Ghirla between the lake, hiking trails and history

Ghirla combines a small glacial lake with a hiking trail connecting Ghirla and Mondonico, as well as historic traces on Monte Scerrè. This creates a destination whose distinctive features can be discovered through its landscape, outdoor activities and regional culture.

Lago di Ghirla as a landmark

Lago di Ghirla is a small lake of glacial origin. The northern part of the lake lies in the hamlet of Ghirla; the southern part borders the area of Ganna. A cycle and walking path runs along the shore and allows you to walk or cycle around the lake. Its history also extends into winter sports: in 1914, Lago di Ghirla hosted the first national speed skating championship, won by Giuseppe Peck.

Historic hiking trail on Monte Scerrè

The Sentiero Ghirla-Sass Ciucheta-Madonna Alpini-Monte Scerrè hiking trail is a moderately difficult to somewhat challenging hike connecting Ghirla and Mondonico. Along its route, it includes a section of a former military road on Monte Scerrè at an altitude of 796 metres. The trail also passes two forts built in the Barbetta style as part of the Cadorna Line.

The historic Maglio Pavoni hammer mill

The historic Maglio Pavoni hammer mill on the Margorabbia stream operated from the 18th century onwards. Together with the former military road and the forts of the Cadorna Line, it anchors Ghirla in a landscape where nature and regional history stand closely side by side.

Cycling route through wooded areas

The Ganna–Cunardo–Ferrera di Varese route begins at Maglio di Ghirla in the municipality of Valganna. It passes through the wooded areas of the municipality of Cunardo and near the Cascate Fermona waterfalls by Ferrera di Varese. It therefore complements the circuit around Lago di Ghirla with a route connecting several places and landscapes.

Museums and palaces in the surrounding region

Several cultural destinations are also located outside Ghirla. Museo Tattile Varese is a museum in the area surrounding Ghirla. Villa Mirabello is a palace in the area surrounding Ghirla, while Villa Baumann is a palace in the wider surrounding region. Chiostro di Voltorre is also a museum in the area surrounding Ghirla.

Mountains around Ghirla

The scenic landmarks include Poncione di Breno, a summit in the area surrounding Ghirla. The wider surrounding region also includes Monte Generoso and Monte Brè, both mountains, as well as Pòla, another summit. These names broaden the view from the lake and the trails on Monte Scerrè to the region's mountain landscape.

When choosing your accommodation in Ghirla, you can therefore decide on your preferred focus: the lakeshore, hiking trails or regional cultural destinations.

More places for your travel plans

For further travel planning, you can also explore Maccagno, Castronno, Lonate Pozzolo, Brusimpiano, Cittiglio, Corgeno, Dumenza and Travedona-Monate.

To the main travel overview: Varese.