Mottarone from Stresa on foot: 1,300 m of climbing to the seven-lake balcony
Stresa, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola · Piemonte•1 day · Sunday•Hiking · 1,491 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
DIFFICULT
Where?
Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+23
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Guiddy Experience
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
Mottarone from Stresa
Everyone knows Mottarone from the summit, by car. Climbing it on foot from Stresa is another thing: 1,300 m of ascent from lake to summit, through hamlets, chestnut woods, beech woods and pastures, Lake Maggiore widening at every bend. On top, the seven-lake panorama and Monte Rosa.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
We start from the Stresa lakefront and climb to the hamlets of Levo and then Alpino, with the Alpinia botanical garden. From there the trail enters the woods and high pastures and reaches the Mottarone summit, 1,491 m.
Summit lunch with views over the lakes and the Alps. The descent is down the same side, legs having done a serious day's work.
The Stresa–Mottarone cable car has been out of service since 2021: we walk down. Bars and restaurants on the summit open at weekends even in late November. Short days: early start.
Stresa is an hour and five from Milan on the A26, Carpugnino exit, and an hour by train from Milano Centrale. Paid parking on the lakefront. Car pooling in the outing's Telegram group.
GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
For the selected date: by 16 December, 23:59. You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+23 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
Included in the price.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.
How hard is it, really
Guiddy scale
DIFFICULT
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
1,300 m D+ · 14 km · 6h30
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult — this outing
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 6h30 and 1,300 m of ascent ahead, you need consistent training and to be used to long hours on foot
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Gloves, a beanie, warm layers, a thermos and microspikes if there's ice, plus poles and a headlamp. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included in the price
✓INCLUDED
✓Licensed hiking guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy points for the loyalty programme
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch
✕Parking
✕Travel to Stresa
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
1,300 m
Max altitude
1,491 m
Distance
14 km
Duration
6h30
Sunday
20 Dec
14 km · D+ 1,300 m · 6h30
Meeting point 8:00approximate
Meeting at Stresa, Stresa, provincia di Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Paid parking
€14/day, 9:30am-10pm (daily Mar-Oct, weekends only Nov-Feb). Pay at the meter or via apps like EasyPark.
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.
You'll be among the first to share your story.
Questions?
I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Rough and treacherous terrain requiring preparation and experience, equipment, and use of self-belay devices. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6h30 with 1,300 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before (for this date: 16 December, 23:59)
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Still have questions? Ask Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Hi, I'm Ibex. Ask me anything about this outing: level, what to bring, meeting point, car pooling, payment.
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice. Prefer WhatsApp?
Mottarone from Stresa on foot: 1,300 m of climbing to the seven-lake balcony
Stresa, (VB) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 1,491 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
1,300 m
Max altitude
1,491 m
Distance
14 km
Duration
6h30
Guiddy points
+23
▣ 7 photos
+3 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
Mottarone from Stresa
Everyone knows Mottarone from the summit, by car. Climbing it on foot from Stresa is another thing: 1,300 m of ascent from lake to summit, through hamlets, chestnut woods, beech woods and pastures, Lake Maggiore widening at every bend. On top, the seven-lake panorama and Monte Rosa.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
We start from the Stresa lakefront and climb to the hamlets of Levo and then Alpino, with the Alpinia botanical garden. From there the trail enters the woods and high pastures and reaches the Mottarone summit, 1,491 m.
Summit lunch with views over the lakes and the Alps. The descent is down the same side, legs having done a serious day's work.
The Stresa–Mottarone cable car has been out of service since 2021: we walk down. Bars and restaurants on the summit open at weekends even in late November. Short days: early start.
Stresa is an hour and five from Milan on the A26, Carpugnino exit, and an hour by train from Milano Centrale. Paid parking on the lakefront. Car pooling in the outing's Telegram group.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
DIFFICULT
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
1,300 m D+ · 14 km · 6h30
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult — this outing
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 6h30 and 1,300 m of ascent ahead, you need consistent training and to be used to long hours on foot
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Gloves, a beanie, warm layers, a thermos and microspikes if there's ice, plus poles and a headlamp. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included
INCLUDED
✓Licensed hiking guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy points for the loyalty programme
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch
✕Parking
✕Travel to Stresa
Itinerary
Sunday · approximate times
Explore the map
5 stops
Meeting point 8:00Meeting at Stresa
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Paid parking
€14/day, 9:30am-10pm (daily Mar-Oct, weekends only Nov-Feb). Pay at the meter or via apps like EasyPark.
Rough and treacherous terrain requiring preparation and experience, equipment, and use of self-belay devices. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6h30 with 1,300 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Apple Maps
