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.
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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.
Why Hiking in Lombardy at the Como Lake from Canzo to Valmadrera with milano24ore?
Services Included in the Price
We provide a Lombardy authorized Nature Guide 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 Lombardian cuisine.
Additional Services
– Overnight stays with breakfast and dinner in a comfortable hotel
– Lunch at Rifugio SEC (reservation required)
– Tour extensions with a regional wine tasting tour
– Private transfers
– Private boat tour 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 German, Italian, 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 in Canzo or at your hotel at Como. We can organize transport to the meeting point and collect you from the endpoint.
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.
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