Best lakes around Gornate Olona are found within the province of Varese, an area recognized for its bodies of water. Gornate Olona provides access to several notable lakes, each offering distinct features. Key examples include Lake Varese, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Comabbio. These lakes collectively offer diverse activities and natural landscapes.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Forest
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Gornate Olona.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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
14
0
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
13
0
Very nice, I will definitely do it in the next few days,
0
0
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.
0
0
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.
0
0
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.
1
1
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
1
1
Owned by the municipality of Varese since 1882, the Giardini Estensi are a public park located in the center of the city.
9
1
Near Gornate Olona, you'll find a variety of lakes, from expansive bodies of water like Lake Varese and Lake Maggiore to tranquil natural ponds such as Ca' Bianca Pond. The region also features cycle-friendly lake areas and smaller ponds within natural parks like the one at Parco Rile-Tenore-Olona.
Yes, Lake Varese is particularly well-suited for cycling. The Lake Varese Cycle Path offers an easy ride with many panoramic points. You can also find cycle roads alongside old train tracks in areas like Parco Rile-Tenore-Olona. For more cycling routes, explore the Cycling around Gornate Olona guide.
Lake Maggiore, one of Italy's largest lakes, is excellent for water sports. Its Lombard shore is ideal for activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, especially during the summer months.
Absolutely. Many spots are family-friendly, including the Lakeside picnic area on Lake Varese and the Lake Varese Cycle Path. Ca' Bianca Pond is a quiet place with ducks and water lilies that families can enjoy. The Estensi Gardens in Varese, with its Swan Pond, is also a public park popular with families.
Yes, Lake Maggiore offers cultural and historical attractions like the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a monastery perched on a cliff, and the famous Borromean Islands with their exquisite gardens. In Varese, the Estensi Gardens and Palazzo Comunale are significant historical sites.
You can find various hiking trails near the lakes. For example, the Hiking around Gornate Olona guide features routes like the 'Monastery of Torba – Gornate Olona Waterfall loop' and the 'Olona Valley Walk – Cartiera Bridge loop'.
Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring the mountains surrounding Lake Maggiore. Summer is perfect for water sports on Lake Maggiore. The scenic cycle paths, like the one around Lake Varese, can be enjoyed in pleasant weather conditions throughout spring, summer, and autumn.
Yes, a notable spot is the Lakeside picnic area on Lake Varese, which offers beautiful views and is accessible via the cycle path. Ca' Bianca Pond also provides benches for a quiet break amidst nature.
Visitors appreciate the diverse activities available, from cycling around Lake Varese to exploring historical sites on Lake Maggiore. The natural beauty, tranquil spots like Ca' Bianca Pond, and the well-maintained cycle paths are frequently highlighted.
Yes, the Parco Rile-Tenore-Olona is a Local Park of Supra-municipal Interest (PLIS) that embraces valley floors, hillsides, and plains, taking its name from the main waterways. It offers natural settings and cycle roads.
Lake Maggiore provides numerous beaches that are equipped for swimming, offering opportunities to enjoy the water during warmer months.
At places like Ca' Bianca Pond, you can observe ducks and turtles, along with various water lilies and vegetation. The ecological importance of areas like the Gulf of Quassa on Lake Maggiore also suggests a rich natural environment.


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