4.6
(51)
327
hikers
Lake Como Greenway
06:17
21.7km
540m
Hiking
Embark on the Lake Como Greenway, a difficult hiking route that promises continuous panoramic views of Lake Como and the dramatic mountains surrounding it. This trail winds through charming ancient villages like Colonno and Ossuccio, offering you glimpses of local life and historic architecture. As you hike, you will pass picturesque olive groves and meadows, with notable sights such as the historic Church of Saints James and Philip in Ossuccio. The entire route spans 13.5 miles (21.7 km) and involves a significant elevation gain of 1762 feet (537 metres). Expect to spend around 6 hours and 17 minutes completing this challenging journey, immersing yourself in the stunning scenery and rich cultural tapestry of the region.
Planning your visit to the Lake Como Greenway is straightforward, as the route is well-maintained and clearly marked with blue signs and metal Greenway markers. You will find public transport, including the C10 bus and various ferry services, readily available in the towns along the route. This offers convenient options for starting and ending your hike, allowing you to tackle shorter sections if you prefer. The flexibility of transport also makes it easy to return to your starting point after completing your chosen segment of the trail.
The Lake Como Greenway traces parts of the ancient Via Regina, adding a layer of historical depth to your walk through this beautiful region. This connection to an old Roman road highlights the trail's significance beyond just its natural beauty. The route's design allows you to experience both the natural splendor of Lake Como and the rich heritage embedded in its lakeside communities. Consider exploring the unique character of each village you pass, as they each contribute to the trail's distinct charm.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Get Directions
30 m
Lake Como Greenway – Colonno
Highlight • Trail
590 m
Bridge Over the Pessetta Stream in Colonno
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
732 m
Colonno
Highlight • Settlement
There is a car park in Colonno which marks the start of the Greenway. Parking is paid, you pay the daily rate.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.99 km
View of the Church of San Bartolomeo and the Island of Comacina
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
2.06 km
View of Sala Comacina
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.14 km
Lake Como Greenway - Sala Comacina
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.53 km
Church of Saints James and Philip, Ossuccio
Highlight • Religious Site
When it is not open, to visit the church it is necessary to contact the local parish, but it is still possible to get an idea of its interior by peeking through the glass wall made on the left side of the building.
Learn more about Ossuccio here: lakecomotravel.com/tremezzina/#ossuccio-lenno
Tip by
2.57 km
Ossuccio
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
21.7 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
7.92 km
6.20 km
3.41 km
1.66 km
1.46 km
974 m
104 m
Surfaces
10.2 km
8.55 km
1.61 km
872 m
438 m
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (350 m)
Lowest point (200 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Saturday 16 May
19°C
11°C
19 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to hike the Lake Como Greenway?
The entire route is approximately 10 to 11.5 kilometers (6 to 7 miles) long and generally takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to walk. However, the komoot tour for this section is longer, covering about 21.7 km and taking around 6 hours and 17 minutes.
Is the Lake Como Greenway suitable for all fitness levels and families?
Yes, the trail is generally considered an easy to moderate hike, making it suitable for most fitness levels, including families. It's not a strenuous mountain climb, with largely undulating paths and good footing. The path varies, incorporating ancient mule tracks, wide grassy paths, gentle slopes, and narrow alleys.
What kind of scenery and landmarks can I expect to see on the route?
You'll experience continuous panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. The path winds through charming ancient villages like Colonno, Sala Comacina, and Ossuccio. Look out for historic villas, elegant gardens, and notable sites such as the Church of Saints James and Philip, Ossuccio, and the View of the Church of San Bartolomeo and the Island of Comacina. You'll also pass through picturesque olive groves and meadows.
Can I hike only a portion of the Lake Como Greenway?
Yes, the trail is thoughtfully divided into several stages, typically five or seven, allowing you to complete shorter sections. Public transport, including the C10 bus and various ferry services in the towns along the route, makes it easy to return to your starting point or connect to other areas.
How can I get to the Lake Como Greenway using public transport?
The towns along the route, such as Colonno, Sala Comacina, and Ossuccio, are well-served by public transport. You can use the C10 bus service or various ferry services to reach different points along the trail, offering flexibility for starting and ending your hike.
Is parking available near the Lake Como Greenway trailheads?
While the trail intersects with main roads in certain areas, specific parking information for each trailhead (like Lake Como Greenway – Colonno) can vary. It's advisable to check local parking options in the villages you plan to start from, such as Colonno or Ossuccio, as street parking might be limited.
Is the Lake Como Greenway dog-friendly?
The Lake Como Greenway is generally dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially when passing through villages, near roads, or in areas with other hikers. Be mindful of local regulations and ensure you clean up after your pet.
What is the best time of year to hike the Lake Como Greenway?
The trail can be enjoyed for much of the year. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Summer can be warm, but the lakeside breeze and opportunities to stop in villages make it enjoyable. Winter hiking is possible, but some services might be reduced.
Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the Lake Como Greenway?
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to hike the Lake Como Greenway. It is a public trail accessible to everyone.
Does the Lake Como Greenway connect with other trails?
Yes, the route primarily follows the 'Greenway del Lago di Como' for about 70% of its length. It also traces parts of the ancient 'Antica Via Regina' (61%) and intersects with other local paths such as 'sentiero Cardano Intignano' and 'Via dei Fossili'.
Are there places to eat or drink along the Lake Como Greenway?
Yes, the trail passes through several charming villages like Colonno, Sala Comacina, and Ossuccio, where you'll find cafes, restaurants, and small shops to grab a bite or a drink. These villages offer great opportunities to experience local cuisine and take a break.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
From Colonno to Griante (circular ring) following the famous route but passing through less well-known and frequented roads. In particular, on the way back I suggest a route to the lake on pedestrian streets not included in the famous itinerary, unfortunately not connected to each other which require a few dozen meters of road. If you have time it allows you to linger in villages, overlooking the lake, pier, palaces, churches that leave me amazed every time as if it were the first. Every now and then, significant differences in height on stairways.
The Green Way of Lake Como is a quiet walk that runs along a stretch of the western shore of the Como branch of the lake. It can be done from north to south and also in the opposite direction (as we did). We took the ferry in Bellagio and crossed the lake and disembarked at Cadenabia, we headed to Griante and parked the motorcycles where the walk begins. By following the blue signs with yellow arrows and the circular plates (photo) on the trail you can easily travel the entire route. In some sections you run along the shore of the lake and you can admire the splendid landscapes that nature offers. In other sections you climb slightly up the hill and cross the parsini or ancient villages that overlook the lake... you can admire the ancient villas with splendid gardens such as those of Villa Carlotta, or the new buildings with modern architecture. Having reached about halfway along the route you find yourself in Lenno, where on the promontory of Dosso di Lavedo you can admire Villa Balbianello. Continuing the walk and arriving in Ossuccio you can glimpse the Comacina island, which with the path staying slightly on the hill we continue to admire until Sala Comacina. The walk is almost over, there is little left to Colonno where you take the descent that leads to the Regina road that runs along the lake. For the return it is possible to use the bus service (Line C10) and reach the starting point. Have a nice walk
My Garmin stopped working on the way back, but the loop (going and returning) should be around 25 km, not 20 km! This is important because an additional 5 km can make a big difference!