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In 2014, Lake Como was named the most beautiful lake in the world by Huffington Post but even without that its been a popular retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times. Located in the Italian Alps, Lake Como was formed 10.000 years ago when a massive glacier carved out a deep gorge that would later was filled with water to form the lake. It is old as blue eyes or domesticated cats are, the lake has a rich history from the prehistoric times to this day.
Lake Como is located only ~50km from Milan, in the richest and the most populous region in Italy – Lombardy. The lake is not shy of its size as well. With an area of 146 square km, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy and one of the deepest lakes in Europe, reaching over 400 m depth. The hike between Varenna and Bellano uncovers only a smart portion of this awe-inspiring lake.
Lake Como is not that far from Milan and if you took a flight to Bergamo airport it is even closer. Just take a train from Bergamo to Lecco, then switch to the train going to Tirano. The whole trip from Bergamo to Varenna will take ~1h20 and I would suggest to sit on the left side of the train for the better views.
While it is possible to make the trip yourself, sometimes it is more convenient to let other people do it. This is your vacation after all. Lake Como has some of the best guides around – sure they’ll to the job, while you can experience picturesque Lake Como to its fullest.
Get your guide tours have up to 24h free cancellation to receive a full refund. Even more, this is G-Certified, meaning the tour has been reviewed and picked as a guaranteed best-in-class experience.
This hike from Varenna to Bellano is only a small part of a 45km long Wayfarer’s Trail, which leads from Abbadia Lariana (north of Lecco) to Colico, on the eastern shore of Lake Como. This part of the trail is about 10km long in total. The hike is relatively easy if you have proper footwear. Just don’t forget to follow the signs which lead to Bellano and not the opposite direction. You’ll probably find plenty of those too.
The beginning of the hike is actually the hardest. In Varenna look for the path leading to Vezio Castle, this will lead you to the Wayfarer’s Trail. It is not that far from Varenna ferry docks. The road to Vezio castle is steep, but relatively short and there is even a few places to take a break or even to refill your water supplies if required.
Near the entrance to the castle stands a small cafe, where you can refresh yourself and buy a ticket to enter Vezio Castle. Price – 4€. It is open from March to November.
The origins of the fortification are not clear. The name of Vezio is probably of Roman origin. Families bearing the same name, lived in an area near Lake Como during those times. Various writers think that the fortification dates to Late Antiquity and was used by Romans for a strategic purposes.
The legend says that the joint construction was ordered by Theodelinda, th Queen of Lombards. She left a visible trace of her Christian faith behind and Vėzio Castle was one of such places. She spent most of her time in the area during her last days and though she was buried in Monza, it is believed that her heart and her soul is within the walls of Vėzio Castle. Some say that her spirit still wanders in the corridors of the castle during a moonless night. Who knows if it is true but these legends inspired the owners of the castle to build both beautiful and terrifying sculptures of ghosts throughout the castle.
After visiting the Vezio Castle follow the road down to a beautiful mountain creek, within a small gorge. Naturally, You’ll have to climb back up, but the road is not as steep as before. Walk until you reach Perledo, then just follow the signs, which are plenty in the living area.
Approx. at the middle of the hike near a parish of St. Martin is a perfect place for a rest with an amazing view over Lake Como, the mountains and the surrounding Italian villages.
After that, walk down to a car road. The path is short, but opens to some spectacular views. If you need anything from a store, you’ll find one in this part of the hike.
Don’t miss the turn to the left and follow it downward to Parrocchia Della Natività Della Beata Vergine Mara. Then cross the road and follow a short levada uphill.
After 10 minutes of walk you’ll cross a small bridge over a stream. No water resupply here.
The further road to Bellano is basically flat, thus easy to walk. Just take your time and enjoy the gorgeous views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps.
Overall, this hike is a great proof that within a day, it is possible to get from a big city to a heaven-like spot of the awe-inspiring planet, we live in. The hike from Varenna to Bellano captures the spirit of Sentiero del Viandante in a manner, making it accessible to anybody. Depending on your personal needs, this range of 10km could be done in such a way, which would satisfy anybody. From a pleasant day walk to a fast running trail, it will challenge and reward over and above. Sure, I enjoyed this piece of Wayfarer’s Trail and would highly recommend to everybody.
Just the last few tips from me: after finishing the hike you can take a ferry back to Varenna or just go with a train straight to Lecco. If you have some spare time – Bellano has plenty to offer.
One of such places is a natural gorge – Orrido di Bellano. It is one of the most renowned tourist spot in the Lario area. The beautiful gorge was formed over the centuries by River Pioverna. In Orrido, you’ll find the mythical “Cà del Diavol” – the so-called Devil’s house, which for centuries rose fantasies of satanic rituals.
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