• Active & Green

Legnone, Pizzo Tre Signori and Valvarrone

Crossed by the river of the same name, Valvarrone is the harsher and most ruggedly beautiful part of the eastern banks of Lake Como.

 

Held tight in the embrace of the Legnone and Legnoncino mountains, this narrow valley offers a natural environment with a rich variety of flora and fauna, and its summits offer unique views of Lake Como and the Alps. The towns in the valley are excellent starting points for easy hikes along old military tracks, through meadows and larch woods with particularly beautiful corners of nature and splendid views.

Along paths from World War One
An interesting hike through nature and history, following the route of the Cadorna Line, which winds through this valley. This trail is an important lesson in historical heritage that unfolds to hikers in the form of fixed machine gun positions, military lookout posts, walkways, tunnels and trenches that cover the entire northern slope of Mount Legnoncino. Another hike, taking about 2 and a half hours and suitable for all, is the path up to the Griera mountain refuge from Pagnona in upper Valvarrone.

Hiking on the "roof" of the valley
A hike taking about 4 hours starts in Premana and follows the River Varrone for a short
distance, coming first to the Casera Vecchia mountain refuge and then continuing to the Santa Rita refuge at 2000 metres asl. This is the starting point for a strenuous trail suitable for fit hikers with good legs. It has some via ferrata stretches and continues up to Bocchetta di Piazzocco and Pizzo Tre Signori. Premana is also the starting point for the path that leads to the Deleguaggio lakes.
It takes 2 hours to get to Alpe and from here another hour to the Lago Inferiore. The beautiful hollow of Lago Superiore is another 30 minutes' walk further on. From here you can continue up to the summit of Pizzo Alto, from where y ou can see Valvarrone and Valsassina, the Orobic ridge, in particular Pizzo Rotondo and Pizzo dei Tre Signori, Valtellina and the granite peaks of Val
Màsino, as well as Monte L egnone, the southern Mesolcina and, in the background, the Rosa range.

Cycling through villages and woods
An itinerary definitely worth a mention is the circular route that leads from Dervio through the villages in Valvarrone, continuing through the woods to Pagnona and comes to Premana, after the last difficult uphill stretch towards the Colle di Piazzo, then goes back down to Valsassina towards Taceno and Bellanoand ends where it started, in Dervio. It is 45 km long.
Another interesting route starts in Vestreno and goes around the Dervio h ydroelectric plant reservoir to the shrine to the Virgin Mary in Bondo. From here you cycle to the towns on the Dorio mountains, through green woods full of chestnut trees and mushrooms, passing Vezzée and Sparesée with lovely views over the lake, and then down to Posallo di Colico. The more expert, fearless freeriders can, on the other hand, cy cle down the spectacular stretch from Giumello to Dervio, or the one that goes through the wild terrain of Val Marcia to Lake Losa.
These are trails with difficult downhill parts and v ery steep slopes. The above routes call for bikes suitable for downhill cycling and protective gear. We suggest taking a mountain bike guide with you. Those who are not quite so fit can rent pedal-assist bikes in Premana and follow the paths to Alpe Campo and Alpe Premaniga.
 

 

Highlights

1. Sport. The natural terrace of Monte Giumello, a launch area for fantastic paragliding flights, can be reached from the villages of Indovero and Narro.

2. History. Above Dervio, Mai is home to some well-preserved ruins of Castelvedro, a medieval fortification dating back to the fifth and sixth century. Orezia Castle instead clings to a steep bluff and one of its defensive towers is still in good shape.

3. Free time. Trout can be fished from the clean waters of the River Varrone. Fisherman can also compete in competitions organised by local associations, which also repopulate the river.

4. Food and wine. The mountain refuges serve genuine, typical dishes: from local game
to exquisite porcini mushrooms with a drizzle of Lake Como olive oil. As an alternative, a tasty plate of taragna polenta with delicious mountain cheese.

