**We are pleased to announce that the Stresa to Mottarone Cable Car re-opened on Saturday 13th August 2016**

The Stresa to Mottarone cable car takes 20 minutes to get to the top of Mount Mottarone (1,491m² / 4,892 ft²). Mount Mottarone is considered a "natural balcony" from which there are 360° panoramic views across the Po Valley to the Alps. From the summit which is a 15 minute walk from the cable car station you can see seven lakes: Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo, Lake Varese, Lake Comabbio, Lake Monate and Lake Biandronno.

Tourism around Mount Mottarone really took off in the early 1900's when the area was opened up for skiing. Thus in 1910 the river which ran down the now Via Roma was covered over to make way for the Stresa to Mottarone railway. This electric rack and pinion railway was inaugurated in 1911 with its route starting from the ferry station square, continuing up Via Roma to Stresa railway station, stopping in Vedasco before reaching Mottarone. The journey used to take 1 hour. Ski runs were created, a bob sleigh run was opened and one of Italy's first ski jumps was built in 1935.

7 years after the closure of the railway in 1963, the current cable car started running.

The cable car can accommodate 40 passengers per car and has a mid station at Alpino where you can alight to visit the Alpine Gardens. The gardens cover an area of approximately 40,000m² (431,000 ft²) with a wonderfully appointed viewpoint over the Borromean Islands and Lake Maggiore. The gardens were created in 1934 and specialise in Alpine and sub-Alpine species.

There are several walking trails in the Mottarone area - please see the walks section for more details.

ÊBack to list of attractions

Practical Info

The cable car runs every 20 minutes everyday during the summer from 09.30 to 17.40 (last descent) with an hour break for lunch. Always check the time of the last descent. This is always signposted at the Mottarone station near where you get off the cable car. There is no other way back to Stresa other than a long walk or an expensive taxi ride. Full winter and summer timetables are available on the website in English.

A return ticket costs € 19.00 for adults and € 12.00 for children 4-12 years and are available at the cable car station.

Your return ticket includes also the new chairlift return to the summit if you prefer not to walk. NB It no longer includes entrance to the Alpine Gardens.

It is advisable to check at the tourist office or the cable car station if any closures are due for bad weather or routine maintenance.

The Stresa cable car station is situated at the Lido which is reached by following the lakeside promenade.

The Alpine Gardens are 300m from the Alpino mid-way station and are open everyday April to October 09.30 - 18.00. Adults costs € 4 and children 4-12 years cost € 3.50. NB Entrance to the Alpine Gardens is no longer included in the cost of the cable car ticket.

There is a cafe just outside the mid-way Alpino station and various cafes and restaurants at Mottarone.

Due to the steps at every cable car station there is no access for wheelchair users.

People with breathing difficulties are advised that the final part of the walk to the summit is quite steep.

It can be considerably cooler at Alpino and Mottarone so remember to take a sweater or cardigan. You are advised to wear sensible footwear as the ground can be rough.

www.stresa-mottarone.it