Buguggiate
Hello friends, let me introduce the wonderful Lake Varese!
Located at the foot of the Varesine Prealps at an altitude of 238 meters above sea level, Lake Varese, nicknamed "lagh de Vares" in Lombard language, is the tenth largest Italian lake and the twelfth largest overall. With a large surface area of 14.54 km², the lake borders nine Italian municipalities: Varese, Azzate, Bardello with Malgesso and Bregano, Biandronno, Bodio Lomnago, Buguggiate, Galliate Lombardo, Cazzago Brabbia, and Gavirate.
Formation
Lake Varese was formed about 15,000 years ago when the retreat of the Lake Maggiore glacier created the large basin where the city and its lake are now located.
Isolino Virginia
The small island of Virginia, belonging to the municipality of Biandronno, is the most interesting site on Lake Varese. Its history is rich in different names, but since 1878 the current name has been Isolino Virginia in honor of the wife of the Gallarate industrialist Andrea Ponti.
The island has been the subject of archaeological finds, and the discovery of remains of palafitte civilizations in 1863 makes it a unique and important site. In 2011, Lake Varese was declared a UNESCO site as part of the "Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps".
Activities on the lake
Lake Varese is famous for rowing and its unmistakable shoe shape. Here is the headquarters of Canottieri Varese, which organizes national and international events. Since 1960, Canottieri Gavirate has joined the group and has won numerous awards such as the Montù Cup in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
In addition, Lake Varese is famous for its abundant presence of ducks.
The waters
For 60 years, Lake Varese was not suitable for swimming, but thanks to the activities carried out by the municipalities that overlook its banks, the province of Varese and the Lombardy region, the lake has become suitable for swimming experimentally at the beaches of Schiranna di Varese and Bodio Lomnago from July 2, 2022.
The flora
Nestled between the basins of Lake Varese and Lake Comabbio, the Brabbia Marsh is a nature reserve that protects one of the best-preserved examples of a lowland peat bog. The protected area covers 459 hectares and preserves the local flora and fauna.
Lake Varese and Brabbia Marsh are unique natural spaces that deserve to be visited. If you are looking for a place of peace, tranquility, and natural beauty, Lake Varese is the right place for you!
