Camping with dogs on Lake Maggiore

When camping with a dog on Lake Maggiore, guests can look forward to hikes in a Mediterranean ambience. Thanks to the mild climate, olive and almond trees as well as chestnuts thrive here. Two- and four-legged friends can enjoy the most beautiful views from the marvellous mountains such as Monte Carza on the western shore. Stresa and other picturesque towns with numerous magnificent buildings attract those interested in culture.

Top tips

• If you are looking for an alternative to swimming with your dog in Lake Maggiore, Vallemaggia on Swiss soil is a tip. In the lush green area at the northern end of the lake with its rivers and side valleys, there are several places where four-legged friends are allowed to jump into the water.
• In spring, a dog-friendly campsite on Lake Maggiore is also an ideal starting point for excursions. In May, when the annual open-air street art festival takes place on the Swiss side of the lake, culture vultures are drawn to Ascona. Jugglers, acrobats and fire-eaters show off their skills right on the lakeshore. With free admission, visitors can look forward to more than 100 events. Musicians and clowns also perform.

Activities and excursions

On long walks to the peaks and through the charming villages around Lake Maggiore, owners and dogs get to know the popular holiday region.

Explore the idyllic places on Lake Maggiore

There are numerous charming places around Lake Maggiore that invite you to go on extended sightseeing tours with your dog. One of these is Stresa, which served as inspiration for the famous writer Ernest Hemingway. The lakeside promenade offers a magnificent view of the Borromean Islands, while a trip to the Swiss town of Locarno, with its winding alleyways and special charm, is also worthwhile. One of its landmarks is the Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary, where many pilgrimages end. If you want to enjoy a fantastic view of the city, take the cable car to the Cardada viewpoint, which is around 1,340 metres above sea level. Afterwards, your four-legged friend can let off steam in the dog park at Ponte Maggia. On the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, the historic centre of Luino beckons. The lakeside promenade lined with plane trees is particularly idyllic. Guests and their dogs can stroll past picturesque palazzi at the harbour.

Excursions while camping with your dog on Lake Maggiore

Countless hiking routes lead into the charming surrounding countryside on Lake Maggiore. Holidaymakers can walk around 12 km with their four-legged friend on a tour to Monte Carza starting near Cannobio. Once you reach the summit, a bench in front of a romantic chapel invites you to take a break. The route from Orino to Monte Campo dei Fiori leads mainly through shady woodland. Active hikers are rewarded for the climb up the mountain with a marvellous view as far as the Ligurian Apennines. After 11 kilometres, you return to the starting point in Orino. The Ticino valley, which runs westwards from Intragna, is also an ideal excursion destination for nature lovers. Numerous hiking trails lead along former mule tracks past rare chestnut forests.

Events

Throughout the year, holidaymakers can get to know the culture of the holiday region at interesting events.

March

• Gli Agrumi di Cannero Riviera: The camping season starts in March with a highlight for hobby gardeners. At the citrus fruit festival, visitors learn interesting facts about the cultivation of these delicate plants. An arts and crafts market also attracts crowds.

July - September

• Stresa Festival: From mid-July to September, classical music enchants visitors to the festival of the same name in Stresa. Famous names from the international jazz scene also make an appearance on Lake Maggiore.

October

• Chestnut festival: More than 2,000 kilograms of chestnuts are roasted for the chestnut festival in mid-October. Locals and holidaymakers indulge in cakes, jams and other delicacies made from the regional fruit and are entertained by live music.