Lake Alserio

The Kingdom of Biodiversity Just Steps from Lake Como

Lake Alserio, 20 minutes from the city of Como, is an example of how humans have been able to preserve and enhance the natural heritage of this area.

Starting from the center of Alserio, you can reach the lake shores in just a few minutes and begin the walk around it. Lake Alserio is characterized by the exuberant presence of nature that seems to guard and defend its shores. Long rows of reeds surround the lake, while expanses of water lilies protect its surface. The classic game of skipping stones on the water will seem almost an offense in the face of this tenacious defense by Mother Nature.

As a testament to the overwhelming power of nature in this place, history tells that Barbarossa, while fleeing in retreat toward the castle of Montorfano, became lost among the reeds and marshes of the lake and was saved from drowning in its waters only thanks to the intervention of his trusted squire. The naturalistic peculiarities therefore make natural access points to the lake rare.

Walking along its shores, however, you will find five old docks that can be visited, from where fishermen would depart at dawn to return with nets full of perch. Today it is still possible to navigate Lake Alserio, but with motorless boats or by canoe. The biodiversity of this lake is also the focus of workshop activities for children; there is also an electric boat specifically designed for lake excursions, through which children can learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit the lake and the adjacent woods.