eluckhardt

I've been to various lakes in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. I've also been to Bled and Bohinj, in Slovenia. In Italy, I've only been to Lake Garda (briefly). We will be in Milan in a few weeks and wonder if some more of the Italian lakes are a must see for us. I feel like they would be nice, but perhaps not life altering at this point, given all the other lovely lakes we've been to. Or, is going to Como/Maggiore, etc., something completely unique and better than the other neighboring lakes in the neighboring countries?

I realize this is completely subjective, but I wanted to throw that question out there to some of you who have been to so many of the lovely lakes in this region. Thanks!

bobthenavigator

After 17 trips to Italy, the lakes are still my favorite destination. Como is the most dramatic, but Maggiore and Orta are not far behind. Garda is much different and not the same ambiance at all.

adrienne

I've been to Lakes Bled, Como, Maggiore, and Orta. Lake Como is so much prettier than Lake Bled. I thought there was more to do around Lake Maggiore than Lake Como and although it's not as pretty as Como it is spectacular with the mountains and Borromean Islands. Maggiore is only about 45 minutes from Lake Orta so you could take a day trip to Orta and stop en route to see the chapels to St. Francis. Orta is unique with its frescoed buildings in Orta San Guilia; the buildings reminded me a bit of Munich.

My first preference would be Como followed by Maggiore/Orta. If you have a few extra days I would try to see these lakes.

nytraveler

I like lakes for relaxing - but IMHO major cities are much more exciting and enjoyable - but that's me.

We spent several days at Stresa to unwind at the beginning of a road trip through Switzerland to Paris and loved it. Some people say Stresa is too touristy - but we loved it in early June - esp visiting the various islands via the local ferries, a couple of the villas and botanical gardens. But then I don't like towns that are too small.

But - it really depends on what YOU enjoy most.

thursdaysd

Haven't seen the other Italian lakes, but have been to Maggiore and Bled. I enjoyed Bled, but it doesn't compare to Maggiore, which is on my "go back to" list.

eluckhardt

Interesting. I agree that Bled is not a major player in the stunning lake rankings...but what about ones like Hallstatt, Zell am See, Koenigsee, Luzern, etc? Are they somewhat similar to Como/Maggiore/Orta, or yet again, a totally different league?

We enjoy the lakes, but also enjoy cities and other regions. I suppose I just have this nagging feeling that I am still *missing out* by not seeing Como, but otoh, am interested in other places. For this particular trip, I am debating various options, including: Como/Maggiore/etc., the Dolomites (around Ortisei, etc), or even heading into France. I realize I just need to decide what *I* want, but just wanted to get some perspective regarding the various lakes in the area.

eluckhardt

ETA: Not sure how I wound up tagging Croatia in my original post. Sorry about that!

stevewith

If you have an opportunity to see the Dolomiti in fine weather, I strongly encourage you to do so. These are unique and staggeringly impressive geological formations, without equal in the core of Europe or North America. I would rank them as life-altering!

Lago di Como is enchanting, but you can visit for lunch or cocktails from other parts of Italy to see what it is that everyone is raving about. The other lakes are lovely places to spend time, each with their own truly enjoyable aspects, depending on one's personal interests, but Lago di Como to my eyes wins the beauty prize.

I would only go to the Dolomiti within a window of clear skies, so if your travel is outside of core summer, head elsewhere. The lakes, especially Lago di Como, can be just as memorable in mist or even rain. The Dolomiti simply disappear and there is no point in being there.

I also recommend that if you go to the Dolomiti, head for the Alta Badia area rather than around Ortisei if possible. Much of the southernmost areas of the Dolomiti is overdeveloped with ski and second home infrastructure. The Dolomiti themselves are still staggering, but the development is unpleasant. There is less of this in the Alta Badia, and a few villages manage to retain their agricultural and pastoral roots. It is a bit less intensely touristed as well. Still, if the better plan logistically for you is to go to Ortesei, I doubt you will complain. It is incredibly impressive and thrilling.

neckervd

All North Italian lakes have more or less the same climate, the same flora and fauna, the same architecture. Dialects and food are similar too. In these points, they are completely different from Austrain or Slovenian lakes.

