The Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path) is a stage trek that runs along the entire eastern shore of Lake Como. Following ancient mule tracks and paths, the route (which crosses lakeside towns) runs halfway up the hill from Lecco to Colico among wonderful views of the Lario. The altitudes are low (the highest altitude reached is 800m asl) and for this reason it is ideal to walk in spring, autumn and winter. Because of these characteristics, therefore, it is not recommended to travel it in the hottest months of the year.
The route runs between Lecco and Colico for a length of about 49 kilometers
There are five official stages: from Lecco to Abbadia, from Abbadia to Lierna, from Lierna to Varenna, from Varenna to Dervio, and from Dervio to Colico. Depending on one’s training, however, it is possible to divide the stages differently.
Generally, the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path) does not present any particular technical difficulties and is therefore suitable for everyone. In any case, since sections of the forest path are followed and in some places the slopes can be a bit steep (especially in the section between Lierna and Varenna), it is recommended to wear appropriate clothing and hiking boots.
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The entire route is very well marked with orange plaques (red and white bands between Lecco and Abbadia), as well as the blue vignettes of the Vie del Viandante. Discerning walkers can concatenate it with the Leonardo Trail (from Milan to Lecco) and with the Via Francisca-Via Spluga to the Spluga Pass and Switzerland.
Below we look in detail at the stages of the Wayfarer’s Path. In some cases we will present a slightly different division into stages than the “official” one.
The start of the walk is Lecco station. Following the lakefront we reach the locality Caviate (via dell’Abbadia, 270m asl), where the trail proper begins.
The stages of the Wayfarer’s Path
Click on the list to navigate directly to the desired stage:
- Stage 1: Lecco – Lierna
- Stage 2: Lierna – Varenna
- Stage 3: Varenna – Dervio
- Stage 4: Dervio – Colico
Your Guide for the Wayfarer’s Path
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Contact us now at info@trekkinglecco.com to arrange in detail an experience tailored to you.
General considerations
The Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path) is considered – with good reason – one of the best known and most appreciated long routes in the Larian territory. Along the total 50 kilometers on which it runs, from Lecco to Colico, one encounters a great variety of landscapes and, above all, is always accompanied by splendid views of the most beautiful lake in the world.
In the writer’s humble opinion, the most beautiful of the stages into which we divided the walk is the one in the middle of the lake, from Varenna to Dervio: not only does it offer breathtaking views of the lake, but it is also quite easy and therefore accessible to most.
Photos and text by Michele Castelnovo
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