Mottarone Cable Car and the Alpine Gardens

The Mottarone Cable Car departs every 20 minutes from the Lido in Stresa and is one of the best ways to view Lake Maggiore.

The first stage of the cable car takes you to Alpino where, a 5 minute stroll from the cable car station, you will find the Alpine Gardens. The entrance fee is included in the price of a return cable car ticket (otherwise it is €2 - 2007 price). Covering nearly 10 acres, the Alpine gardens are well worth a visit and are a welcome break from the heat in the summer.

You can wander freely around the terraces, reaching an unparalleled view point where you can sit and admire the lake and the surrounding mountains. There is also a brief, sign-posted walk through the woodland. There are Alpine and Sub-Alpine species from the West, but also from China and Japan.

The second stage of the cable car takes you to Mottarone where, a 10/15 minute walk will take you to the summit. From there you have a 360° view which includes 7 lakes and the beautiful Mount Rosa.

Tickets & Prices: You can purchase return tickets for the Mottarone Cable Car from Tomassucci Travel at a reduced rate of €14.50 (includes the entrance to the Alpine Gardens  - 2007 prices).  The tickets are valid any day and can be refunded if unused (complete ticket needs to be returned to us).

Stresa Cable Car Timetable: During the summer there are departures every 20 minutes from Stresa Lido 09.30-12.30/13.30-17.30. For descending make sure you know the time of the last cable car back down to Stresa. This is usually 17.40 during the summer but there is a sign at the top to remind you/advise of any changes. Full timetables for summer and winter can be found at www.stresa-mottarone.it. The 2008 season is due to start in March (date yet to be confirmed)

Alpine Gardens Opening Times & Prices: The Alpine Gardens are open everyday from April to October and if not included in a return cable car ticket costs €2 for adults and €1.50 for children 4-12 years.