Lake Mergozzo Swimming Crossing

The crossing of Italy's cleanest lake

The Lake Mergozzo Swimming Crossing is one of the most anticipated events for open-water swimming enthusiasts in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area and the entire Piedmont region. It takes place in the town of Mergozzo, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VB), on a body of water famous for its clarity: Lake Mergozzo is considered one of the cleanest lakes in Italy, suitable for swimming and free of motor traffic, providing ideal conditions for a swimming race.

Two courses in the heart of the village

The event offers two distances, both marked by orange buoys with start and finish lines at the Piazza Cavour pier in the historic town center:

• 2.5 km — the shorter race, paired with the Luca Dresti Trophy, accessible even to less experienced swimmers;
• 5.3 km — the full loop of the lake, reserved for more trained athletes, featuring the Stefano Trentin Trophy.

Every year, over 400 swimmers from clubs all over Italy gather on the shores of the lake in a festive atmosphere that involves families and spectators alike.

A stage of the Nobile dei Laghi circuit

The crossing is part of the prestigious Nobile dei Laghi circuit, which brings together 17 crossings held between May and October on the main lakes of Northern Italy, from Lake Como to Lake Orta, and from Lake Lugano to Lake Iseo. Those who complete at least eleven stages earn the title of "Nobile dei Laghi".

Sport, tradition, and territory

Organized by Dimensione Sport in collaboration with the Municipality of Mergozzo and the Pro Loco, the event is dedicated to the memory of Luca Dresti and has become a classic of the Ossola summer. In addition to the swimming race, the day brings the medieval village of Mergozzo to life, overlooking the lake at the foot of Monte Orfano, offering participants and visitors one of the most beautiful natural settings in Northern Piedmont.