Isola Superiore: Fishing History and Island Culture on Lake Maggiore

Isola Superiore, also known as Isola dei Pescatori, combines the history of fishing with art, island customs and a cuisine that brings Lake Maggiore literally to the table.

The place names Isola Superiore and Isola dei Pescatori refer to the same island.

Fishing history as a tour of the island

The Fishing Ecomuseum encompasses the entire area of Isola Superiore, also known as Isola dei Pescatori. Important outdoor sites and historic buildings have been linked into a sightseeing tour. A small fishing museum was established on the ground floor of Casa Ugo Ara in 2016. It displays materials and objects donated by fishermen and other island residents.

School classes can also explore the island from different perspectives through the Fishing Ecomuseum. For their visit, it offers thematic tours and workshop experiences focusing on the island’s historical, environmental, artistic and anthropological themes.

Church, alleyways and art

The Church of San Vittore is located at the highest point of the island ridge. In the houses, on balconies, in arcades and in the narrow alleyways, colorful former fishing nets recall a local tradition of fishing and hand repair.

Alongside the traces of the island’s fishing heritage, Andrea Ruffoni adds an independent artistic dimension. He developed his own technique in which plastic materials are burned and melted onto a metal mesh. From 2016, his house museum, studio and private garden were open to the public. Andrea Ruffoni lived from 1925 to 1990.

Lake fish and local festival traditions

Restaurants and osterias on Isola dei Pescatori serve lake fish from Lake Maggiore, including perch, whitefish, pike-perch, char and bleak. The fish species on the menus thus stand alongside the history of fishing preserved in the museum.

Recurring customs are also part of the local character. These customs take place on several festive occasions and combine religious dates, shared meals and convivial games. The Ferragosto tradition includes an auction of donations during the day after Mass. During Ferragosto week, a traditional bocce tournament takes place at the “tail” of the island. At Carnival, a long table is set up on the shore, where island residents gather for polenta and wine.

On the eve of Epiphany, children walk through the island’s streets making noise with cans, tin cans and lids tied to strings, in order to wake Befana, who is called carga vegia on the island. Within the Aree Protette del Ticino e del Lago Maggiore, Isola Superiore is designated as “di transito”.

Getting to Isola dei Pescatori and having lunch

As part of the Borromean Islands tour, a passenger boat reaches Isola dei Pescatori from Isola Bella in five minutes; there, visitors can explore the characteristic village and have lunch at a typical restaurant. The five-minute boat connection is part of the Borromean Islands tour and marks the change of location.

For the main travel overview: Stresa.