Travel Guide Lac D'Orta

Only among the Lakes of Northern Italy to be entirely on Piedmontese territory, Lake Orta (also named Cusio in Italian) is a real pearl. Located 20 km west of Lake Maggiore, surrounded by a greenery, everything is calm and enchanting. Time seems to have stopped along its banks with elegant villas and gardens. Yet, like any destination with a strong tourist background, the beautiful village of Orta San Giulio sometimes suffers from the massive invasion of tourists, especially during the high season. The north and west shores of the lake have been heavily industrialized throughout the twentieth century. Indeed, the entrepreneurial dynamism of the local population has made the city of Omegna the Italian capital of household goods. It is here that famous companies such as Alessi, Bialetti and Lagostina are born at the head of contemporary household design. Another example, a few kilometers from the lake, the village of San Maurizio d 'Opaglio is the world capital… of the faucet! Of course a small museum is dedicated to this object of our everyday life, so indispensable.The lake and its surroundings will charm both hikers and curious people alike. The Sacro Monte d 'Orta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the main attractions of the region. A beautiful cross path goes up to its peak. The island of San Giulio deserves a visit to discover the legends told on its account. The surrounding area is surrounded by trails and bicycle paths. Those heading towards the natural reserve of Monte Mesna to the east and mountain villages from Valstrona to the north offer particularly beautiful landscapes. TransportCar. From Milan highway A 8 (autostrada dei laghi) exit Borgomanero or Arona (105 km; from Novara, A 26 autorotue, exit Borgomanero.Train. Line Novara-Borgomanero-Orta Miasino-Domodossola. About 10 departures/day. The line only serves the east coast of the lake. From Milan or Turin, change to Novara.Bus. Unconvenient, two bus lines connect Lake Maggiore to the communities of Lake Orta: Omegna-Borgomanero-Arona line by Comazzi Bus (www.comazzibus.com) and Stresa-Omegna line by Saf Duemila (www.safduemila.com).Boat. Navigazione Lago d 'Orta offers several routes to reach the communities on both shores of the lake. www.navigazionelagodorta.it.