Lake Como, Lake Lugano and Lake Orta are completely surrounded by mountains and look somewhat like Fjords. The Southern parts of the other Lakes are rather flat. The smaller lakes around Varese and in Brianza are in a slightly hilly landscape.

Public transport is best around Lake Lugano, frequent buses and 5 mountain railways/cableways go to the top of mountains (with panorama from Mont Blanc up to Ortles)around the lake. The much bigger Lakes Maggiore and Como count 3 resp 2 cableways and much less bus lines, except for the areas around Locarno and around Intra.

The Borromean Isalnds with their castle and their botanical gardens are stunning.

valtor

I visited the lakes in Solvenia and also Lugano, Como, Maggiore and Garda in Italy. We enjoyed visiting all of them, but our favorite is Lago Maggiore. We stayed in Stresa. For us Stresa is a jewelery, as is also Maggiore lake. It is not only about the views of the mountains mirrored in the lake and not only about the visit of Borromean.
The most we enjoyed visiting Isola Bella (the palace, the gardens with gorgeous white peacocks, small and picturesque streets). It was also very nice to visit Villa Taranto with its superb gardens.

adrienne

<< heading into France >>

How much time do you have? For me that would make a difference in where I went. You can see Lakes Como, Maggiore, and Orta in a few days (2 days each for Como and Maggiore, 1 days for Orta).

If I went into southern France I would want more than 4 or 5 days as it's a large area with many town that are noteworthy.

If you miss the center area of Lake Como (Bellagio, Varenna, Mennagio area) you're missing something quite beautiful. I loved the ferries and thought the rides were magical watching one town recede and the next town approach. There's not a lot to do there but it is worth visiting.

Visit the Lakes.

nochblad

Speaking as a quasi Italiano and quasi Comasco (from Como) everyone acclaims their lake and will hardly ever visit one of the others. I have lived in Italy over 30 years and hardly know Lake Maggiore and even less Lake Garda. I have never visited Iseo or Orta. In fact, along with many people from Como, I have never been to Varenna. We don't understand what all the fuss is about.

Don't misunderstand me - I have travelled the world. But the true Italy is very "provinciale" - my back garden is better than yours! And my back garden from Como to Bellagio is sublime.

neckervd

"We don't understand what all the fuss is about."
Lei mi piace, davvero!

DAX

Si condivido io...addiriturra Mark Twain wrote that Lake Tahoe is more beautiful than Lake Como!

bobthenavigator

After our first trip to Como, I sent a card to my dad to desribe Lago Como to him. I told him to imagine Newport on the shores of Lake Tahoe---seems apt to me.

eluckhardt

Thanks all. Sounds like I should make a visit to nochblad's backyard! And the Dolomites, someday, too! Not sure if that will be this trip, however, as my husband said he wants to go to France for a bit (we will be driving from Genoa to Frankfurt, and even though it's a straight shot through Como, I can't convince him to go that way this time).

DAX

Interesting detour but why not, hope you will be making a lot of sightseeing/overnight stops to make the french freeway tolls will add up more than the swiss freeway sticker.

I just drove from Genoa to Nice last week. It is so much better now that the innumerable tunnels are painted white on their sidewalls. It used to be alternating flashes of super bright sunshine and sudden darkness at high speed which made it very stressful & tiring, now it's a breeze. Even though the freeway is called Autostrada di Fiori (=Flowers), you won't see much flowers since they are grown inside greenhouses. Genoa was worth a visit, how long will you be there? It's important to stay in the right area to enjoy the city.

DAX

Typo: "to make it worth the french freeway tolls as they will add up more than the swiss freeway sticker"

eluckhardt

No kidding, DAX. I am wary of those tolls for sure! We are not staying long in Genoa, actually. We sail in/out of there on a cruise. Thanks for your tips.