The best running trails in Lombardy

The Idroscalo Park Loop offers a refreshing jogging experience around Milan's artificial lake. This moderate route spans 4.2 miles (6.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 65 feet (20 metres), making it accessible for many. You can expect to complete the loop in about 41 minutes, enjoying views of the water and the charming Isola delle Rose as you go. Keep an eye out for canoes and crew teams practicing on the lake, adding a lively backdrop to your run.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the park welcomes joggers daily from 7:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. There is no entrance fee to access the park or the trail, making it a convenient option for your daily exercise. You will find ample parking available, which makes getting to the trailhead easy if you are driving. Consider an early morning or late afternoon jog to enjoy cooler temperatures and potentially fewer crowds.

Often affectionately known as the "sea of Milan," Idroscalo Park provides a welcome escape from city life. The loop around the artificial lake offers a unique blend of natural scenery and recreational activity. It is a popular spot for locals seeking a green space to unwind and stay active, providing a dynamic and engaging environment for your jogging routine.

Embark on a difficult jogging loop around Lake Garlate from Calolziocorte, covering 9.7 miles (15.6 km) with a modest 144 feet (44 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in 1 hour and 36 minutes. This route offers extensive scenic lakeside views, set against the stunning backdrop of the Alpine foothills, including the Grigna mountains and Monte Resegone. You will jog along tranquil lakeside promenades and pass the historic Azzone Visconti Bridge, a 14th-century structure marking the boundary between Lake Lecco and the Adda River.

While the trail is mostly paved, featuring asphalt and other paved sections, its considerable length contributes to its difficult rating for jogging, requiring good fitness. Be aware that the cycle path parallel to the dam can become quite busy, especially during summer, with many pedestrians sharing the route. Planning your visit during off-peak times might offer a more serene experience on this popular loop.

This loop is notable for its blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Beyond the panoramic views of Lake Garlate and the surrounding Alps, you can also discover the Abegg Silk Museum, located along the pedestrian-cycle path in Garlate. The route provides a unique perspective on the region's landscape and heritage, making it a rewarding experience for those seeking a challenging jog with cultural insights.

Start your jogging adventure around Lake Comabbio on this moderate 8.7-mile (14.0 km) loop, which takes about 1 hour and 33 minutes to complete. You'll experience picturesque panoramic views of the lake and surrounding woodlands, with only 656 feet (200 metres) of elevation gain. The path is mostly a well-maintained cycle-pedestrian route, predominantly paved, though you might encounter short sections of dirt or gravel. A highlight is jogging across the unique 500-meter long wooden platform that extends over the water, offering enchanting views as you run suspended above the lake. This peaceful route is immersed in nature, providing a tranquil escape from vehicle traffic.

This easily accessible loop is suitable for all skill levels, making it a great choice for any fitness level. You will find rest stops and picnic areas along the route, perfect for taking a break during your run. The trail is a popular destination for families, cyclists, and runners alike, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.

Lake Comabbio is a protected natural oasis within the Lombardy Ticino Park, known for its rich biodiversity. The ban on motorboats helps preserve its tranquility and supports a variety of flora and fauna, including numerous species of ducks and water birds. Keep an eye out for the Brabbia Marsh Nature Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary, and the impressive expanse of lotus flowers that bloom in the summer. The trail also connects to the Lake Varese cycle path, offering options for extended runs if you wish.

Embark on the Valtellina Wine Trail: Sassella, a challenging jogging route that winds through Italy's famous wine region. This difficult 11.5-mile (18.5 km) journey will have you gaining 1696 feet (517 metres) in elevation, taking approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes to complete. You will experience varied terrain, from trails and mule paths to vineyard tracks, with sections even passing directly through wine cellars, offering unique views of the valley floor and the Adda River, especially from viewpoints overlooking Tresivio.

Before you head out, remember that this route is part of the annual Valtellina Wine Trail event, so it is well-marked for runners. While generally accessible, it is always wise to check local conditions and any event-specific closures that might be in effect. The trail concludes in Sondrio's Piazza Garibaldi, providing a lively finish to your run.

This trail offers more than just a workout; it is a journey through history and culture. As you jog, you will encounter ancient rock carvings at La Ganda and the revered Sanctuary of Madonna della Sassella. The route's integration with the wine cellars highlights the region's deep connection to viticulture, making it a distinctive experience for anyone interested in both jogging and local heritage.

Embark on the Mantova Half Marathon Route, a challenging 14.2 miles (22.9 km) jogging experience that takes you through the historic heart of Mantova. You will gain a modest 226 feet (69 metres) in elevation over an estimated 2 hours and 21 minutes, making this a difficult route due to its length and urban terrain. As you jog, you will pass grand architectural marvels like Palazzo Te and the Ducal Palace, immersing yourself in the city's rich history. The route also offers picturesque views of Mantova's artificial lakes, with the iconic Ponte di San Giorgio providing a memorable crossing. Despite its generally flat profile, be ready for technical sections with cobblestones and tight turns.

When planning your visit, consider that this urban route offers convenient parking options near the start and finish points. Public transport is also readily available to access the area, making it easy to begin your run. To avoid crowds, especially in the historic sections, you might want to consider the time of day you choose to jog. While the route is mostly flat, be aware of the technical challenges presented by cobblestones and narrow curves within the city center.

