Travels in Italy--Stresa (Part 2 of 2)

Our visit to the town of Stresa continues.

Stresa sits next to Lago Maggiore and at the bottom a tall, round granite mountain known as Mottarone (meaning round mountain).  We decided it would be fun to visit the top of Mottarone.  Hiking up the mountain was an option . . . for someone else. 

Fortunately for us, there was a gondola not far from our hotel. So, we strolled along the lakeside promenade to the gondola known as the "Funivia del Mottarone." 

Since we had ridden the Roosevelt Island Tram in NYC many times during Year 1, we considered ourselves well prepared.

We were mistaken.  The ascent was breathtaking and thrilling.  The gondola starts at 275' above sea level and climbs about 4,000'.  Along the way, we had some wonderful views. 

View of Lago Maggiore

Another view of Lago Maggiore, from a higher vantage point

Still another view of Lago Maggiore, from an even higher vantage point

Altitude of 4,500 feet

We arrived at the top of the mountain and enjoyed amazing views of Lago Maggiore, the nearby mountains and some snow-covered Alps in the distance.

Good times.

Thanks for visiting Stresa and Mottarone with us.