Mottarone links to neighboring peaks. One option is to continue beyond the above loop: from Alpe Nuovo you can climb Monte Zughero (1497 m) and descend to Baveno or Gignese. Guides note a “two-hour walk” from Stresa to the Alpinia garden and about 4 h to the summit in total. Another grand circuit is the full Stresa–Mottarone–Zuchero loop (seen above) which can be extended down to Baveno, returning by boat or train. In winter many of these trails become snowshoe routes (backcountry skiing is limited), so spring through fall is the best season.
Family-Friendly Walks
Mottarone has very family-friendly options. From the cable-car mid-station (Alpino) or nearby parking at Piazzale Lido, a short shaded hike leads to the summit with only ~100 m of ascent. This well-marked CAI LV1 path (1–1.5 km one-way) winds through beech and larch woods, making it easy for children and even strollers in parts. The top has open meadows and benches for picnics, and overlooks are reachable with minimal effort. At Alpino station there are flat grassy areas and playgrounds. The whole family will also enjoy the Alpyland alpine coaster (a 1.2 km roller-coaster sled slide) near the summit. In short, even non-hikers can enjoy Mottarone’s vistas on gentle walking trails or the chairlift (when operating).
Mountain Biking Trails
Mottarone is a mountain biking paradise. There are dozens of mapped bike paths through the forests and meadows. The Mottarone Trail Park alone offers about ten maintained single-track routes of varying difficulty, all starting and ending at the “Bar Stazione” near Alpino (bike rental available on site). According to Trailforks there are nearly 300 km of MTB trails in the Mottarone–Orta region, ranging from downhill runs to scenic cross-country tracks. Note that many hiking trails are shared with bikers (look out for bikes on narrow switches), and MTB difficulty is marked on local trail maps. Electric mountain bikes (E-MTB) are popular here, with charging rentals in Stresa. In short, if you prefer two wheels, Mottarone has options from easy forest loops to challenging downhill (“red” and “black”) runs.
Practical Information
Trail Markings: Most paths are marked by CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) signs and color blazes. For example, the LV1 path from Stresa is well signposted. Many trails follow old mule tracks or the former tram route, so the footing is usually clear. Cellphone coverage is patchy or very poor in the forests, so bring a paper map or downloaded GPS tracks.
Weather & Gear: The best hiking season is late spring through early autumn. Summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms, and high elevations can hold snow into June, so check forecasts. Winter hikes require snow/ice gear or should be avoided. Wear proper hiking boots and layered clothing (windproof jacket, hat), and carry sun protection and a flashlight for safety. Always pack at least 1.5–2 L of water per person – though you may find a spring (e.g. Fonte Vitaliana) at the Stresa train station, most water taps are at villages or huts.
Trails & Terrain: Path surfaces vary: forest trails, rocky steps or old cobbled roads in places. In good weather the trails are dry and easy underfoot, but they can get muddy after rain. Many trails cross open meadows or pastures, so beware of ticks and wear sunscreen.
Parking & Access: In Stresa, parking is available at Piazzale Lido (Carciano) and along the lakefront near the train station. From there you can hike up or walk a short road to Carciano. In Gignese/Baveno, there are a few small parking lots (e.g. at Alpino station or near Lev village). The Alpino cable-car base has a large parking area. (Public transport: Stresa is served by train; a local bus runs up to Alpino in summer.)
Amenities: There are several mountain huts and eateries. Along the trails you’ll find Rifugio Alpe Nuovo (excellent polenta and local dishes), Casa della Neve and Eden on the high slopes, and the Hotel Miramonti on the summit plateau. These serve food and drinks in summer (check opening hours). The Alpino mid-station has a bar-restaurant and bathrooms. Small grocery and cafes are in Stresa for supplies. In short: expect minimal services on the hike itself (bring snacks and water), but ample refreshments at the Alpino and summit areas.
🏞️ Hartmann Feel at Home – Your Peaceful Refuge Near Monte Mottarone
Monte Mottarone rises between two worlds: the vastness of Lake Maggiore and the quiet beauty of Lake Orta. From its summit, you can see seven lakes, the distant Alps, and the sky stretching endlessly above. It’s a place of perspective—a destination for those who love nature, silence, and wonder.
Just minutes below, in the gentle hills of Gignese, lies a retreat designed to mirror that same spirit of stillness:
Hartmann Feel at Home – your sanctuary after a day of wide horizons and winding trails.
🌿 More Than a Stay – A Way of Slowing Down
Hartmann is not a hotel. It’s not a B&B. It’s something softer, more intentional. A retreat where the natural world meets thoughtful hospitality.
Here’s what awaits:
- 🛁 Outdoor hot tub in the garden – the perfect way to relax tired legs after a hike
- 🔥 A round fireplace lounge – for evening chats or quiet moments by the fire
- 🧘 Yoga & meditation room – open 24/7, a space to stretch, breathe, or be still
- 🥐 A nourishing breakfast buffet – with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, served without time pressure
- 📚 Reading corners with wellness books – for rainy mornings or restful afternoons
- 🌳 Private garden paths – take your shoes off and feel the earth beneath your feet
Whether you climb Monte Mottarone or simply admire it from the garden, your time here is yours to shape.
🛏️ Each Room, a Gentle Invitation to Rest
Inspired by the chakras, every room at Hartmann reflects a unique energy—calming, grounding, uplifting.
- 👨👩👧 Swadhisthana – A spacious family suite with direct garden access
- ♿ Manipura – A peaceful, accessible double room with a French bed
- 🛏️ Anahata – Triple room with an open loft space, cozy and full of light
- 💕 Vishuddha – A soft, romantic room for couples
- 👪 Ajna – A generous suite with a separate living space, ideal for families or long stays
- 🌄 Sahasrara – A panoramic tower room with 360° views of lake and mountains
Each space is filled with natural textures, calming colors, and thoughtful touches. Comfort here is quiet and genuine.
🗺️ The Ideal Base for Exploring Monte Mottarone and Beyond
From Hartmann Feel at Home, you’re just minutes away from:
- 🚗 The road to the summit of Monte Mottarone – by car, bike, or trail
- 🥾 Scenic hikes through forests, alpine meadows, and hidden viewpoints
- 🧘♀️ Nature-based activities like yoga in the woods or forest bathing
- ⛷️ (In winter) Access to Mottarone ski slopes
- 🚠 Easy connections to Stresa, Lake Orta, and nearby cable cars when in operation
And after the mountain, a place to rest. To reflect. To simply be.
💫 Come Home to Stillness
Hartmann Feel at Home is for travelers who value simplicity, slowness, and the beauty of nature.
Whether you’re coming for the views, the trails, or the silence, your return will feel like coming home.
👉 Book your stay now at: