Hiking in Lombardy at the Como lake from Canzo to Valmadrera
The hike on Lake Como is not difficult, but requires some stamina. For the 16 km you need about 5:30 hours plus time to rest. The view from the mountains over 1000 meters high over the Comer Sie, the surrounding mountains and the extensive Po Valley makes up for all your efforts. The hike from Canzo to Valmadrera can be done at any time of the year, even in winter with snowshoes.
What to Expect from Hiking in Lombardy at the Como Lake from Canzo to Valmadrera
The hike above Lake Como is suitable for couples, families and groups of friends. You walk on well-marked trails. The hike starts in the middle between the two arms of Lake Como. The arrival and departure takes place by train. From the train station in Canzo you first come to the Fonti di Gajum (485 m), a natural mineral spring of drinking water quality. Via Primo Alpe and Terzo Alpe you get to the Corni di Canzo and on to the Rifugio SEC. Break and strengths. Via Monte Rai it goes down to the Pian di San Tomaso with the pilgrimage church and then down to the lake in Valmadrera, where the train station is located.
Description of the Hike at the Como lake from Canzo to Valmadrera
Duration: 5:30 Hours without lunch break and detours
Difficulty level: 2 out of 5
Distance: 16.6 km
Minimum altitude: 213 m
Maximum altitude: 1227 m
Total climb: 2090 m
Starting Point Canzo
Canzo is idyllically situated in a valley between the Como and Lecco armlets. The terminus of the Northern Railway is Canzo-Asso, but you can get off in Canzo three minutes earlier and go straight through the town towards the source of Gajum. For breakfast we recommend the Pasticceria Pontis in Canzo, where you can pass the roundabout (see GPS tour). After crossing the village it goes uphill constantly. First on side streets to the source Gajum in front of the hotel of the same name. Not only hikers passing by use the spring water, residents also come here to refresh their water supplies.
From the Source Gajum to Alpe Alto
Shortly after the source Gajum is the branch. The left path leads via Prime Alpe (small museum) to Terze Alpe to the Corni di Canzo and Rifugio SEV, while the geological hiking trail goes straight to the church of San Miro al Monte and then continues towards Terze Alpe. Path no. 2 leads straight to the Church of San Miro al Monte. Continue on path no. 6 for 2 hours through the forest uphill to Alpe Alto, where you turn right towards Rifugio SEC Maria Consiglieri. If you come across the wide path to the Rifugio S.E.C “Marisa Consiglieri”, a wonderful view opens up over the Brianza and the Lago di Annone and Lago di Oggiono located south of Lake Lecco.
From Sasso Malascarpa via San Tomaso to Valmadrera
From Sasso Malascarpa you have a beautiful view over the city of Lecco, whose traffic noise extends up into the mountains. The descent towards San Tomaso begins on the rock on the right. The narrow path is sometimes quite steep and full of leaves, so that the descent over approx. 1000 meters of altitude is only recommended in dry weather. The path is marked with three points. Attention is required at the point where the branch leads over the brook and goes directly below the Malascarpa rock. The path then becomes a little wider over a scree field and passes the Acqua del Tufo spring. The estate with agriturismo and the church of San Tomaso is 580 meters high. From San Tomaso it takes about 30 minutes on a comfortable path downhill to Valmadrera to the train station.
Stages of the Hike
San Miro al Monte
The little church of San Miro al Monte was built between 1643 and 1660 and is dedicated to San Miro Paredi (1336-1381), who lived here as a hermit. In front of the church is the Grotto del Santo and below is a spring that has been a destination for pilgrims since 1600.
Alpe Alto 1100 m altitude
The house in Alpe Alto was inhabited by people in ancient times. They came up with their herd of animals in May and spent the whole summer up here before descending to Civate in mid-September. Alpe Alto employed three to four people. Here the herd was looked after, milk and cheese prepared and the house and stable kept in order.
Rifugio S.E.C Marisa Consiglieri
The Rifugio S.E.C Marisa Consiglieri mountain hut is usually operated on Sundays and public holidays and every day in August. From the Rifugio S.E.C. a little detour (journey time 15 minutes) can be made to Cornizzolo at 1240 m, where you will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view for the ascent.
Sasso Malascarpa
The geologically very interesting area of Malascarpa and Campi Solcati was placed under nature protection in 1985. Deposits of the former seabed can be found on the limestone cliffs. The prints of heart-shaped algae, which originated around 65 million years ago, are clearly visible. The rough limestone is populated by numerous plants, the so-called grooved fields – Campi solcati – originated from their roots and water rinsing.
San Tomaso 580 m Höhe
The estate with agriturismo and the church of San Tomaso is 580 meters high. There are some picnic areas as well as hot food on the farm upon reservation. From the church you have a beautiful panorama in front of you: Grigna, Resegnone, Lago di Garlate, the course of the Adda river and the lakes Annone and Pusiano. Documents show that a chapel dedicated to the apostle San Tomaso already existed here in 1298. The almond trees that are planted around the meadow in front of the church of San Tomaso are particularly pretty.
The agriturismo is home to an agricultural museum with historical agricultural equipment. In the past, the natural nature of the territory was used to set up brick kilns. The kilns for lime burning consisted of holes that were dug at an angle into the ground and lined with stones. Bricks were then burned in these holes for 72 hours each.
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