Valle Intelvi: 4 excursions in the land between two lakes

We head to the heart of the Lombardian Prealps to discover a destination popular among casual climbers wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Nestled between Lake Como and Lake Lugano is an enchanting location divided between dense woodland and charming terraces, packed with incredible views and dotted with little ancient villages surrounded by nature.

We are in the Val d’Intelvi, a mid-mountain destination approximate an hour away from Milan, and a location that is certain to pleasantly surprise anyone in search of peace and beauty and who, at least for the span of a weekend, want to heal their soul by immersing themselves in the bounty of nature.

A stretch of the Earth where artists from the Renaissance and Baroque periods have left their mark in the shining examples of period architecture scattered across historic towns and where in every village craftsmanship is expressed in real works of arts.

Perfect for walking and cycling excursions, the Val d’Intelvi offers visitors some truly incredible walking routes that, on top of being suitable for all, invite you to discover the uniqueness of a region that, while considered to be the “Little Sister” of Lombardy’s valleys, has nothing with which to envy its more impressive and resonant neighbours when it comes to resources and passion.

With a mix of art, nature and magic, here are 4 walking routes that are absolutely worth exploring.

1. The Trail of Expressions — Accessible from the centre of Schignano by following signs to the hamlet of Posa (840m) where, after parking your car, you can continue on foot towards Alpe Nava, this extraordinarily beautiful first path, invites us to discover works of art made with bark and tree trunks by skilled woodcarvers. A special place where the tree trunks express the most diverse emotions of the soul and the woodland seems to come to life thanks to these expressive forms with a human face.

Read more

2. The bridle path to Erbonne — Starting in the heart of the Val d’Intelvi in the town of La Bolla, this relaxing path, which is entirely flat and takes about 90 minutes, goes from Casasco d’Intelvi, crossing a bridle path and opening out into a stunning view of Lago di Como and Monte San Zeno, before leading to the charming village of Erbonne, part of the Municipality of San Fedele di Intelvi.

Read more

3. Following the trenches on Monte Generoso — Our third route, which takes 4.5 hours on foot, gives us the chance to explore some First World War-era fortifications by following the trench line through the Monte Generoso Forest. We are in the Municipality of Pellio Intelvi, in the Province of Como on the border with Switzerland: here Monte Generoso (1701m), as the highest peak in the valley, played a crucially important role in the defence of Italy during the First World War, more specifically, the area under the control of the Northern Frontier Advanced Occupation Command, Responsible for the construction of these defensive line.

Read more

4. Lanzo - Sighignola — Suitable for both cyclists and those on foot, our final hike starts in the town of Lanzo which, following a slightly winding road built at the end of the First World War as part of the “Northern Frontier” (the Italian defensive system facing Switzerland, known as the Cadorna Line) will lead you to the so-called “Balcone d’Italia”.

Read more

Suzzara forest

An urban forest in the Municipality of Suzzara, created to recreate an environment typical of the Po Valley of the past.

Active & Green

Monumental trees in Lombardy

The art of knowing trees in Lombardy

Active & Green

The High Route of Valmalenco – 2nd stage

Rif Bosio (2086 m) - A Mastabbia (2077 m) - A Giumellino (1756 m) - Laghetti Sassersa (2369 m) - Passo Ventina (2675 m) Alpe Ventina (1960 m)

Active & Green

Sports in Monza

Outdoor activities in the heart of Brianza

Active & Green

Cycling from Tresenda to Prato Valentino

Active & Green

From the metropolis to the province: Milan's top 10 monumental trees

In an area as rich in history as the Metropolitan City of Milan, there is no shortage of valuable green monuments.

Active & Green

Il Fiore di Borgoratto Mormorolo

A new network of hiking trails in Oltrepò Pavese.

Active & Green

Adrenaline and Rafting on the Ticino

Active holiday in the province of Pavia

Active & Green

Gardens Pavia

Not just the city: a walk through botanic gardens and oasis for a green break

Active & Green

Gardens Como

Lake Como is famous for its villas with fantastic gardens: let's discover them together!

Active & Green

The High Route of Valmalenco – 8th stage

Rif. Cristina (2227 m) - A. Acquanera (2116 m) - Piazzo Cavalli (1710 m) - Caspoggio (1098 m) - Torre di Santa Maria (772 m)

Active & Green

Lake Iseo

Visit Lake Iseo between art and nature.

Active & Green

Cool summer escapes

Between all its lakes and rivers, summer in Lombardy flows slowly, with enchanting landscapes to relax and cool off.

Active & Green

The project "Beega"

Cremona’s Bycicle Touring

Active & Green

Doing sports in Varese

From rowing on the lake to gliding. From cycling to trekking. From golf to horse riding. Tips for playing sports in Varese

Active & Green

Teglio - Santa Maria - La Piana Promenade

Medium-easy route that winds from fields and chestnut forests to coniferous forests and pastures.

Active & Green

Brescia Nature, taste and traditions: Val Sabbia

From multiple-day treks with night-breaks at mountain huts, to shorter walks open to all: a charming valley for all tastes set against the background of the little lake Idro

Active & Green

Shades of fall - excursions to discover the foliage

Active & Green

Cross Country in Valmalenco

In Valmalenco there are 3 cross-country tracks, suitable for everyone's need.

Active & Green

Horse riding

Active & Green