Top 20 Lakes around Vedano Olona
Best lakes around Vedano Olona, located in the province of Varese, offer a diverse range of natural landscapes and activities. The area is characterized by several prominent lakes, including Lake Varese, Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, Lake Comabbio, and Lake Ghirla. These bodies of water provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, historical exploration, and scenic views. The region's geography features lush hills and varied shorelines, making it a destination for those seeking both active pursuits and tranquil environments.
Best lakes around Vedano…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Lakeside picnic area on Lake Varese
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Lake Varese Cycle Path
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Bosco del Proverbio Pine Forest
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Ca' Bianca Pond
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Estensi Gardens
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The Estensi Gardens and the Palazzo Comunale are located in the center of Varese. THE PALACE In 1766, the Duke of Modena, …
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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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Very nice, I will definitely do it in the next few days,
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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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Near Bodio Lomnago there is this place from where it is possible to admire one of the many panoramic points offered by the beautiful cycle path of Lake Varese.
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Beautiful but dangerous, at the end of May after having avoided a head-on collision at a stop sign by pure chance, towards Cassinetta a cyclist took a straight turn and made me fall, resulting in 3 slightly dislocated ribs. Be careful
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Owned by the municipality of Varese since 1882, the Giardini Estensi are a public park located in the center of the city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes near Vedano Olona are best for cycling?
Lake Varese and Lake Comabbio both offer excellent cycling opportunities. Lake Varese features a 28-kilometer cycling path that encircles the lake, ideal for all skill levels. You can access it via the Lake Varese Cycle Path. Lake Comabbio also has a peaceful 12-kilometer cycle and pedestrian path that connects to Lake Varese's route.
What historical and cultural sites can I visit near the lakes?
Near Lake Varese, you can explore Isolino Virginia, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a Neolithic stilt settlement, or the Sacro Monte di Varese, another UNESCO site offering panoramic views. Villa Panza, a neoclassical mansion, houses contemporary art. On Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Islands feature the magnificent Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella and botanical gardens on Isola Madre. The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a monastery perched on a cliff, is also easily accessible.
Are there family-friendly options among the lakes near Vedano Olona?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly activities. Lake Comabbio is particularly suitable for families due to its calm environment, flat cycle path, and opportunities for paddle boating and birdwatching. Lake Varese also has family-friendly sections along its cycle path, such as the Lakeside picnic area on Lake Varese. The Ca' Bianca Pond is a quiet spot known for ducks and turtles, perfect for a peaceful break with children.
What kind of water sports are available on the lakes?
The larger lakes offer a variety of water sports. Lake Varese is popular for fishing, kayaking, and rowing. Lake Maggiore provides opportunities for sailing, canoeing, water skiing, and scuba diving. Lake Lugano is ideal for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing, especially during summer. Lake Comabbio and Lake Ghirla are great for kayaking and paddle boating in a more tranquil setting.
Which lakes are best for a quiet, natural escape?
For tranquility and nature immersion, Lake Comabbio and Lake Ghirla are excellent choices. Lake Comabbio bans motorboats, ensuring a quiet environment perfect for birdwatching and relaxation. Lake Ghirla, nestled in the Valganna region, is surrounded by lush woods and is ideal for picnicking, hiking, and enjoying serene natural beauty.
Where can I find hiking trails near the lakes around Vedano Olona?
Many lakes offer nearby hiking opportunities. Around Lake Lugano, mountains like Monte San Giorgio, Monte Brè, and Monte San Salvatore provide superb views and numerous hiking trails. Near Lake Maggiore, the National Park of Val Grande and the Natural Park of the Ticino Valley offer extensive options for nature exploration. For more local trails, you can explore the Hiking around Vedano Olona guide, which includes routes like the 'Parco Pineta Loop from Vedano Olona'.
What are the best times to visit the lakes near Vedano Olona?
The lakes offer beauty throughout the year. Spring and autumn are particularly scenic, with vibrant natural colors around Lake Varese and pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports on lakes like Lugano and Ghirla. In winter, Lake Ghirla can freeze, becoming a natural ice rink, offering a unique seasonal experience.
Are there any unique natural features or viewpoints to discover?
Yes, the region boasts several unique natural features. Lake Varese is known for its rosy sunsets and offers panoramic views from various points along its cycle path, such as the Lakeside picnic area on Lake Varese. Lake Lugano is notable for its mountainous backdrop and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Monte San Giorgio, rich in fossils. The Ca' Bianca Pond offers a peaceful break with its ducks, turtles, and water lilies.
Can I find running trails near the lakes?
Yes, the area around Vedano Olona and its lakes provides several running trails. The cycle paths around Lake Varese and Lake Comabbio are suitable for jogging. For dedicated running routes, you can check the Running Trails around Vedano Olona guide, which features options like the 'Sentiero Fugascé da San Salvatore – loop trail'.
What are the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore known for?
The Borromean Islands are a major highlight of Lake Maggiore. Isola Bella is famous for the magnificent Borromeo Palace and its exquisite Italian terraced gardens. Isola Madre is renowned for its botanical gardens and a 16th-century Palazzo Borromeo, where peacocks and pheasants roam freely. Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen's Island) is the only one with permanent inhabitants and offers charming restaurants serving fresh fish.
Are there any gardens or parks to visit near the lakes?
Absolutely. Near Lake Varese, the Estensi Gardens in Varese are a beautiful public park connected to the gardens of Villa Mirabello. On Lake Maggiore, Villa Taranto boasts over a thousand plant varieties in its botanical gardens. Lake Lugano features the exotic Parco Scherrer in Morcote.
What makes Lake Comabbio unique compared to other lakes in the region?
Lake Comabbio stands out for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, primarily because motorboats are banned, ensuring a quiet environment. It's entirely within the province of Varese and is known for its clear waters, lush surroundings, and a flat 12-kilometer cycle and pedestrian path that's perfect for leisure activities and birdwatching. It's also the annual host of the Italian Fixed-Seat Rowing Championships.
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