Lake Garlate and Lake Olginate cycle route

Between the calm waters of the River Adda and the mountains reflected in the lakes, this route combines panoramic views, history, and literary references.

Where the river Adda slows its course, the scenery becomes art, with traditional villages and hidden sanctuaries, mountain peaks in the background, and the views that inspired the unforgettable pages of Manzoni’s The Betrothed.

The cycle-pedestrian path is a loop some 20 kilometres long, linking Lecco, Garlate, Olginate and Vercurago. The route, which is flattish and accessible, is great for slow strolls, unhurried cycle rides, or hiking with a pushchair, with its sections of cycle path, dirt tracks, and short road sections, all of which are well marked.

Along the shores of the Adda, every bend opens out onto different views: in the old fishing village of Pescarenico, the houses look out onto the waters and the little square where time seems to stand still. Further on, coming to Lake Garlate, you will find the Castello dell’Innominato [Castle of the Unnamed], and the Sanctuary of San Girolamo Emiliani in Vercurago overlooking the lake, with its picturesque atmospheres that will surprise the visitor every step of the way. Lake Olginate is along the route, where the Monastery of Santa Maria del Lavello in Calolziocorte invites you to take a quiet, contemplative pause, while the former railway bridge will take you towards Garlate, before crossing the Azzone Visconti Bridge and closing the loop in Lecco.

Every season changes the light and the colours along the way, making every outing a different one, but in autumn, the shores light up with unique warm shades and golden tone.