Best Destinations in Northern Italy for Travellers from Germany

From the Alps to the Italian Lakes

For generations, travelling south across the Alps has been part of the European tradition of discovering Italy. For German travellers in particular, the journey has acquired an almost mythical quality: warmer light, Mediterranean landscapes, good food and a different rhythm of everyday life waiting on the other side of the mountains.

Few people captured this fascination as beautifully as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whose journey through Italy in 1786–1788 became one of the great literary accounts of the Grand Tour. His Italian Journey helped shape a lasting image of Italy as a place of beauty, culture and discovery.

Today, the journey south is much easier, but the appeal remains remarkably familiar. Italy combines landscapes, culture, food and outdoor experiences in a way that makes it particularly attractive for travellers looking for both discovery and a change of pace. Germany is still Italy's leading international market by arrivals, with more than 11 million German travellers staying in Italy during the first nine months of 2025.

And for a first taste of Italy, Northern Italy is an especially natural place to begin.

The Italian Lakes: A Perfect Introduction to Italy

For travellers crossing the Alps, the great lakes of Northern Italy offer a wonderful transition between Alpine landscapes and the softer atmosphere of the Italian lowlands.

Lake Garda is the largest of the Italian lakes and perhaps the most diverse, combining historic villages, mountain scenery, beaches and an impressive range of outdoor activities. From Sirmione and Limone del Garda to the mountains around Riva, it is a destination that works equally well for relaxed holidays and active adventures.

Lake Como offers a different atmosphere, known for elegant villas, picturesque villages and a more refined, glamorous character. Its dramatic mountains and beautiful waterfront towns have made it one of Italy's most internationally recognised lake destinations.

Then there is Lake Maggiore, stretching between Italy and Switzerland, where grand gardens, historic villas, islands, mountains and quieter lakeside towns come together. It is perhaps one of the most balanced choices for travellers who want to combine sightseeing with time simply enjoying the landscape.

And for something smaller and more intimate, Lake Orta offers a quieter alternative, with charming villages, wooded hills and the beautiful island of San Giulio.

Beyond the Lakes

Northern Italy is not only about lakes. The region offers an extraordinary variety of destinations within relatively short distances.

Milan brings fashion, design, art and contemporary Italian life; Turin combines elegant architecture, museums and a remarkable food culture; while Verona offers history, beautiful squares and the romance associated with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Further north, the Dolomites provide a completely different experience, with dramatic peaks, alpine villages and some of Italy's finest opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures.

This variety is one of Northern Italy's greatest strengths: a holiday can combine a lakeside morning, an afternoon exploring a historic town and a mountain walk the following day.

Why Lake Maggiore?

Among the Italian lakes, Lake Maggiore has a particularly gentle character.

Its landscape brings together water, mountains, gardens and historic towns without losing the feeling of space. The Borromean Islands are one of its most famous attractions, while Stresa offers an elegant lakeside promenade and easy access to the islands.

But there is also a quieter side to the lake.

Places such as Baveno offer the opportunity to experience Lake Maggiore away from the busiest tourist centres. Here, days can be shaped around a walk along the waterfront, a swim in the lake, a long lunch, a boat trip or simply an afternoon enjoying the view.

For travellers who appreciate nature, culture, good food and outdoor activities — all qualities highlighted by current Italian tourism research on the German market — Lake Maggiore offers an appealing combination.

Why Baveno?

Set on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, Baveno is particularly well placed for exploring the area.

Stresa is close by, the Borromean Islands are easily reached by boat, and the surrounding mountains open up opportunities for walking and trekking. Closer to home, Baveno itself offers a peaceful waterfront, historic buildings, gardens and places to swim, while nearby Feriolo adds a relaxed lakeside atmosphere.

Baveno also has a fascinating local history, which adds another layer to the experience of discovering the town. For those who would like to learn more about its past, we recommend Appunti Retrodatati, a valuable local history project by Vilma Burba, whose careful research and collection of historical images offer a fascinating glimpse into Baveno and its past. The official Baveno Turismo website is another useful resource, with a dedicated itinerary exploring the historic villas, gardens and architecture along the lakeside.

It is this combination of accessibility and tranquillity that makes Baveno so appealing. You can spend the day discovering some of Lake Maggiore's best-known attractions and return in the evening to a quieter corner of the lake.

If you would like to discover the area in more detail, our guide to Baveno, Lake Maggiore: What to See and Do offers ideas for exploring the town and its surroundings.

A Peaceful Base for Exploring Northern Italy

A holiday in Northern Italy does not have to mean choosing between sightseeing and slowing down. In Baveno, you can have both.

Dolce Far Niente is a welcoming holiday home in Baveno, with panoramic views over Lake Maggiore and a peaceful setting from which to explore the surrounding area. After a day visiting the islands, walking through historic towns or discovering the mountains, it is a pleasure to return somewhere quiet and simply enjoy the evening.

Whether you are travelling south from Germany for a longer Italian holiday or looking for a few days beside one of Northern Italy's beautiful lakes, Baveno offers a slower way to experience the region.

Take a closer look at the apartment and discover a peaceful base for your next Italian escape.

A Peaceful Base for Exploring Northern Italy

A holiday in Northern Italy does not have to mean choosing between sightseeing and slowing down. In Baveno, you can have both.

Dolce Far Niente is a welcoming holiday home in Baveno, with panoramic views over Lake Maggiore and a peaceful setting from which to explore the surrounding area. After a day visiting the islands, walking through historic towns or discovering the mountains, it is a pleasure to return somewhere quiet and simply enjoy the evening.

Whether you are travelling south from Germany for a longer Italian holiday or looking for a few days beside one of Northern Italy's beautiful lakes, Baveno offers a slower way to experience the region.

Take a closer look at the apartment and discover a peaceful base for your next Italian escape.

Continue Exploring Lake Maggiore