This route is notable for transforming your run into a cultural tour, allowing you to experience Mantova's rich history and art firsthand. It is the official route of the Mantova Half Marathon, known for its entirely flat profile which appeals to those who prefer less strenuous elevation. The journey highlights the city's unique blend of natural beauty and architectural heritage, making it a distinctive experience in the region.

Prepare for a difficult jogging adventure on the Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail 35 km, a 22.5-mile (36.2 km) route with a significant 6379 feet (1944 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging trail takes you through wild alpine terrain near the Italy-Switzerland border, offering spectacular views of glaciers and peaks like Pizzo Bernina. You will encounter steep climbs and rough, sometimes exposed, paths with rocky outcrops, making for a demanding 5 hours and 52 minutes of running through stunning mountain nature. The course also passes numerous mountain refuges, adding to the authentic alpine experience.

This difficult route is classified for expert hikers, requiring specific abilities and prior mountain experience due to its technical challenges. The substantial elevation gain makes it a physically taxing endeavor, so ensure you have adequate mountain preparation before attempting it. While the trail is demanding, a generous maximum time allowance of 14 hours is typically provided for those participating in the organized event, allowing a broader range of experienced individuals to complete the course.

The Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail 35 km offers a shorter, yet equally scenic and challenging, alternative to the full 90 km Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail. It uses sections of the longer route, ensuring you experience the same mix of difficult and runnable parts. This trail is particularly notable for its well-organized event support, including aid stations and safety protocols, making it a comprehensive experience for trail enthusiasts.

The Porto d'Adda from Trezzo sull'Adda trail offers a challenging jogging experience along the Adda River, blending natural beauty with historical sites. As you jog, you will encounter diverse terrain, including river paths, sections of the Naviglio Martesana Cycle Path, and green areas. The 10.4 miles (16.7 km) route features a mix of dirt, natural surfaces, paved sections, and asphalt, providing varied underfoot conditions. You will pass by the majestic Taccani Hydroelectric Plant, noted for its original beauty and Art Nouveau details, all while enjoying views of tranquil waters and wooded areas. This difficult route involves 558 feet (170 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 1 hours and 52 minutes to complete.

To plan your visit, be aware that this is classified as a difficult or hard run, requiring a very good fitness level. It is best suited for experienced joggers looking for a strenuous workout. The varied surfaces mean you should be prepared for different conditions underfoot, from softer natural ground to harder paved stretches. Consider your fitness and experience before tackling this route, ensuring you are ready for its demands.

What makes this trail particularly notable are its historical and natural attractions, offering an excellent opportunity to explore the region's heritage. Beyond the Taccani Hydroelectric Plant, you will also pass historical monuments like the Castello Visconti. The route also includes the WWF Oasis "Le Foppe," highlighting its ecological significance and offering a chance to experience biodiversity along the river. This trail uniquely combines physical activity with cultural and natural exploration, making it a distinctive jogging experience in the area.

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the 9.5-mile (15.2 km) route from Colma di Sormano to Monte San Primo, featuring a significant 1993 feet (607 metres) of elevation gain. This difficult trail typically takes around 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete. You will start on a dirt track winding through woods, then open up to grassy slopes. As you climb towards Monte San Primo, the path becomes more demanding with rocky clefts and stony sections. The final stretch to the summit is particularly steep. From the top, you will see the iconic Y-shape of Lake Como with Bellagio at its center, along with the Alps and the vast Po Valley.

While the initial sections from Colma di Sormano offer a slightly easier incline with steady stretches, be aware that the last part to the peak involves strenuous, stony terrain. The descent from Monte San Primo towards Alpe dei Picett is considered the most challenging segment due to a significant elevation change, which can be slippery if wet. For continuous jogging, the flatter dirt tracks and grassy slopes are more suitable, but be prepared to walk the steeper, rocky parts. This route requires good fitness and sure-footedness.

This trail is notable for offering a 360-degree panorama from the summit of Monte San Primo, the highest peak in the Triangolo Lariano. You will journey through diverse landscapes, from shaded chestnut and oak groves to fir forests and open alpine pastures. These pastures burst with wildflowers in summer. The route also passes by remnants of ancient mountain pastures, adding to its unique character and making it a popular choice for an immersive experience in the Lake Como area.

Embark on a difficult jogging loop around Monte Palanzone, covering 6.5 miles (10.4 km) with a significant 1921 feet (586 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging route, which typically takes 1 hour and 38 minutes, offers a mix of paved sections, dirt roads, and woodland paths, culminating in a steep, rocky ascent to the summit. You will pass the distinctive pyramidal chapel at the top of Monte Palanzone, enjoying expansive views of Lake Como, the Larian Triangle, and the distant Po Valley.

To tackle this run, you should have good to very good physical fitness. The starting point at Alpe del Viceré is convenient, offering paid parking, restaurants, and even an adventure park. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for some alpine conditions, especially on the final push to the Monte Palanzone summit, where sure-footedness is essential.

This trail takes you through the Parco Regionale della Valle del Lambro, with the initial part traversing the natural reserve of Valle Bova. Along the way, you can find refreshment at Rifugio Riella, a popular mountain hut at 1,275 meters with splendid views over Lake Como, or at Capanna Mara. Monte Palanzone itself, at 1,436 meters, stands as the second-highest peak in the Larian Triangle, making this a notable and rewarding jogging experience.