Sentiero del Viandante

Walking along the eastern shore of Lake Como

Walk and discover the famous trade route that runs along the entire shore of Lake Como; crossing the main towns of the riviera, the Sentiero del Viandante represents a unique opportunity to discover the artistic and natural beauties of the locations dotting the coast from Lecco northward. It is an ancient passage route, testimony to the role of the Lake Como territory in commercial trade. The trail climbs from Abbadia Lariana at mid-slope in and out of inhabited centers until reaching Colico, then continuing inland to the foothills of Valtellina. It winds along the entire coast, from the southernmost part to the Lower Valtellina. It is not only a nature excursion, but also a cultural one, where you discover and rediscover the transformation of the territory, with a piece of history and an irresistible view at every corner. The trail should be walked in stages, or only for certain sections: the convenience is that the trail also follows the railway, making the itinerary accessible intermittently.

Stage 1: from Abbadia Lariana to Lierna
The route starts near the Church of San Martino, close to the railway station. From here, take the trail that runs alongside the settlements of Borbino and Robianico, passing the Church of San Bartolomeo, the hamlet of Novegolo, to then reach the Romanesque church of San Giorgio in Mandello del Lario, whose origins date back to the 9th century. From here the route begins to climb toward Maggiana, where you can admire the Barbarossa Tower, then enter the woods and arrive at Rongio. Along the trail we can enjoy a beautiful view of Olcio and Lake Como. In the next section you are forced to run alongside the highway for a short stretch, after which you reach Lierna.

Stage 2: from Lierna to Vezio
From Lierna you can reach the locality of Vezio passing through the lake or through the woods.
The first route, called "Variante Bassa," starts from Lierna and continues toward the charming village of Castello. From here, cross the provincial road again and climb a stairway toward Ronco, where the trail to Coria begins, the highest point of this section. From here, enter the Valle Vacchera before descending toward the lake. Along the route you must still run alongside a stretch of highway, then continue along the coast until reaching the springs of Fiumelatte and then the enchanting village of Varenna. The "Variante Alta" crosses the woods above Lierna, to a panoramic point and the Alpe Mezzedo. Following the signs toward Colle di Vezio, the route is entirely panoramic. You reach the Castle of Vezio and then take the mule track that leads to Varenna and the lake.

Stage 3: from Vezio to Dervio
From Vezio, take the trail that descends toward the Esino stream and cross the ancient bridge over it. Then climb toward Regolo where you take a road that continues along the slope, paved in the first section and then unpaved. Continue toward the Valle Masna, crossing the Bosco delle Streghe and proceed toward Fabbrica; from here the trail descends toward Bellano. Cross a bridge over the Orrido and continue uphill toward Ombriaco, then reach the Sanctuary of Lezzeno, from which you continue toward Oro and then Dervio.

Stage 4: from Dervio to Piantedo (SO)
From the bridge over the Varrone Stream, climb toward the village of Castello. Run alongside an ancient monastery and descend toward Corenno Plinio, a characteristic village on the lakeshore. The trail remains along the coast and then climbs the slopes of Monte Legnone. After passing Posallo, you cross the border separating the territories of Lecco and Sondrio, reaching the final stage of the itinerary: the Sanctuary of Madonna di Valpozzo.