5. Shopping. The history of Premana has always been linked to iron, a material that made the fortune of its inhabitants and saw Premana excel on the international market as producers of knives, scissors and similar objects. Entering a knife shop in this town is a chance to rediscover the appeal of craftsmanship.

Take me here: Legnone, Pizzo Tre Signori and Valvarrone

On the same topic

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
Alpe cavaglia

Levadina

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

Where to do Horseback Riding in Lombardy

  • Active & Green
Where to do horseback riding in Lombardy, route suggestions

The High Route of Valmalenco – 4th stage

Chiareggio (1612 m) - Rif. Longoni (2450 m) - A. Sasso nero (2304 m) - Rif. Lago Palù (1947 m)
  • Active & Green
Vista sul Lago Palù

Ice skating in Lombardy

Here's where you can twirl amusement and some fall.
  • Active & Green
Ice Skating

Parco delle Orobie della Valtellina

A nature park just waiting to be discovered on long hikes or on the saddle of a mountain bike
  • Active & Green
Il parco delle Orobie

Castelveccana

Breathtaking views and green woods characterize Castelveccana, a charming village situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
  • Active & Green
Castelveccana and its districts, among cycle tourism, history and culture

Trezzo d'Adda what to see

A pleasant day to discover Trezzo sull'Adda: the historic center, the villas, the river and the central Taccani.
  • Active & Green
Trezzo d'Adda, what to see in a day

Famous uphill cycling routes: Valfurva

The spectacle of the glaciers on the Confinale circular trail and great uphill cycle trails make this mountain popular with hikers and keen cyclists
  • Active & Green
Le salite dei campioni: la Valfurva

Gardens Brescia

Let yourself be enchanted by the splendor of the green and the thousand colors of the nature of the gardens of Brescia
  • Active & Green
Gardens Brescia, the greener side of Lombardy

Valchiavenna and Valle Spluga

High mountain pastures, lakes, rivers and a varied network of hiking trails through nature and mountain villages where time seems to have stood still
  • Active & Green
La Valchiavenna e la Valle Spluga

Monumental trees in Lombardy: 12 incredible specimens

Among the scenic and cultural riches of Lombardy, one can discover outstanding green monuments.
  • Active & Green
Monumental trees in Lombardy: 12 incredible specimens

Val Trompia, where nature and ancient mines await visitors

Be ready for a great vacation in Val Trompia to discover natural treasures amidst huts and trails winding down the forest in Zone and reaching up to mounts Guglielmo and Maniva.
  • Active & Green
Brescia tra natura e antiche miniere: la Val Trompia

Under the ground, to discover the caves of Lombardy

On a trip to the caves of Lombardy
  • Active & Green
Under the ground, to discover the caves of Lombardy

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
Laghi Sassersa

A green week in Valtellina

Escape to the mountains just a two-hour drive from Milan for a rural retreat with trekking, typical pizzoccheri pasta and towns that are absolute hidden gems
  • Active & Green
A green week in Valtellina

25th April Weekend in Lombardy

Why not get out and explore? You can organise some unforgettable days out with a wide range of interesting activities.
  • Active & Green
25th April Weekend in Lombardy

Discovering the lavender fields in Oltrepò Pavese

Not just Provence: lavender fields can also be found in Oltrepò Pavese.
  • Active & Green
Discovering the lavender fields in Oltrepò Pavese

Between lake and mountains the 10 most beautiful trees in the Province of Como

From the neoclassical villas to the wildest forests, the landscapes of the Lake Como region and the trees they contain enchant with their variety.
  • Active & Green
Between lake and mountains the 10 most beautiful trees in the Province of Como

Where to harvest chestnuts in Lombardy

Forests, hills, panoramic viewpoints and plays of light: discover where and when to collect chestnuts in Lombardy, as well as other useful tips
  • Active & Green
La raccolta delle castagne - Parco Regionale del Campo dei Fiori (VA)