Lake Como Hiking: Bellano to Varenna along the Sentiero del Viandante

Bellano is easily accessible by public transport from Milan, Lecco, Colico and Como Locations (Bellagio, Menaggio). The easiest and most convenient connections are from Milan, Lecco and Colico, with regular trains running from Milan Central Station (Milano Centrale) approximately every hour.

From Milan or Lecco

Take a train to Bellano-Tartavalle Terme station. You can check train schedules and buy tickets on the official Trenitalia website.

From Bellagio or Menaggio

Take a Lake Como ferry to Varenna, then catch a train towards Colico or Sondrio. Bellano is just one stop away. Check ferry schedules on Navigazione Laghi and train connections on Trenitalia.

From Como

You can also reach Bellano from Como, but the journey is longer and usually involves several connections by bus, ferry and train. We recommend planning your journey carefully in advance.

Where should I stay?

Milan is a convenient starting point, with frequent train connections to Bellano (train trip last about 1 h). However, accommodation can be expensive.

If you prefer a more affordable and relaxed alternative, we recommend staying in Lecco. It is a pleasant lakeside town with good restaurants, a beautiful waterfront promenade and fewer tourists than the most popular Lake Como destinations.

The route mainly follows wide, stone-paved mountain mule tracks, with a few short sections of narrow single-track trail. There are also a few short, rocky sections. Two sections may feel steep if you are not used to hiking in the mountains. However, most of the route has a gentle gradient, with only a few short sections reaching approximately 15°. You can see examples of the terrain in the photo gallery.

No, there are no food or drink facilities along the route, so you should bring your own food and water. We will stop for a short lunch break at a small rest area with a table and benches, where you can enjoy your packed lunch. We recommend buying a sandwich or some food before the hike. You can find a supermarket and cafés in Bellano before the meeting point.

The entrance ticket to Bellano Gorge is managed independently by the site. Opening times may change, and temporary closures can occur due to weather conditions or water levels for safety reasons. For this reason, we recommend purchasing your ticket together with your guide on the day of the hike, before departure.

It depends on the weather conditions. Light rain or unsettled weather usually won't prevent us from going ahead with the hike. In this case, you must bring suitable equipment, including a waterproof jacket and waterproof hiking shoes with good grip.

In case of heavy or persistent rain, the hike will be cancelled for safety reasons. If this happens, your booking fee will be refunded, minus a small transaction fee of approximately 3%.

A hike tends to be on trails through mountains or trails through bush or country terrain. Trails are usually visible paths, but terrain and trails are rougher and sometimes rocky. There may be some steep trails and it is important to read the features in each proposal. Hiking generally involves walking up and down rough terrain so you need to be in general in a good shape and fit.

A walk tends to be done on defined paths and reasonably smooth surfaces without too many obstacles in the way. Walking tends to not require any special equipment, other than a day pack with the essentials. Walks are shorter and can be enjoyed by any age group with relative fitness.

You should be in good physical shape and have some basic fitness training. Although this hike is still considered easy, it requires more physical effort than a gentle hike. Daily elevation gains / loss up to 400 metres (1,310 ft). The trails start to become more rugged, with a few easy rockier sections. Being in good health and taking part in regular physical activity before the hike will help you enjoy the experience.

For hikes that do not include a Milan pick-up (because the meeting point is easily accessible by public transport), you can request an optional transfer in the guide's car. The cost covers travel expenses, including fuel, tolls and vehicle costs.

The meeting point is Molino Dorino Metro Station (see location on Google Maps).

This location is convenient for avoiding city-centre traffic and reducing travel time. Departure times are carefully planned because Milan traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours.

Please arrive on time. Delays of more than 15 minutes are not accepted. If a late arrival prevents the group from departing on schedule, the guide must leave without you. In this case, the transfer costs remain payable in full.

This hike takes place at relatively low altitudes, where winter temperatures are generally moderate, although colder conditions are always possible. We recommend dressing in layers so you can adapt to changing weather and activity levels.

Choose breathable, quick-drying fabrics for your base layers, especially in winter. Avoid cotton, which retains moisture.

Upper body

• Spring and autumn: Medium-weight fleece and a lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket.
• Winter: Heavyweight fleece and a lightweight or medium-weight waterproof and windproof jacket. A warm hat and gloves are essential.
• Summer: Breathable T-shirt and a lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket, recommended in case of rain or wind.
• A hat and gloves are also recommended during spring and autumn.

Lower body (trousers)

• Spring and autumn: Long, breathable hiking trousers or quick-drying sports leggings. Shorts are also allowed, but remember to protect yourself against ticks and stinging plants using a suitable insect repellent.
• Winter: Medium-weight long trousers or warm, breathable sports leggings. Avoid ski trousers and heavily padded clothing. Shorts are not suitable.
• Summer: Lightweight, breathable hiking trousers or shorts. If wearing shorts, always use insect repellent to protect against ticks.

Footwear (very important)

• Easy to Medium-Easy hikes: Hiking shoes with a good, grippy sole are sufficient.
• Medium to Challenging hikes: High-cut hiking boots that provide ankle support are mandatory.

💡 Our advice: Mountain weather can change quickly, even at low altitudes. Always bring a waterproof jacket, whatever the season.