Winter on Lake Maggiore: What to Do

Lake Maggiore, with its tranquil waters and surrounding mountains, offers a magical atmosphere during the winter season. The towns overlooking its shores, such as Verbania, transform into ideal destinations to explore art, history, and nature. In this guide, we’ll explore two unmissable stops for culture lovers: the Museo del Paesaggio and Villa Taranto with its enchanting gardens. Both attractions can be visited with a single combined ticket at a special price.

The Landscape Museum of Verbania

Founded in 1909 by Antonio Massara, the Museo del Paesaggio houses one of the most important collections dedicated to the Lake Maggiore area. Its main location is Palazzo Viani Dugnani, an elegant 18th-century building that provides a refined setting for both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Among the most notable sections:

The Gipsoteca hosts an extensive collection of plaster sculptures by the Russian-Italian artist Paolo Troubetzkoy, celebrated for his ability to capture natural expressions and movements. His works depict figures from European aristocracy as well as scenes of everyday life, from formal portraits to spontaneous moments. Visiting this section allows guests to admire the artist’s technical mastery up close and to understand the evolution of sculptural portraiture between the 19th and 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into the social and cultural nuances of the time. In 2025, the Museum loaned 43 of the sculptor’s works to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris for the exhibition “Paul Troubetzkoy. Sculpteur (1866–1939)”, bringing international attention to the Museum and its collections.

The Museum’s art gallery presents a selection of paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, featuring works by artists such as Daniele Ranzoni, Achille Tominetti, and Mario Tozzi. The canvases depict lake landscapes, city views, and local traditions, conveying the atmosphere and colors of Lake Maggiore across different eras. Visitors can also appreciate the variety of styles and techniques employed by different artists—from impressionism to realism—and observe how the light and nature of the territory inspired generations of painters. The gallery is further enriched by two Allegories by the 16th-century master Paolo Veronese, permanently on display and owned by the Piedmont Region.

The Museo del Paesaggio regularly hosts temporary exhibitions exploring themes related to art, nature, and the history of Lake Maggiore, complementing its permanent collections with new cultural content. The exhibitions vary each year and include installations, photography, contemporary artworks, and historical documents, offering fresh perspectives on the region. From November to mid-March, the museum is open from Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with paid admission—offering a complete and engaging experience ideal for art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

Even in winter, Villa Taranto in Pallanza enchants visitors with its botanical gardens. Founded by Scottish Colonel Neil McEacharn in 1931, the gardens cover 16 hectares and host a wide variety of plants from around the world. During the colder months, features such as the greenhouses and covered flowerbeds offer a vibrant display of colors and shapes, while the panoramic views of Lake Maggiore add a touch of magic to the experience. A visit to the gardens is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the lake, even in the coldest months.

For a comfortable and convenient stay, the Hotel Il Chiostro di Intra, part of the LVG Hotel Collection, is the ideal choice. Located just a short walk from the lakefront and the centre of Verbania, the hotel offers elegant and functional rooms, free Wi-Fi, breakfast included, and cosy spaces to relax after a day of cultural visits. Thanks to its central location, it is easy to reach the Landscape Museum, Villa Taranto and all the wonders that Lake Maggiore has to offer, even in winter.