Valganna between wetlands, hiking trails and culture

Valganna combines protected wetlands, paths through the landscape and several cultural destinations. The Riserva Naturale Lago di Ganna nature reserve includes Lago di Ganna, the Torbiera del Pralugano peat bog, as well as meadows and damp woodland around the two wetlands. This gives the area a clear connection with nature that can be combined with historical and artistic impressions.

Nature and paths around Valganna

A cycle and footpath runs along the shore of Lago di Ghirla. The wetlands of the nature reserve and this lakeside path give the surroundings different landscape features. In the wider regional area around Valganna are also Monte Generoso and Monte Brè, both mountains. Poncione di Breno is a summit there. Together, these destinations lead from the water-shaped landscapes around Lago di Ganna and Torbiera del Pralugano into a mountain-oriented setting, without requiring a single type of excursion.

Artistic village and sacred history

Boarezzo is an artistically designed village in Valganna with painted and frescoed panels on the walls of the houses. The nature-themed paintings added later in Boarezzo form the educational trail “C’era una volta il bosco”.

The Badia di San Gemolo in Ganna dates back to the 10th century. Its complex includes a Romanesque bell tower. In the pentagonal cloister of the Badia di San Gemolo, a small museum houses sacred archaeological finds and works by local painters. For those interested in culture, architectural history, sacred archaeology and regional painting come together here in one specific place.

Routes in Valganna

Hiking trails are available in the Parco Nazionale del Campo dei Fiori in Valganna. There are opportunities for climbing along the Linea Cadorna. The Valganna route is a hiking route between the Maglio di Ghirla and the Badia di San Gemolo; it follows a section of the Via Francisca, which passes through Valganna and connects several sights.

Cultural destinations in the surrounding area

Several independent cultural destinations are also located around Valganna. The Civico Museo D'arte Moderna E Contemporanea is a museum in the area around Valganna. The Museo Tattile Varese is also a museum in the surrounding area. Villa Mirabello is a palace in the area around Valganna, as is Villa Augusta. The Giardini di Palazzo Estense are a garden in the area around Valganna. These destinations extend the cultural scope beyond Boarezzo and the Badia di San Gemolo, while their classification as a museum or palace is retained in each case.

More places for planning your trip

For further orientation, you can also visit Castronno, Brinzio, Gavirate, Samarate, Brebbia, Besnate, Maccagno and Corgeno.

To the higher-level travel overview: Varese.