Lake Montorfano

A round lake with cold waters and an enchanting panorama extending to Monte Rosa

Lake Montorfano is the smallest of the Brianza lakes. Beyond its modest size, the round shape and cold waters make it also the most distinctive of the small lakes around Lake Como.

From the village streets, it is possible to access the lakeside path, completing the entire loop in approximately 4 km of easy walking. Nature lovers will be pleased to note that the true master of the lake is the vegetation: dense reed beds almost entirely encircle its shores, providing refuge for various bird species. Groups of mallard ducks constantly patrol the lake waters and, with some attention and luck, one may witness the spectacular fishing dive of a Common Kingfisher. The underwater dives of these birds disturb the water lilies and water chestnuts floating on the surface, forcing fish to seek shelter among the underwater vegetation to avoid falling prey to their sharp beaks. At a very short distance from the reed beds, dense green forests of chestnuts and birches extend as far as the eye can see up the hills that embrace the lake.

Nestled on the shores of this delightful corner of the Lake Como territory is Villa Barbavara, an eighteenth-century building of great elegance. The villa was built by the owners of the same name, who settled on Lake Montorfano to transform it into a true ice industry. To this day, traces of this profitable industrial activity are still visible.

Today, Lake Montorfano, easily accessible from the city of Como in 15 minutes by car, is a place of relaxation in nature and silence. It is possible to stop at the Lido, spacious and grassy with access to the water, which remains pleasantly cold even in summer. For extreme swimmers, a non-competitive open water crossing event of the lake is organized.