Lake Maggiore Social Hike | Day Trip from Milan
βπ Autumn Escape: Chestnut Forests & Lake Maggiore
βA social hike from Stresa to Belgirate with New in Milan
βWant to escape Milan for a day, enjoy some autumn colours and meet new people along the way?
βWe're heading to Lake Maggiore for a scenic autumn hike along the Sentiero dei Castagni (Chestnut Trail), travelling together from Milan by public transport.
βThink colourful forests, old stone paths, charming hillside villages and beautiful views over the lake.
βThis isn't about racing to the top or setting hiking records. It's about spending a good day outdoors, enjoying the scenery, sharing lunch along the trail and getting to know new people.
βAnd hopefully, we'll finish with a well-deserved coffee or aperitivo by the lake before heading back to Milan. βπ·
βComing alone? Perfectly normal. Most people joining New in Milan events don't know everyone beforehand. That's part of the idea!
βπ₯Ύ The hike: Sentiero dei Castagni
βWe'll follow an established hiking trail connecting Stresa to Belgirate, along the western shore of Lake Maggiore.
βThe route winds through chestnut woodland, historic villages and old mule tracks, with lovely views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
βOctober and November are particularly beautiful times to explore this area, when the forests turn shades of gold, orange and brown.
βTrail details:
βπ Route: Stresa β Belgirate
βπ₯Ύ Distance: Approximately 8 km
ββ°οΈ Elevation gain: Approximately 400 m cumulative
ββ±οΈ Walking time: Around 3 hours, excluding breaks
βπ Terrain: Woodland trails, stone paths, dirt tracks and some paved sections
βπͺ Difficulty: Moderate
βπ Transport: Public transport from Milan
βThe trail includes some uphill and downhill sections, so this is a proper hike rather than a leisurely lakeside walk.
βYou don't need to be an experienced hiker, but you should be reasonably fit and comfortable walking for several hours on uneven terrain.
βWe'll take our time, enjoy the views and stop for lunch somewhere along the way.
βThe final route will be confirmed before the event based on weather and trail conditions.
βπ Getting there
βWe'll meet in Milan in the morning and travel together towards Stresa.
βAfter completing the hike, we'll finish in the lakeside village of Belgirate, where we hope to have some time for a coffee, aperitivo or a little relaxation by the water.
βTentative schedule:
β08:30 Meet in Milan
β9:25 train to Stresa from Milano Centrale
10:15 Start hiking in Stresa
12:30 Lunch break along the trail
14:30 Arrive in Belgirate
14:30β16:00 Coffee, drinks and socialising
16:00β16:30 Travel back towards Milan
βTimes are indicative and depend on the final train connections and group pace.
βWe'll share the exact meeting point, transport arrangements and final itinerary with registered participants before the event.
βNo car needed!
βπ What to bring
βHiking or trail shoes with good grip β strongly recommended, especially with potentially slippery autumn leaves and stone paths.
βWater: At least 1β1.5 litres per person.
βPacked lunch and snacks: We'll stop somewhere scenic to eat together.
βLayers and a waterproof jacket: Autumn weather around the lake can be unpredictable.
βA small backpack: To carry your belongings comfortably.
βA little cash or a card: For transport and any drinks afterwards.
βAnd, of course, bring your curiosity and a willingness to meet new people!
βπ Who is this for?
βAnyone who enjoys nature, walking and meeting people in a relaxed atmosphere.
βWhether you're new to Milan, have been living here for years, work remotely, are an international or a local β you're welcome.
βThis is a social hike, not a competitive one. We'll maintain a comfortable group pace, take breaks and make sure everyone stays together.
βCome alone or bring a friend. Either way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to connect with other people.
βWalk a little. Talk a lot. Enjoy autumn outside Milan. π
βπ Good to know
βParticipation: Free. This is a volunteer-organised community activity.
βTransport: Train tickets are not included. Everyone purchases their own ticket.
βFood and drinks: Not included. Bring your own lunch.
βWeather: The hike may be modified, postponed or cancelled in case of unsuitable conditions.
βRegistration: Please register only if you genuinely intend to participate, as group size and logistics need to be managed.
ββ οΈ Safety & Responsibility
βThis is an informal community hike organised by volunteers, not a professionally guided excursion.
βBy participating, you acknowledge that hiking involves inherent risks, including uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, falls, changing weather conditions and other outdoor hazards.
βParticipants are responsible for ensuring they are physically capable of completing the advertised route and for bringing suitable footwear, clothing, food, water and any necessary personal medication.
βEveryone is expected to follow the agreed route, remain with the group and behave responsibly. Anyone choosing to leave the group or deviate from the planned route does so independently.
βThe organisers reserve the right to modify, shorten, postpone or cancel the hike if conditions make the planned activity unsuitable.
βNew in Milan and its volunteer organisers are not professional mountain guides. To the extent permitted by applicable law, they cannot accept responsibility for injuries, losses or damage arising from participation. This does not exclude liability where exclusion is prohibited by law.
βParticipation is voluntary and at each participant's own risk.
βπ Train timetable
βThe official timetable is available here: