Bregano
Welcome to Lake Varese!
Hi friends! Today I will tell you about a hidden treasure in the province of Varese: Lake Varese, also known as Lake Scarpa. It is one of the largest lakes in Italy, the tenth in terms of extension completely within national borders and the twelfth overall.
The formation of Lake Varese
Lake Varese is approximately 15,000 years old, formed by the retreat of the glacier of Lake Maggiore, which created a large basin and a myriad of small lakes surrounding the city.
Citizens living on Lake Varese
The lake is located at an altitude of 238 meters above sea level, and borders nine different municipalities, including Varese, which only acquired it in its municipal territory in the 1920s. Famous for being a rowing racecourse, the lake is home to the Canottieri Varese, organizer of national and international rowing events, and the Canottieri Gavirate, which has achieved numerous successes such as the Coppa Montù in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Isolino Virginia
The small island of Virginia, in the municipality of Biandronno, is perhaps the most interesting site of Lake Varese. It has been called different names, but its current name is in honor of the wife of an industrialist from Gallarate, Andrea Ponti. On the island, remains of prehistoric pile-dwelling civilizations were found, now preserved at the Ponti Museum. Thanks to these findings, Lake Varese, together with Lake Monate, was included in 2011 in the UNESCO list of the most important "Prehistoric pile-dwelling sites in the Alpine arc" in the world.
The waters of Lake Varese
After 60 years of being unsuitable for swimming, the lake is now perfect for swimming starting from July 2, 2022, thanks to the intervention of water restoration by the municipalities on its shore, the province of Varese, and the Lombardy region. There are two beaches where you can swim: Schiranna of Varese and Bodio Lomnago.
The flora of Lake Varese
The Brabbia Marsh is a nature reserve that protects one of the best examples of plain peat bogs between the shores of Lake Varese and Lake Comabbio. Covering 459 hectares, it is one of the largest wetland areas in Lombardy.
I hope this information has made you appreciate Lake Varese, and that you check out its website and plan a visit. You won't regret it!
