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

Gardens Bergamo

An unforgettable journey through the wonders of the Bergamo landscape

Active & Green

Lombardy: spring has come to town

Spring flowers bloom on the balconies, terraces, window sills and in the gardens of Lombardy's towns and villages

Active & Green

The High Route of Valmalenco – 6th stage

Rif. Marinelli Bombardieri (2813 m) - Bocchetta di Caspoggio (2983 m) - A. Fellaria e Rif. Bignami (2382 m)

Active & Green

The trails of the Oltrepò Pavese

On foot, by bike, or on horseback to discover the Oltrepò Pavese

Active & Green

Levadina

Walking in the Levadina Oasis of San Donato Milanese, an opportunity to spend an afternoon immersed in nature.

Active & Green

Adrenaline and Rafting on the Ticino

Active holiday in the province of Pavia

Active & Green

Foppe di trezzo

Trip outside the town of Trezzo d'Adda to discover a small but very suggestive WWF oasis.

Active & Green

Guide Valmalenco

In the Valmalenco Guides group you can find professionals who can accompany you on your adventures whether you are an expert, or simply dream of taking your first step.

Active & Green

Lombardy, land of spring waters

Fountains and springs, the natural oases of Lower Lombardy

Active & Green

Brabbia Marsh

Brabbia Nature Reserve: the most important wetland in Lombardy.

Active & Green

9 places surrounded by nature

If you want to spend a day in contact with nature, we recommend these really special destinations.

Active & Green

Livignese Park

Park of considerable environmental interest, for the naturalness of the typically alpine landscape and for the richness of the fauna patrimony.

Active & Green

Mountain flowers in May

Six itineraries to discover this month's flowers in the mountains of Lombardy

Active & Green

Valmalenco sports centers

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

Active & Green

Excursions to Zelo Buon Persico

An itinerary to discover the canals and natural beauty of Lodigiano

Active & Green

In between the lake and the sky

Episode 2

Active & Green

Cross country in Valmalenco

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

Active & Green

Autodromo di monza

Monza and Formula 1 are two excellences of Motorsport.

Active & Green

Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

An event that looks to the future, sustainability and inclusion, immersed in the charm of the Lombard landscape and tradition.

Active & Green

On the wings of winter

In winter at the Parco del Mincio to spot flocks of migratory birds.

Active & Green