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Hiking at the Como Lake on the Sentiero del Viandante to Varenna
The Viandante hiking trail (Sentiero del Viandante) is a beautiful panoramic trail on the eastern shore of Lake Como. It is well signposted and easy to walk on. Since you can migrate it piece by piece and interrupt it at any time, no great physical condition is required. The Sentiero del Viandante begins in Abbadia Lariana. Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for the hike. But even in winter, the mild climate of Lake Como ensures a pleasant hike on sunny days.
What to Expect from Hiking at the Como Lake on the Sentiero del Viandante to Varenna
On the Sentiero del Viandante you walk on the trade route that the traders from Milan have taken over the Alps. The trail is clearly marked with orange signs. It is a pleasure for the eyes and soul. You will be overwhelmed by the beauty of the lake and the panorama of the surrounding mountains. You will encounter diverse botanical species and pass small settlements, enchanted chapels and rural altars. Our proposal concerns the first stage of the hike from Abbadia Lariana to Varenna with the detour via Castello Vezio. The tour can be walked all year round in dry weather, as long as no snow, black ice or rain make the forest paths inaccessible.
Description of the Hike on the Sentiero del Viandante at the Como Lake
- Duration: 6 Hours without lunch break and detours
- Difficulty level: 1 out of 5
- Distance: 18.2 km
- Minimum altitude: Abbadia Lariana 198 m
- Maximum altitude: 1061 m
- Total climb: 1618 m
- Gradient total: 1636 m
Starting Point Abbadia Lariana
The Viandante trail begins in Abbadia Lariana, north of Lecco. Abbadia Lariana can be easily reached by train or boat. If you arrive by car, you can park it at the train station. In Abbadia Lariana there are, in addition to hotels, campsites that offer cabins for rent. From the train station you have to go back about 500 m on the road (south towards Lecco). Just before you get to the tunnel, the trail begins on the left at the S.Martino church. It leads leisurely parallel to the lake with beautiful views over the lakeshore of the Lecco lakeside.
On the Sentiro del Viandante through Mandello del Lario
The Sentiero del Viandante runs halfway along the coast of the eastern part of Lake Como. You cross the ancient district of Borbino and the area of the mills near the brook Zerbo. After crossing the road that climbs to Linzanico, you turn towards Mandello del Lario, which is announced by the church of San Giorgio from the 12th century. Mandello del Lario is known as the location of a traditional motorcycle factory that produces the legendary Moto Guzzi. There are numerous lovers of the brand with the Mandello eagle and there are regular pilgrimages of the motorcycle clubs. The Moto Guzzi factory is located at the entrance to the town and you have to leave the Viandante hiking trail to view it. The Sentiero del Viandante crosses Mandello above the village, past Torre di Maggiana. In the Rongio district, it is worth taking a short break to visit the 16th-century church of San Giacomo. After crossing the Meria valley, the route climbs to Sonvico. Further down lies the ancient settlement of Olcio, where marble was once mined. The old remains of the wall show the entrance to the Lierna area. First you come through Sornico with the stone houses, then through Olcianico with the characteristic alleys. From Lierna (seminar) you can continue up or down. The lower path leads over the mountains to Varenna, the upper path continues above Varenna to Castello Vezio.
Lower hiking trail
After Lierna it goes downhill to the medieval town with the Castello. After the ascent, it goes to Fiumelatte above the coast. After crossing the bubbling brook, the view of the Varenna peninsula opens up.
The path leads past the English cemetery above the park of Villa Monastero to the foot of Castello di Vezio.
Upper hiking trail
The upper path is not much longer but is steeper. The walk from Genico leads to the meadows of Ortanella at an altitude of 992 meters and then goes down to Vezio. From Vezio you descend to Varenna.
Why Hiking on the Sentiero del Viandante with milano24ore?
Services Included in the Price
We provide a Como Lake 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 cuisine of the Como lake. This will give you some insight into the culture and touristic highlights.
Additional Services
– Overnight stays with breakfast and dinner in a comfortable hotel
– Pre-paid lunch (reservation required)
– Tour extensions with a regional wine tasting tour
– Private boat trip with aperitif
– Private transfers
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, English, German, 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 Abbadia Lariana or at your hotel at Como Lake. We can organize transport to the meeting point and collect you from the endpoint.
Stages of the Hike
Museum Moto Guzzi in Mandello del Lario
The Moto Guzzi Museum is located in the former factory of the famous motorcycle manufacturer in Via Parodi 57, Mandello del Lario. The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can admire the racing machines and get a great insight into the technical features of the Moto Guzzi. A must-see for bike fans.
Fiumelatte
The name “Fiumelatte” (milk flow) is the shortest river in Italy with only 250 meters from the source to the mouth and with its milky white sparkling water. The river shows a phenomenon that Leonardo da Vinci was already interested in and mentioned in the Codice Atlantico: The river appears on the surface around March 25 (Annunciation) and remains visible until the day of Madonna del Rosario (7th October – Patroness of Varenna). So it got its second name: River of the Madonnas. It is believed that there is a pool of water under the Grignone that temporarily overflows, thereby forming the river.
Varenna
Varenna is located at the foot of the 1315 m high Monte San Defendente. The idyllic place nestles picturesquely on the lake shore. Picturesque are the narrow, steep streets with small boutiques and the restaurants with the wonderful lake view over all three arms of Lake Como. Villa Monastero attracts with its beautiful park to stroll.
What to see in Varenna:
– Villa Monastero with a beautiful park area
– Villa Dei Cipressi – is now a hotel. The park can be visited
– Church of San Giorgio from 1313
– Oratory of San Giovanni Battista and Oratory of Madonna delle Grazie
Hiking Alone at the Como Lake
You are welcome to get inspired by our description of this hike. However, we recommend to not hike alone and do not go without an experienced local licensed guide. You can get lost or surprised by weather or need help. Also, our description might have small errors, be incomplete or outdated. Therefore, we recommend you book the tour with us and let us take care of the organization.
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