Monte Morissolo: The Best Family-Friendly Hike On Lago di Maggiore
Discover everything you need to know about hiking with kids to Monte Morissolo on Lago di Maggiore!
A Monte Morissolo hike with kids above Lago di Maggiore is the perfect outing for families, combining the outdoors, interactive history lessons, and stunning scenery.
Monte Morissolo is home to a series of old war tunnels, observation points, and bunkers that form part of the Linea Cadorna, a defensive barrier designed to house troops, protect artillery, and provide strategic viewpoints over the valleys and the lake, controlling access from the north in times of combat.
Today, Monte Morissolo serves as an outdoor museum and historical hiking route where visitors can explore the remnants of military tunnels and bunkers.
Fortunately, the Monte Morissolo hike with kids is family-friendly and primarily flat, making it an incredible adventure for both adults and children to enjoy.
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The Essentials for Hiking to Monte Morissolo With Kids
🧭 The first portion of the hiking trail is straightforward, but it can become confusing once you reach the tunnels. Follow the white and red markers as closely as possible.
➡ At the base of the mountain peak, where the flat hiking trail ends, veer right if you want to experience the military tunnels.
🍿 Be sure to pack enough water and snacks to enjoy at the summit while taking in the panoramic views of Lago di Maggiore.
👶🏻 The hike itself is not extreme and can be completed by young children, including toddlers.
☀️ Most of the trail is not shaded, so remember to wear sunscreen or a hat, or consider visiting early in the morning or just before sunset.
📍 If you’re a family focused on hiking, consider staying in the nearby towns of Premeno or Trarego to enjoy the various trails in the area.
Family-Friendly Hiking Route to Monte Morissolo
Think of the hike to Monte Morissolo as two distinct sections. The first is the flat trail leading to the base of the rock and the entrance to the war tunnels. The second part involves reaching the peak, which requires some light climbing and maneuvering along a steeper, more vertical path.
Part 1 (Flat Portion) of the Hike:
Part 2 (More Difficult) of the Hike:
After completing the flat section of the hike, you’ll reach a point where you can either veer right or left. To walk through the war tunnels, head right and follow the path through each bunker until you reach the end, exiting through a door on the right.
From there, follow the hiking path marked in red and white, which leads to the top of the peak, where you’ll find three crosses marking the summit.
FAQs Family-Friendly Hike to Monte Morissolo
Is it free to hike to Monte Morissolo?
Enjoying this outdoor museum and the wonders of nature is completely free for the whole family, and you don’t even have to pay for parking!
Are the military tunnels and bunkers safe to visit with kids?
We completed the hike with our 3-year-old, who particularly loves to run free, and we didn’t feel it was too dangerous for her. The first couple of tunnels have enough daylight, but you might still want to bring a flashlight or use your phone for better visibility.
As you venture deeper into the mountainside, it gets darker, but there are green buttons on the side of the tunnel walls. If the lights aren’t already on, press the buttons, and the entire tunnel network will illuminate for you.
Another thing to be mindful of is the ground, which is likely wet and slippery due to moisture in the stone.
How long does the hike take?
The distance from where you’ll park your car to the end of the flat section of the trail is just over 2 km (about 1.32 miles). Without children, you’d likely be able to walk it comfortably in around 30 minutes, but as any parent knows, it’s wise to give yourself a bit of extra time when kids are along.
We completed this portion of the hike with a toddler and a dog in about 45 minutes, allowing plenty of time for photo opportunities, soaking in the views, and taking a few breaks to smell the flowers.
The final stretch of the hike to reach the peak can take an additional 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the route you choose. We decided to explore all the tunnels along the way, taking some time to look around before unknowingly wrapping around the steepest part of the rock to the summit.
Including time to admire the panoramic views from the top and enjoy a snack, you can plan on spending a total of 2 to 3 hours for a rewarding Monte Morissolo hike with kids.
Is the hike to Monte Morissolo difficult?
The initial section of the Monte Morissolo hike is not difficult, and we saw people of all ages enjoying it. The trail only becomes challenging once you reach the base of the rock and the entrance to the war tunnels (here).
If you’re visiting Monte Morissolo, exploring the tunnels and bunkers is a must, so be sure to plan this portion as part of your hike.
Walking through the tunnels is slightly inclined but manageable. The steeper trails and stairs come as you approach the peak, requiring some navigation skills, especially if you’re juggling young children to prevent any trips or falls.
