Lakes around Castelseprio are a prominent feature of the surrounding Lombardy region, known as the "Land of the Lakes." While Castelseprio itself does not host large lakes, its location provides access to several notable bodies of water. These lakes offer diverse natural landscapes, from glacial waters to tranquil, clean environments. The area is characterized by rolling hills, lush greenery, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Estensi Gardens and the Palazzo Comunale in Varese The Estensi Gardens and the Palazzo Comunale are located in the center of Varese. THE PALACE In 1766, the Duke of Modena, Francesco III d'Este, Captain General and Governor of Austrian Lombardy, decided to buy the residence located on the outskirts of the village for his holidays. Varese had been enfeoffed to him in a personal capacity with civil and judicial powers by Maria Theresa of Austria on 23 June 1765. Immediately after the acquisition, Francesco III began to expand the property by annexing the neighboring property. The renovation and construction lasted from 1766 to 1773, while the garden was completed in 1771. The architect Giuseppe Antonio Bianchi was in charge of the project and directed the works, including the design of the hill that became known as Castellazzo Flat to create the gardens. The palace consists of a central nucleus with two side wings connected by the underlying portico, which houses a stone cutter. The long façade on Via Sacco is equipped with three stone portals and balconies. Entering through the main portal, which leads into the central portico and the courtyard of honor, you pass from the austerity of the external façade to the internal façade, which is lively and overlooks the picturesque garden. The interior of the palace is an example of the so-called Teresian Baroque. The Hall of Honor (or Salone Estense) is full of precious elements such as the illusionistic frescoes by Lodovico Bosellini and the central medallion by Giovan Battista Ronchelli. Going up to the first floor, along the staircase of honor, there are four niches with eighteenth-century copies of female busts and putti with stucco lamps. ……….. Text / Source: FAI - FONDO PER L'AMBIENTE ITALIANO ETS - Via Carlo Foldi, 2 - 20135 Milan https://fondoambiente.it/luoghi/giardini-estensi?ldc
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Laghetto dei cigni / Swan Pond in the Giardini e Palazzo Estensi in Varese The history of Palazzo Estense and its beautiful gardens was born thanks to a real love at first sight. It is said, in fact, that Francesco III d'Este, Duke of Modena and governor of Austrian Lombardy, fell so much in love with the beauty of Varese that he requested it as a fief from Maria Theresa of Austria. From then on it is history: the Duke bought the villa, now known as Palazzo Estense, and entrusted its restoration to the architect Bianchi, making it his summer residence. The garden behind the building was laid out in Italian and French style, inspired by the park of the residence at Schönbrunn. The main feature of the garden is the parterre, punctuated by flowerbeds and low-stemmed plants, which houses the large central fountain. Today the area is a public park, directly connected to the gardens of Villa Mirabello, which attracts hundreds of visitors every day who crowd the paths to fully enjoy this beauty. Text / Source: Turismo-in-Lombardia https://www.in-lombardia.it/it/ https://www.in-lombardia.it/it/turismo-in-lombardia/varese-turismo/giardini-di-palazzo-estense
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Archaeological site in the municipality of Besnate, the so-called lagozza is a small but charming lake surrounded by a small swamp. This peat bog gave birth, in 1877, to an ancient pile-dwelling and from there a civilization was discovered, called precisely the Lagozza Civilization, which in all likelihood lived here about 5,000 years ago.
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Very nice, I will definitely do it in the next few days,
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The "Rile-Tenore-Olona" (RTO) is a Local Park of Supra-municipal Interest (PLIS) established in 2006 between eight founding municipalities and subsequently joined by four others in the province of Varese. Covering over 25 square kilometers, the park embraces valley floors, hillsides and plains, taking its name from the main waterways: Rile, Tenore and Olona. The management of the PLIS has been entrusted to the Pineta di Appiano Gentile e Tradate regional park since 2019, in line with the reorganization of the Lombardy protected area management system. Castiglione Olona assumes the role of Convention Head in the management of the PLIS.
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The fauna is typically aquatic: red frogs and toads come every year to reproduce and for some years there have also been one or two pairs of mallards.
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Walking along the LP/847 path from Beregazzo in the direction of Appiano Gentile, after passing the Ca' Bianca farmhouse, you come across the pond of the same name on the left. To observe it better, it is best to turn left onto path 846, which partly runs along its banks. The Ca' Bianca pond, among the largest in the Pineta Park, is home to a rich population of water lilies, which bloom beautifully in summer. Along the banks, on the northernmost side, cattails and other aquatic plants also grow.
