The forested slopes above Stresa are prime hiking and mountain biking terrain. To reach a network of trails, take the funivia from near the lakefront at the north end of town up Monte Mottarone; the funivia (tel. 0323-30-295; www.stresa-mottarone.it) runs every 20 minutes from roughly 9am to 6pm (hours vary with the season). Above the cable car, take the recently installed chairlift all the way to the summit for beautiful 360 degree views of the Alps and an adrenaline-pumping bobsled roller coaster. It costs 8€ to take the funivia one way (7€ children ages 4-12) or 13.50€ round trip (8.50€ children ages 4-12). For the funivia plus the chairlift, it costs 11.50€ for a one-way ticket (9€ children ages 4-12) or 19€ roundtrip (12€ children ages 4-12). The Alpinia garden halfway up is open daily April to October from 9:30am to 6pm. If you don't want to venture too far from the lake, there's a nice beach near the station.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
