Traversata Lago Maggiore Dirinella-Brissago

On the morning of the race, the lakeside in Brissago comes alive with the precise, practiced movements of the Verbano Sub Brissago. Founded in 1966, this volunteer group serves as the backbone of the event, transitioning from their daily roles in water safety and diving operations to managing the logistics of this 3,800-meter crossing. Swimmers gather in the early light, sharing space with the same local community that marks its calendar by the annual arrival of the race, now in its 42nd year.

The waters of the Verbano

As you push off from Dirinella, the scale of the Lake Maggiore basin becomes apparent. This stretch of water has hosted more than just recreational swimmers; it carries the weight of history, including naval clashes between the Visconti and Della Torre families in the 13th century. While cutting through the water, you are essentially traversing a corridor that once saw 17th-century French and Spanish naval maneuvers. The environment here is also a site of scientific curiosity, as the very marshes along the banks provided the gas for Alessandro Volta to first identify methane in the late 18th century.

Views from the swim

Your line toward the finish is guarded by the imposing presence of the Gridone mountain, which rises 2,188 meters to define the border between Italy and Switzerland. As you approach the finish in Brissago, keep an eye on the shoreline near Porto Ronco. You are passing the former residence of Erich Maria Remarque, who sought refuge in the quiet of this villa from 1931 until 1970. The race remains a significant regional gathering, drawing over 180 participants annually. For those looking to continue their season in these waters, the Maccagno – Italian Open Water Tour takes place just a day later in August, offering a different perspective on the lake. Be mindful that while the lake is generally serene, the nearby Maggia river is subject to sudden, powerful water releases from upstream dams, a reminder of the raw energy that shapes the surrounding valleys and the lake's own behavior.