• Active & Green
    • Lakes
    • Mountains

Valle Intelvi: 4 excursions in the land between two lakes

from IN-LOMBARDIA.IT

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

On the same topic

Show all

Sesto Calende

Sesto Calende: between history and nature.
Sesto Calende: gateway at Lake Maggiore, along Ticino river
  • Active & Green

Discover the province of Varese

5 must-see places to visit in Varese
A dirt path crosses a rural landscape at sunset, surrounded by golden fields and green vegetation. To the right, there is a small stone chapel with a cross on its facade, while to the left, large trees can be seen under a cloudy sky illuminated by the warm colors of the sunset. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, with the contrast between the golden light and the lengthening evening shadows.
  • Active & Green

Parks, waterways and castles near Lodi | A journey through history and nature

Waterways, castles and rare wildlife: Lodi is an ideal destination for outdoor trips in the beautiful Lombard countryside. Discover the best places to visit!
  • Active & Green

Between the Ticino and Po rivers

  • Active & Green

Monumental trees in Lombardy: 12 incredible specimens

Among the scenic and cultural riches of Lombardy, one can discover outstanding green monuments.
  • Active & Green

Mounts San Primo and Palanzone

On the highest peaks of the Triangolo Lariano, visitors will enjoy a 360° view of the Alps and of the Po valley
Monte San Primo e il Palanzone
  • Active & Green

A green escape in Milan

Parco Sempione, Milano
  • Active & Green

Varese Motorland

A land to explore on 2 wheels...
  • Active & Green

Brescia Nature, taste and traditions: Val Sabbia

From multiple-day treks with night-breaks at mountain huts, to shorter walks open to all: a charming valley for all tastes set against the background of the little lake Idro
  • Active & Green

Cycling from Tresenda to Prato Valentino

  • Active & Green

Thousand-Year Larch Trail

The oldest tree in Lombardy can be discovered with an unusual hike among the breathtaking views of Valmalenco
Thousand-Year Larch Trail
  • Active & Green

Bergamo Valle Seriana and the Presolana

The Valle Seriana Mountains are a wonderful tourist destination, perfect for discovering on foot, mountain bike or with fun off-road quad rides.
Bergamo La Valle Seriana e la Presolana
  • Active & Green

The joy of running

Enjoy your training in Cremona
  • Active & Green

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.
Brescia tra natura e antiche miniere: la Val Trompia
  • Active & Green

Artist’s giant benches

The hunt is on. Discover six of the brightly coloured, supersized Big Benches by Chris Bangle that are adding to the scenery in Lombardy.
Ph: I Mille
  • Active & Green

Bergamo three small natural jewels: Val Vertova, Val Sedornia and Val Sanguigno

Off the beaten tourist track, but close to the Valle Seriana, there are three small valleys, just waiting to be discovered, either on foot or mountain bike
Bergamo tre piccoli gioielli naturali: Val Vertova, Val Sedornia e Val Sanguigno
  • Active & Green

Spine-tingling Lombardy: discovering 5 mysterious places in our region

Lombardia da brivido - Faccia del Diavolo
  • Active & Green

Sustainable tourism in lombardy

There is a way of sustainable travel capable of establishing a deep connection with the places that are visited.
Sustainable tourism in Lombardy
  • Active & Green

The High Route of Valmalenco – 4th stage

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

Where to keep cool in Lombardy

If you are looking to cool down a little in the summer heat, here are a few suggestions.
  • Active & Green