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Hike at the Lake Como to Monte Bolettone and Alpe di Prina
The wonderful area in the middle between the southern arms of Lake Como is for hiking for the whole family. You will be rewarded with beautiful views over Lake Como and over the Alps in the north and west and the Padana in the south. With good visibility you can look as far as Milan. The hiking paths are easy to walk on. The hike can also be enjoyed in winter as a snowshoe hike. For the circular hike you have to calculate about 5 to 6 hours. The repeated ascents and descents require a certain level of fitness. All paths are easy to walk and signposted. In deep snow, red dots on the trees help with orientation.
What to Expect from Hiking at the Lake Como to Monte Bolettone and Alpe di Prina
The hike follows the high-altitude hiking trail between the two southern arms of Lake Como. It is a circular hike that starts at Alpe Viceré. After a steep climb to Monte Bolettone, you continue on the ridge to Monte Palanzone. Then descend to Alpe del Prina at Caslino d’Erba and then climb back up to Capanna Mara. Then it goes comfortably downhill to Alpe del Viceré.
The recommended season for hiking over Lake Como is spring and autumn. In summer it can be too warm, in winter there is long snow on sections or the descents are icy. Spikes are therefore recommended or a wonderful racchette hike is possible with deep snow. With Racchette the route can be shortened a little.
Description of the Hike at the Lake Como to Monte Bolettone and Alpe di Prina
- Duration: 5:30 Hours without lunch break and detours
- Difficulty level: 2 out of 5
- Distance: 15.9 km
- Minimum altitude: Alpe di Prina 579 m
- Maximum altitude: Monte Bolettone 1314 m
- Total climb: 1446 m
- GRadient (total): 1448 m
Starting Point Alpe del Viceré, 903 m
The Alpe del Vicerè can be reached from Albavilla via a small road. Sometimes there are traffic closures and you can take a shuttle bus from Albavilla. The road is often used by cyclists who test their strength on the steep climb. The Alpe del Viceré car park is a former campsite and offers many picnic opportunities
Monte Bolettone and Monte Palanzone
The path to Monte Bolettone rises relatively steeply but is wide and easy to walk on. After about 40 minutes you reach the intersection and can decide whether to use the small detour via the Rifugio for a little refreshment or go straight to the viewpoint. After a nice panoramic view, the path goes back to the crossroads and continues on the north side of the ridge towards Monte Palanzone.
Shortly before Capanna Mara you reach the crossroads Bocca di Lemna, where we continue straight towards Rifugio Riella without frequenting Capanna Mara. Past the Pian dell’Asino, a donkey pasture, we come to the Rifugio Riella, where you have a great view of the Lake Arm of the Como Basin. If you want, after a little refreshment, you can climb the Monte Palanzone with the small chapel.
Alpe del Prina and Capanna Mara
The way back is relatively steep downhill to Alpe del Prina. From here it is not far to the train station in Caslino d’Erba. However, the circular hike continues uphill over the small bridge, where we pass Capanna Mara directly this time. Time for a rest. From here a wide path leads gently downhill to the Alpe Viceré car park, past the Rifugio Cacciatore.
The Ridge Trail above the Lake Como
One of the most impressive sections on the ridge path between Brunate and Bellagio is the hike from Monte Boletto via Monte Bolettone, Monte Palanzone and Monte San Primo. Here you have the most beautiful views over up to seven of the northern Italian seas, from the Monviso in the southwest to the Monterosa massif in the west, the northern Alps, the Grigna and Resegone in the east and the Brianza with the subsequent Po Valley in the south. Unfortunately there is usually a haze layer above the plain (in Padana, Italy). Only in very clear weather can you see the Madonnina flashing in the sun on the cathedral in Milan.
Why Hiking at the Lake Como to Monte Bolettone and Alpe di Prina with milano24ore?
Services Included in the Price
We provide an authorized Nature Guide for the Como Lake that speaks your language. Our guide will accompany you on this hike. He or she will give you interesting details on the way and draws your attention to the special features of the region and the special lake cuisine.
Additional Services
– Lunch at Capanna Mara or Rifugio Riella
– Overnight stays with breakfast and dinner in a comfortable hotel at the Como Lake
– Tour extensions with a regional wine tasting tour
– Private transfers
– Private boat cruise with aperitivo
Exclusive and in Your Language
The hiking tour is organized only for you and your fellow travelers. They are conducted in the language you choose. We have experienced local guides for Italian, German, English, French. Other languages on request or with an interpreter.
Pricing
The above price has been calculated for a group of 8 participants on a 6-hour hike. Please let us know the number of participants and special wishes with your request.
Arrival and Meeting Place
Your guide can meet you at Alpe del Viceré or at your hotel in Como. We can organize transport to the meeting point and collect you from the endpoint.
Stages of the Hike
Alpe del Viceré , 903 meters altitude
The Alpe del Viceré belongs to the municipality of Albavilla near Como. She was named after the Viceroy of Italy, a stepson of Napoleon Bonaparte. Eugene von Beauharnais had his summer residence on Lake Pusiano and used the high plateau below Monte Bolettone as a pasture for his horses. In the 1930s, the plateau became a climatic health resort. During World War II, the Italian army built a base that was destroyed by an air force attack at the end of the war. Today, the high plateau is a day trip for the whole family with bars and trattorias, an adventure playground, and a starting point for beautiful hikes above Lake Como. The rock is rich in ammonites (fossil marine cephalopod molluscs). The karst rock was partially washed out, creating caves like the Buco del Piombo.
Rifugio Riella, 1275 meters altitude
The Rifugio Riella des Monte Palanzone was built in 1908 and reconstructed in 2008. It was named in honor of the excursionist Angelo Riella. There is good food and homemade cakes. There are 25 beds.
Capanna Mara 1125 meters altitude
The Capanna Mara refuge is protected on the ridge that Monte Bolettone leads. Capanna Mara is easily accessible on foot from Alpe del Viceré and is therefore always well attended. A destination for the whole family, even with small children.
Hiking Alone in the Mountains
Feel free to be inspired by our description of this hike. However, we recommend not to hike alone and not to do without an experienced, licensed local guide. Mountains are unpredictable and you can get lost or surprised by the weather. Our description may also contain minor errors, incomplete or out of date. We, therefore, recommend that you book the tour with us and let us organize it for you.
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