L'antica Via del Legname 2026

Swimming in the waters of Omegna at the end of June requires a rhythmic adjustment to the unique personality of Lake Orta. While most subalpine basins pull their water toward the Po Valley, the Nigoglia river defies gravity by flowing northward toward the Alps, a local curiosity that accompanies your start at the Lido di Bagnella. Swimmers will find conditions generally calm, though the afternoon breeze can occasionally ripple the surface; timing your effort to avoid the late-day chop is a local strategy for maintaining a clean catch. The water here is deep and historically significant, serving as the setting for the first European Rowing Championships back in 1893.

The landscape from the water

As you navigate the course, the horizon is dominated by the massive silhouette of the Mottarone mountain, rising nearly 1,500 meters above the western shore. This peak serves as a natural compass for those tackling the longer 4,000-meter distance. Below the surface, the lake holds echoes of deep antiquity. The area around Omegna and the slopes of Monte Zuoli are rich in Bronze and Iron Age archaeological sites, where researchers have uncovered prehistoric ritual structures that suggest this shoreline has been a focal point for human activity for millennia. Swimming parallel to the shore, you may catch a glimpse of the medieval Porta Romana, a remnant of the town's original defensive walls that still guards the town's spirit.

Historical currents and race logistics

The history of this region is inextricably linked to the island of San Giulio, which sits as a silent sentinel in the center of the lake. Long known as Lago di San Giulio until the 16th century, the lake takes its character from this 4th-century patron saint, whose island fortress has been a defensive pivot since the 5th century. L'antica Via del Legname, scheduled for June 28, 2026, celebrates this heritage through distance challenges ranging from 300 to 4,000 meters. The event is organized by the Centro Sportivo Lido di Omegna, which provides a highly functional base for all participants. For those looking to calibrate their season, the region offers several opportunities to test these waters: you can join the Swim under the Stars in August or, for a different perspective on the lake's currents, the Nonna Crossing held just a week prior to this event. Whether you are aiming for the podium or a personal best, the water remains the true protagonist of the day.