# Sentiero del Viandante from Varenna to Bellano

What to do en Lake Como · Lake Como

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/lombardy/lake-como/things-to-do/wayfarer-path · Revisado: 2026-11-12

- Temporada: March – November
- Para quién: Hikers with some experience

A stage of the old path along the east shore, from Vezio castle above Varenna to Bellano via Regolo and La Fabbrica; return by train.

The Sentiero del Viandante is the old mule track along the eastern shore of the lake. One of its most rewarding stages leaves from Vezio castle, above Varenna, and continues halfway up the hillside via Regolo and La Fabbrica to Bellano, among chestnut trees, meadows and open views to the middle of the lake. It is free, signposted and, as it runs parallel to the railway, you return without depending on anyone.
What the path is
For centuries it was the overland route linking the villages of the Lecco shore with Colico and, beyond, with the Alpine passes. It was called the Via Ducale or Via Regia, and some stretches are known as the Napoleona because of works from the Napoleonic era. In the mid-19th century, with the shore road, it was almost abandoned. Today it has been recovered as a hiking path: its classic route, from Abbadia Lariana to Piantedo, is about 35 km, and the extended version runs from Lecco to Morbegno, in the Valtellina, with about 75 km. It goes almost always along paths and cobbled mule tracks, between 200 m and 992 m in altitude.
The Varenna to Bellano stretch, step by step

Varenna – Vezio. Climb from the village to Vezio castle, the medieval tower that watches over Varenna from above. The slope is short but steep and gives you the best view over the Bellagio and Menaggio triangle.
Vezio – Regolo. The path goes down towards the Esino stream, crosses it by an old bridge and climbs again to the hamlet of Regolo.
Regolo – La Fabbrica. It continues along a track halfway up the hillside, first paved and then earth, towards the Masna valley, and crosses the Bosco delle Streghe, the witches' wood, before reaching La Fabbrica.
La Fabbrica – Bellano. Final descent to Bellano. The path crosses by a bridge over the gorge of the Orrido, which you can visit before taking the train back.

If you have legs left, the path continues from Bellano towards Ombriaco, the sanctuary of Lezzeno, Oro and Dervio.
Signposting and difficulty
The Viandante has its own signs and information panels with the route map; also carry the track or a map for the crossings with tracks and farm roads. There are no technical passages: it is a medium mountain path with continuous ups and downs, loose stone and cobbles that are slippery when damp. It needs some walking habit and hiking footwear.
Getting there and getting back
Go by train. The Lecco to Tirano line stops at Varenna-Esino and at Bellano, and is what lets you do the path in stages. Set out from Varenna, walk to Bellano and return by train in a few minutes. If you come by car, leave it in Varenna or Bellano and use the train in one direction; in Varenna parking is scarce in season.
You can also reach Varenna on the mid-lake boat from Bellagio or Menaggio.
When to go
From March to November. Spring and autumn, with the chestnut trees in colour, are the best seasons; in summer set out early, because the hillside stretches face the midday sun. In rain the cobbles become slippery: better another day.
Water, food and facilities
There is water and bars in Varenna and Bellano; in the hamlets on the way, little else. Bring a litre and a half of water and something to eat. In Bellano, when you finish, there are trattorias by the lake and the station next door.
With a dog and with children
With a dog you can, on a lead in the hamlets and with water for it. With children, the stretch works for those who already walk for a whole morning; with little ones, do only the climb from Varenna to Vezio and come back.

## Cómo llegar y contacto

- Coordenadas: 46.009, 9.283

## Cerca de aquí

- [Hotel Olivedo](https://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/lombardy/lake-como/where-to-stay/hotel-olivedo), a 545 m
- [Locanda Cavallino](https://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/lombardy/lake-como/where-to-eat/locanda-cavallino), a 545 m
- [Ristorante La Punta](https://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/lombardy/lake-como/where-to-eat/la-punta), a 2.5 km
- [Hotel Florence](https://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/lombardy/lake-como/where-to-stay/hotel-florence), a 2.9 km
- [Boat Between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio](https://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/lombardy/lake-como/things-to-do/mid-lake-ferry-triangle), a 3.2 km
- [Kayak Around the Point of Bellagio from Pescallo](https://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/lombardy/lake-como/things-to-do/bellagio-kayak), a 3.6 km
- [Orrido di Bellano, Walkways over the Gorge](https://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/lombardy/lake-como/things-to-do/bellano-gorge), a 4.1 km
- [Villa del Balbianello by Boat from Lenno](https://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/lombardy/lake-como/things-to-do/villa-del-balbianello), a 7.9 km

## Consejos

### Walk south to north
You start from Varenna, with more facilities, and finish in Bellano with the Orrido and the train back next door.

### Carry the train timetable
Regional trains on the Tirano line do not run every few minutes: check the next one before going down to the station.

### Look at Vezio castle from above
The climb from Varenna is the hardest stretch, but also the one with the widest view of the lake.

## Preguntas frecuentes

### How long is the Sentiero del Viandante?
The classic route, from Abbadia Lariana to Piantedo, is about 35 km. The extended version, from Lecco to Morbegno, reaches about 75 km. It is done in stages.

### Is the Varenna to Bellano stretch hard?
It is not technical, but it has continuous ups and downs on path and cobbles. It needs walking habit and hiking footwear.

### How do I get back to the starting point?
By train: the Lecco to Tirano line links Bellano and Varenna-Esino in a few minutes.

Destino: [Lake Como](https://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/lombardy/lake-como.md)