Walking along the Eastern Coast of Lake Como

We suggest discovering the natural and artistic beauties of the little cities that dot the coast from Lecco towards the North to walk on foot along the “Sentiero del Viandanteancient passageway from the Milan area going up towards Switzerland, running along the lake, proof of the role of the Lake Como region in commercial traffic. This path goes up to Abbadia Lariana, along the coast and in and out of villages, running through the history up to Colico, and penetrating all the way up at the foot of Valtellina. It is not only a naturalistic excursion, but also cultural one, where you can discover and understand the changings in these lands, where you can admire a piece of history and in each corner a marvellous view. It is possible to do one stage at a time and return to the starting point by train, thanks to the railway that covers the same itinerary.

1° Stage: from Abbadia Lariana to Lierna
From the Church of San Martino, near the railroad station of Abbadia Lariana, take the path along the hamlet of Borbino and Robianico crossing firstly the church of San Bartolomeo, untill you reach the church of San Giorgio in Mandello del Lario, whose origins date back to the ninth century. Now the path goes on and rises to the district of Maggiana, where you can admire the Tower of Frederick I, then enter into the woods to reach Rongio. Along the path, you can enjoy an extraordinary view of Olcio and Lake Como. Finally arriving to Lierna.

2° Stage: from Lierna to Vezio
In Lierna you have two possibilities to enjoy the second stage of the wayfarer’s trail: go down to the lake and take the bottom path or go up the mountain. The first path runs close to the lake walking from Lierna to the evocative hamlet of Castello di Lierna. Here you cross the provincial road and rise on a staircase to Ronco, where the path to Coria begins. Here you go on walking into Valle Vacchera and then down to the lake. The top path crosses the woods above Lierna, reaching Vezio Castle from the mountains; you reach Varenna following the steep mule-track.

3° Stage: from Vezio to Dervio
From the suggestive hamlet of Varenna take the path going down to the creek Esino and go on to the ancient bridge, then rise to Regolo where you have to take the continuing path, firstly paved then dirt. Go on to Valle Masna, crossing the Woods of the Witches and then to Fabbrica. Here the path goes down to Bellano. Cross the bridge on the ravine and keep on rising to Ombriaco, reach the Sanctuary of Lezzeno, then proceed to Oro and Dervio.

4° Stage: from Dervio to Piantedo (SO)
Rise from the bridge on the creek Varrone to the hamlet of Castello and then continue on the paved road. Run along an ancient monastery and rise to Corenno Plinio, an evocative hamlet on the eastern branch of Lake Como. The path remains on the hill and drives you to Torchiedo and then Mondonico, an ancient farmer village, where you take the path rising to San Rocco, where you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic point of Lake Como. The ascent proceeds on the slopes of Mount Legnone. You have overpassed the border between Lecco and Sondrio, the last stage of the wayfarer’s trail ends at the Sanctuary of Madonna of Valpozzo.