Hiking through the Villages above Brissago on Lago Maggiore

November 9, 2019 -- After two weeks of rain and lots of snow in the mountains above 1200m, and really not a single spot in the country where the weather might have been nice to go to on our day off, finally the weather cleared up in the South, our usual go-to place when the weather is bad in the North.

As it turns out, even in the Ticino the mountains get snow (and sometimes in winter even the low-lying areas do), but on this beautiful day the snow-covered peaks looked spectacular against the clear blue of the sky. And it never ceases to amaze me: In this Mediterranean-style climate where palm trees and banana trees flourish, the juxtaposition of the palms and the snowy peaks is a wonder.

We took the bus to its furthest stop from Locarno on the West side of Lago Maggiore, with the intention of walking the additional 600m to the Italian Border, and from there ascending along a steep trail through the forest to high above the town of Brissago, and heading North through the villages that hug the mountainside here, and then returning to Brissago from the North with a final walk along the lakeshore before catching the bus back to Locarno. We were somewhat disappointed to find the trail closed (unstable) and had to return to Brissago along the busy road to the next possible place to ascend, across from the magnificent Madonna di Ponte Church (unfortunately locked, so no viewing of the inside possible) and as it turns out, I enjoyed the ascent probably more this way, as it was a series of stone steps through both modern and old neighbourhoods. And I love climbing stairs. 

After the cold weather to the North, the balmy 12 degrees and sunshine here made for a very pleasant outing. Lots to see, wonderful views, no other people far and wide, enjoying the sunshine at the lake before heading home... a great day all round. 

This is the bus stop furthest South in Switzerland on Lake Maggiore, 600m from the Italian border. After getting to the border and finding the trail closed, we came back this way and walked to the church in the back. From there a series of steps led up the hill.

The mountains look great with their snow-covered peaks against the blue background

And even better are the palm trees with a background of snow-covered mountains!

Back at the church called Madonna di Ponte, we first had a coffee break on a lakeside bench, before heading up the hill (the church was locked, so we could not view the inside)

Madonna di Ponte in Brissago on Lake Maggiore.

Our excursion started with 2 kilometers along the lakeshore road, first to the border, than back again after discovering the trail was closed, and then to the chruch from where we finally got to go up the hill

Finally some enjoyable trails. Lots of steps through both forested sections and villages

View down to the Church Madonna di Ponte

The architecture here consists of lots of stone, both the houses and loads of supporting walls. And many many palm trees. These palms trees can withstand temperatures of up to minus 10 degrees.

Another glimpse over the rooftops and palm trees toward the Brissago islands and Locarno to the North. 

Lots of wonderful stonework

Loads of steps and stairways on the pedestrian trail

Cobbled walkways through the old village cores. This village is called Piodina

The alleyways through Piodina above Brissago

The Piazza in Piodina with the view South into Italy along Lago Maggiore (we are right on the border here, i.e. the mountains on the left are in Italy)

Another view across the rooftops of Piodina

After 30 minutes through a shady forested section we came to Incella. To reach these buildings we had to head down into what looked like a cellar

This alley looks like it heads into someone's cellar, but it was actually a street into a whole other set of buildings in the village. It was very cool!

The town fountain.

   

Another forested section took us into this ravine and around this church called "Madonna del Sacro Monte", build on a small promontory in the early 1700's. I'd never seen anything quite like it.

Unfortunately, it was also locked so we could not go see the inside 

And the view from the back side, looking out toward the lake

Another view South along Lago Maggiore

Good view of the "Isole di Brissago". There is a botanical garden on the large of the two islands that is accessed with public boat in summer

Isole di Brissago

Heading back down to Brissago. A large part of our ascent and descent was on steps such as these

Admiring this very lush banana tree. It even had a small bunch of bananas!

Down at the lake we had time to enjoy another coffee break in the sunshine before heading to the bus stop

The lake promenade in Brissago. Very few other people out and about. The restaurants here are closed for the season.

How lovely to still have splashes of colour at this time of year

Some lovely flowers still blooming at this time of year.

This recently renovated 18th century building called "Casa Bianchini" was probably the most interesting building in Brissago.

 

Church tower Brissago. At 15:00 this side of the lake was soon in shadow, and it was a good time to head back home.

Our little round tour in the communities above Brissago on Lago Maggiore. These villages always have so much variety.

This is how we chose our destination for the day. We look at this weather forecast the night before, and where there is "pure sunshine" or the small cloud is where we go the next day.