The Sentiero del Viandante winds along the eastern shore of Lake Como, offering a unique experience between nature and history. This path, extending for a maximum of 70km it can be covered in its entirety or in individual stages: you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful landscapes of Lake Como or Valtellina. Discover, then, everything you need to know about the Wayfarer’s Path.
The history of the Wayfarer’s Path
The Sentiero del Viandante is not only a panoramic itinerary, but it is also a journey through history. Originally used by the Romans, but probably also in more remote times, it was a commercial trail which offered an alternative to navigating the lake.
Today’s path, however, has been enhanced in recent years, uniting several historical routes which were traveled daily by the inhabitants of these lands. The name, Sentiero del Viandante, was spread in the nineties, when tourist and cultural interest in this unique route in Italy was rekindled.
Route and stages of the Wayfarer’s Path
The route starts in Abbadia Lariana but, if you want, you can also starting from Lecco, and ends in Piantedo, but many hikers choose to continue up to Morbegno, crossing various stages that stand out for their beauty and singularity. The journey total can vary from 15 to 20 hours, depending on the walking pace, with a difference in altitude that depends on the variety of terrain. The main stages are therefore:
- Lecco – Abbadia Lariana
- Abbadia Lariana – Mandello del Lario
- Mandello del Lario – Lierna
- Lierna – Perledo (with the possibility of following the high and low routes)
- Perledo – Bellano
- Bellano – Dervio
- Dervio – Dorio
- Dorio – Colico
- Colico – Piantedo
- Piantedo – Delebio
- Delebio – Rogolo
- Rogolo – Cosio Valtellino
- Cosio Valtellino – Morbegno
In total, therefore, you will be able to consider employing three or four days to cover it in its entirety. There are no important differences in height, except for the stretch that starts from Lierna.
The places along the trail
To walk the Wayfarer’s Path is to embark on a journey through a series of places full of charm and history. At some points it is worth temporarily interrupting the path to visit the city:
- Abbadia Lariana: you will find museums and ancient churches.
- Lierna: with its suggestive Riva Bianca, it offers one of the most beautiful beaches on the lake.
- Varenna: this charming village is a real jewel, with its botanical gardens of Villa Monastero and the castle of Vezio.
- Bellano: tourist resort renowned for the ravine and the lakeside.
- Morbegno: where history and art merge, hosting important churches and ancient buildings.
How to get to the start of the trail
Reaching the starting point of the Sentiero del Viandante is the first step in venturing into this historical and panoramic itinerary. You can then decide to start from Lecco or Morbegno and follow the path in one of the two directions.
- To get to Lecco: the SS36 connects the capital directly to Milan, as do various railway lines. The train also stops in Abbadia Lariana, in case you want to leave from here.
- To get to Morbegno: the town is located on the SS38 which connects Lake Como to Valtellina. Alternatively you can get here by train from Milan Centrale, Lecco, Sondrio and Tirano.
Living on Lake Como
Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places in Northern Italy. Between small beaches and towns full of history, it is always worth visiting this area of Lombardy. It is also about the ideal place to move to: the big cities are close at hand, but you will be able to enjoy a unique tranquility. If you are thinking of looking for a house in the area, discover all the latest adverts with idealista.
