25ª Traversata a nuoto del Lago di Mergozzo

The Lake Mergozzo basin is a compact, deep glacial remnant, holding 90 million cubic meters of water within a maximum depth of 74 meters. Fed by mountain streams like the Rio Bracchio and Rio Rescina, the lake is distinguished by its clarity, a quality preserved largely by the prohibition of motorboats. As you sight from the water, the jagged profile of the Corni di Nibbio peaks towers above the western shore, reaching over 2,000 meters and acting as a natural sentry between the Val d'Ossola and the Val Grande wilderness. Swimming through this stillness, you are tracing a path through a landscape where the past is rarely out of sight. On the slopes of Montorfano, the archaeological site of the Church of San Giovanni Battista reveals layers of history spanning from Paleochristian baptismal fonts to Romanesque architecture, all visible from the water’s edge. Closer to the start, the 12th-century Church of Santa Marta watches over the swimmers with its distinctive stone masonry and carved peducci, originally built to protect travelers who traversed these waters.

Race day logistics

The 25th edition of the Traversata, scheduled for July 19, 2026, centers on Piazza Cavour, where swimmers gather for the 2,500m and 5,300m events. The organization, Dimensione Sport, maintains a strict window of 90 minutes for the shorter distance and 150 minutes for the longer, after which support craft will clear the course. Safety is managed through mandatory tow-buoys and timing chips, with the latter worn on the ankle. While the event is a staple for local enthusiasts, those seeking to compare their performance in nearby waters might look toward the Italian Open Water Tour in Leggiuno, held earlier in July, or the Mergozzo Waterproof scheduled for September. Registration fees range from 30 to 65 EUR depending on the distance and timing, with an optional insurance cover allowing for deferrals. Beneath you, the lake supports a thriving population of pikeperch, brown trout, and Arctic char, thriving in the quiet, undisturbed depths of this ancient basin.