🙃 We must have looked like lunatics while nudging our child and dog up a vertical hill trail.
If you opt to skip the tunnels, you can reach the peak through a forest path, which has few markings but offers a straightforward direction—just head up. This traditional hiking trail features stones, tree roots, and uneven ground.
Can you bring a stroller?
If you have one of those strollers with hefty wheels designed for off-roading, yes, you can complete this hike with it, but only up to a certain point. Once you reach the end of the flat trail, you’ll need to leave the stroller at the bottom of the rock if you want to explore the highest peak or the war tunnels.
Alternatively, you can call it a day after reaching the end of the trail and enjoy the views from there. However, we must admit it might feel like you’re giving up 80% of the way by not reaching the summit after trekking so far.
Are there facilities?
The destination, as well as the journey, is “wild,” meaning there are no facilities such as restrooms available. Be ready for your kids to use the bathroom outdoors if needed.
You won’t find any restaurants or places to buy snacks and beverages, so it’s essential to come prepared with enough supplies to last a couple of hours. At the peak of the cliff, you will find a couple of picnic benches but that’s really the extent of it!
After returning from your hike, you can relax and enjoy a meal at Ristorante Baita di Piancavallo, located near the auxiliary center.
How to Get to Monte Morissolo
By Bus
You can reach the Monte Morissolo hiking trail by taking the Line 4 bus from Verbania, the only route that goes all the way to Piancavallo. Be sure to check the schedule beforehand, as it changes seasonally.
As a tourist, you can conveniently purchase a day pass for just €5, allowing round-trip travel. For a full list of places to buy the tourist day ticket in Verbania or other towns around Lago di Maggiore, see here.
By Car
The drive to Piancavallo, where the Monte Morissolo hiking trail begins, takes about 40 minutes from either Cannero Riviera or Verbania. It’s a bit of a trek, as the route is mostly uphill with some narrow roads. If you don’t consider yourself a confident driver, you might feel uneasy when encountering cars coming from the opposite direction.
We drove our own car, which is a larger off-road vehicle, and had to pull over a few times to let other cars pass; otherwise, it would have been challenging to navigate some of the sharp hairpin turns.
Where to Park for Hiking to Monte Morissolo
If you’re poking around on Google Maps, you’ll see a large parking lot here near the auxiliary center (Auxologico Institute of Piancavallo). Do not mistake this as parking for the hiking trails, it’s not!
Instead, you’ll need to drive down a dirt road to reach the entrance of the hiking path here. The area for parking is small but spacious enough for at least ten vehicles.
The Historical Significance of Monte Morissolo in Lago di Maggiore
Monte Morissolo is historically significant primarily due to its role in military fortifications during the early 20th century. The mountain is part of an entire network of fortifications known as the “Linea Cadorna,” built by the Italian military in anticipation of a potential Austro-Hungarian invasion during World War I.
Although the frontline never reached this far south, the Italian government constructed the line as a defensive strategy, reinforcing various strategic mountain passes in the Alps.
The strategic position of Monte Morissolo allowed Italian troops stationed there to monitor movement across Lago Maggiore, providing an ideal vantage point over a large expanse of the border region with Switzerland. Its height and visibility made it critical for military reconnaissance.
Monte Morissolo now stands as a memorial to Italy’s historical military strategies and the impact of World War I on its defensive planning.
Where to Stay on Lago di Maggiore
Verbania
As one of the most popular towns on Lake Maggiore, Verbania offers a charming atmosphere with excellent dining options, public transportation stations, museums, and easy access to hiking trails.
⭐️ Top Rated Hotel in Verbania: Casa Adelina (CHECK PRICES)
Cannobio
Cannobio is a great choice for families looking for a peaceful getaway, as the town boasts a quaint lakeside promenade, sandy beaches, and family-friendly activities like cycling and hiking in the nearby Cannobina Valley.
⭐️ Top Rated Hotel in Cannobio: Rivalago B&B (CHECK PRICES)
Laveno
If you’re unsure which side of Lago di Maggiore you want to explore, staying in Laveno makes the decision easier. It’s one of the best locations for quickly taking the ferry across the lake, allowing for convenient access to both sides.
⭐️ Top Rated Hotel in Laveno: Hotel de Charme Laveno (CHECK PRICES)
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- Visiting Venice With Toddlers
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- Dolomites Winter Itinerary for Families
Travel Resources for Hiking to Monte Morissolo
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com
🚊 TRAINS, BUSES, FERRIES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago
📞 ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
