4.1
(60)
1,988
runners
23
runs
Jogging around Pettenasco offers diverse terrain along the eastern shore of Lake Orta. The region features a mix of flat lakeside promenades, wooded hills, and the lush Pescone Valley. Runners can experience routes with continuous lake views, trails leading into surrounding alpine foothills, and paths that follow the Pescone stream. This varied landscape provides options for different fitness levels, from gentle lakeside runs to more challenging hilly routes.
Last updated: May 7, 2026
4.1
(14)
214
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(7)
80
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.0
(2)
68
runners
5.51km
00:35
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
40
runners
5.22km
00:33
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
21
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Piazza Motta, Orta San Giulio Among the points not to be missed is Piazza Motta, the beating heart of the village, rich in history and vitality. In the centre of the square stands the Broletto, also known as the Palazzotto. Once it was the place where the representatives of the villages of the entire Riviera met to make the most important decisions. The building dates back to the sixteenth century. On the external walls you can see the coats of arms of the bishops who ruled the Riviera, three sundials and the symbol of Orta San Giulio: the coat of arms with the Hortus Conclusus. Text / Source: Lago D’Orta Piemonte, Piazza Unità d'Italia 2, Pettenasco https://www.lagodorta.piemonte.it/item/orta-san-giulio-lago-dorta/
13
0
The Piazza Mario Motta, Orta San Giulio The Piazza Mario Motta: The atmospheric square in the center of Orta was named after the Italian freedom fighter Mario Motta, who fought in the Piedmontese resistance. The square itself is a prime example of Italian architecture. Colorful facades on the east side, opposite the lake with a row of chestnut trees (formerly elms). The small Palazzo della Comunità with a foundation of picturesque arcades (popular as a wedding backdrop) is unmissable. Shops, bakeries, restaurants, bars and boat docks are spread around the entire square. On the north side, the alley Salita di Motta leads up to the church of Maria Trost and the Sacro Monte, other alleys - almost star-shaped - open up other parts of Orta. Text / Source: www.idrosee-info.de https://www.ortasee-info.de/die-piazza-mario-motta/
14
0
The main town on the island is the charming Orta San Giulio on a headland on the eastern shore of the lake. The village square Piazza Motta is picturesquely situated on the lake shore.
0
1
Romanesque church that has been extensively restored. Over the centuries the church has seen several additions and removals, but this is explained nicely. Great example of original Romanesque architecture. Be sure to make a short stop. Afterwards, have a coffee in Armeno.
0
0
Few but good train connections from Orta St.Guilia to Domodossola
1
0
Beautiful view of Isola San Giulio
0
0
Historic Villa and Restaurant of the legendary Cannavacciuolo
0
0
There are some very nice restaurants!
1
0
Pettenasco offers a diverse mix of running terrains. You'll find flat lakeside promenades along Lake Orta, ideal for gentle runs, as well as trails leading into the wooded hills and alpine foothills behind the village for more challenging experiences. The lush Pescone Valley also features paths that follow the Pescone stream.
Yes, Pettenasco has options suitable for beginners. The lakeside promenades offer relatively flat and scenic paths. For example, the Lakeside – Lake Orta View loop from Pettenasco is a moderate 5.4 km route with continuous lake views on mostly paved surfaces, making it accessible for many runners. There are 14 moderate routes and 1 easy route available.
Jogging in Pettenasco provides stunning natural beauty. You can enjoy crystal-clear lake views, vistas of the mystical Isola San Giulio, and the Sacro Monte hill. Trails also lead through wooded hills offering panoramic views over Lake Orta. The Pescone Valley features the lush Pescone stream and the picturesque Pescone Waterfall.
Absolutely. For those seeking a more challenging run with significant elevation gains, routes like the Ponte Paganetto – Beautiful view of the lake loop from Pettenasco offer an 13.4 km trail through wooded hills with panoramic lake views. Another demanding option is the Ponte Paganetto loop from Pettenasco, which spans nearly 17 km.
Yes, many of the running routes in Pettenasco are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Popular circular options include the Orta San Giulio Peninsula Loop and the various 'Lake Orta View' loops, such as the Lake Orta View – Lakeside loop from Pettenasco.
The running routes in Pettenasco are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.1 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 1800 runners have explored the area using komoot, often praising the continuous lake views, varied terrain, and the well-maintained paths.
Yes, several routes pass by notable landmarks. The Orta San Giulio Peninsula Loop, for instance, takes you past Villa Crespi. You can also find highlights like the Pescone Waterfall and the Convent of Monte Mesma in the broader area, which some routes might offer views of or pass nearby.
Many of the flatter, lakeside routes are suitable for families. The serene natural beauty and well-maintained pathways along Lake Orta provide a pleasant environment for family runs or walks. Shorter, moderate loops with continuous lake views are generally good options for families, though specific routes should be checked for length and elevation.
While specific parking locations for each trailhead are not detailed, Pettenasco is a charming village with amenities. It's generally possible to find parking within the village or near popular starting points for the lakeside promenades and trails leading into the hills.
Pettenasco is a well-connected village on Lake Orta. While specific public transport links to trailheads are not provided, the village itself is accessible, and many routes, especially those along the lakeside, are easily reachable from the village center, which would be served by local public transport.
Yes, there are connecting paths. A flat walking and cycling path runs along the lakeshore, linking Pettenasco to the charming town of Orta San Giulio, approximately 4 km away. This provides an excellent extended route for joggers, integrating both natural scenery and the opportunity to visit another notable village.
Pettenasco offers an idyllic setting for outdoor activities due to its serene natural beauty. While specific seasonal recommendations are not given, the blend of lake, hills, and valleys suggests that spring and autumn would be particularly pleasant with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer mornings and evenings would also be enjoyable.


Browse the best Running Trails & Routes in other regions.