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Lagozza in prehistoric times was a large swamp with shallow water. There is evidence of settlements dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.
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While Castelseprio itself doesn't have large lakes, it's ideally located in the 'Land of the Lakes' region, offering easy access to several notable bodies of water. The primary lakes in the vicinity include Lake Varese, Lake Maggiore, Lake Monate, and Lake Comabbio, each offering distinct features and activities.
Lake Varese is known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. It features a 30 km cycling and walking path encircling the lake, ideal for fitness and leisure. The lake is also suitable for water sports like kayaking and rowing, and is home to the prehistoric archaeological site of Isolino Virginia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby, you can visit the Sacro Monte di Varese, another UNESCO site. For more information, you can visit italia.it.
Lake Maggiore, Italy's second-largest lake, is famous for its stunning Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre, where you can explore Baroque palaces and elaborate gardens. The lake is excellent for various water sports, and its surrounding mountains provide great trekking and hiking opportunities. Don't miss the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a monastery perched on a cliff.
Lake Monate is celebrated as one of Italy's cleanest lakes, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boating in a peaceful setting. Lake Comabbio also offers a tranquil environment, with a ban on motorized boats, making it ideal for non-motorized water sports and nature immersion. Both lakes provide serene retreats away from more crowded tourist spots.
Yes, both Lake Varese and Lake Comabbio feature excellent circular cycling and walking paths. Lake Varese has a 30 km path, while Lake Comabbio offers a 12.5 km route that includes a unique wooden platform suspended over the water. The Lake Comabbio path also connects to the Lake Varese cycle path, offering extended cycling opportunities. For more cycling routes in the wider area, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Castelseprio guide.
The lakes around Castelseprio offer a variety of water sports. Lake Varese is suitable for kayaking, rowing, and fishing. Lake Maggiore is ideal for sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, yachting, water skiing, and scuba diving. Lake Monate and Lake Comabbio, known for their clean and calm waters, are perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boating, and fishing, especially for non-motorized activities.
Yes, the region offers numerous hiking opportunities. The areas around Lake Maggiore provide excellent trekking and hiking, particularly in spring and autumn. Lake Monate and Lake Comabbio also have nature trails through wooded areas. For specific hiking routes in the broader Castelseprio area, you can explore the Hiking around Castelseprio guide, which includes trails like the Rile-Tenore-Olona Ridge Trail.
Many spots are family-friendly. Ca' Bianca Pond is a quiet place with benches, ducks, and turtles. The Lagozza di Besnate Archaeological Site offers a small lake and swamp with historical significance. The Old railway tracks and pond at Parco Rile-Tenore-Olona is a pleasant trail. Capolago Pier on Lake Varese is a green place with water birds and animals, accessible from the Lake Cycle Path. Lake Monate's clean waters are also great for family swimming.
Absolutely. The Lagozza di Besnate Archaeological Site is a significant historical spot where an ancient pile-dwelling from the Lagozza Civilization (about 5,000 years ago) was discovered. On Lake Varese, Isolino Virginia is a prehistoric archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lake Maggiore boasts the famous Borromean Islands with their historic palaces and the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso.
Lake Varese is a great spot for birdwatching due to its rich variety of wildlife and tranquil environment. Lake Monate also offers opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks through its lush landscapes. Lake Comabbio is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including aquatic birds, and the nearby Brabbia Marsh Nature Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly recommended for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, as the weather is pleasant and the scenery vibrant. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports, though some areas might be more crowded. Winter offers a different, quieter charm, though water activities are limited.
Yes, many trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. For instance, the Old railway tracks and pond at Parco Rile-Tenore-Olona is categorized as dog-friendly. Generally, the cycling and walking paths around Lake Varese and Lake Comabbio, as well as many nature trails around Lake Monate, are suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash.
Komoot users appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and the peaceful atmosphere. Highlights like Ca' Bianca Pond are enjoyed for being a quiet place to take a break, with ducks, turtles, and water lilies. The Capolago Pier on Lake Varese is loved for its panoramic views of Campo dei Fiori and abundant wildlife. The region's blend of scenic beauty, historical sites, and outdoor activities receives high praise, with over 150 upvotes and 80 photos shared by the community.


Still not found your perfect lake around Castelseprio? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.