On the western shore of Lake Maggiore, nestled in a romantic hilly landscape, Verbania extends up to Monte Rosso, located behind the Borromean Gulf. The city offers a unique wealth of views and environments to immerse oneself in, perfect for all travelers who enjoy outdoor life, whether at a slow pace or preferring more challenging routes.
Along the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore within the municipality of Verbania lies the fascinating Special Nature Reserve of Fondo Toce, established in 1990. The reed beds in this area are among the last examples of wetlands in the eastern part of the region. The exceptional biodiversity present in this part of Piedmont is evidenced by the numerous species of amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and insects residing there, ranging from the pond turtle to the green frog, from lizards to foxes and weasels, just to name a few. The ecosystem is also ideal for hosting numerous lake fish and birds and for the proliferation of over 240 species of flora. Visitors can explore the most picturesque corners and observe the various inhabitants of the Reserve thanks to a flat path walkable in about an hour.
Starting from the Reserve, always along pedestrian and bike paths, it is possible to reach the Park of Memory and Peace, a place of scenic interest but also, and above all, historical. It stands on the site where, in 1944, the Nazis executed 43 partisans, and the 16,000m2 on which it stretches honor their memory. The Park, dedicated to the Resistance, includes a monumental area consisting of a tall cross – a symbol of sacrifice – that dominates the long wall engraved with the names of 1,200 partisans; the monument to the Georgian partisans, a copper sculpture donated by the Soviet partisans of Georgia; the Ex-Interned monument, dedicated particularly to Italian military internees; The Women’s Monument, representing the role of women during the Resistance; and the Holocaust memorial, in remembrance of the Jewish people. In 2000, an olive tree symbolizing peace was planted by the then Israeli Ambassador, which now stands near the monumental wall.
For those who wish to venture on hilly trails, the Verbano area offers, among others, the paths leading to Monterosso that combine sporting activity with historical and environmental value. One of the routes to reach Cavandone, a hamlet of Verbania located right on Monterosso, starts from Suna, a picturesque village on the lakeshore recently enriched with vibrant murals. Following the signs already present in the town, it is possible to reach a panoramic trail that skirts interesting buildings such as the Old Torraccia and the Little Church of the Good Remedy – with its splendid viewpoint overlooking the Borromean Gulf – until reaching Cavandone, a small medieval village with characteristic rural stone houses, which inspired the famous Swiss writer Johanna Spyri, author of the novel “Heidi,” who set two of her novels precisely here. Spyri used to spend long stays in Suna and, in these two novels, she celebrated the beauty and uniqueness of the Verbano landscapes.
