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.

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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.

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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.

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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”.

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Valmalenco sports centers

Valmalenco offers all nature lovers and sports enthusiasts various facilities-sports centers, each with its own special features.

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Suzzara forest

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

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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)

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Hiking with the Family

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Birdwatching in Lombardy

Parks, nature reserves and oases where you can take a glimpse into the secret lives of birds

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Gardens Pavia

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

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In Morbegno on the Bridge in the Sky

In Val Tartano, the highest Tibetan Bridge in Europe.

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The high route of Valmalenco - presentation

The high route of Valmalenco is a trekking of 8 stage, around 110 km.

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Journey to the centre of the earth in Lombardy

Discover the secrets of Lombardy's mines: history, culture, mystery, and trade in the heart of the mountains

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Gema promenade - source of the Frascesca

Easy route and especially suitable for families with children

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Valsassina and the Grigne

From one-day trips that anyone can enjoy, to climbing on the vertical walls of the Grigne, through to splendid hikes leading up to the mountain refuges

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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)

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Family walks to put a spring in your step

The transition from summer to autumn provides the ideal conditions for regenerating family moments along the scenic trails of Lombardy.

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The Patriarch's Greenway Path

An easy walk to discover Varenna and its most charming corners, with unique views on the central lake.

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Legnone, Pizzo Tre Signori and Valvarrone

Narrow, wild and dominated by the peak of Legnone, Valvarrone seems tailor-made for those who like their mountains harsh

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The Park Colonie Padane is open!

Come and discover the park!

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Lake Iseo

Visit Lake Iseo between art and nature.

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Learn from nature in the lowlands of the Po Valley

Take a lesson, and much more, from the educational farms on the Lombardy Plains, learning about the environmental and cultural wealth of our countryside.

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