For those who love the mountains, the CamminaForeste provides more than just a chance to hike through alpine scenery and ancient forests – it also offers an exploration of local history amidst ancient villages, smugglers’ routes and natural art.

The seventh part of the CamminaForeste encourages discovery, a deep appreciation for nature, and a connection with the rich history of the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. Along the way, you’ll discover the western Lake Como region along breathtaking paths on the Swiss/Italian border.

Starting from Menaggio, the route plunges you into the evocative scenery of Lake Como, where wild nature intertwines with the elegance of lakeside villages. Crossing Val Sanagra, you’ll walk along ancient mule tracks and dirt paths, discovering historic villages like Loveno and Barna.

Continuing towards Cavargna, you’ll explore Val d'Intelvi, a green bridge connecting Lake Como to Lake Lugano. Here, the route becomes wilder, with beech forests and imposing limestone cliffs, offering a unique hiking experience between alpine landscapes and deep valleys. The next stage, from Cavargna to Orimento, takes you into the heart of the Monte Generoso Forest Reserve, where historic trails such as the Sentiero dei Contrabbandieri (Smugglers' Trail) tell stories of secret passages.

On the fourth and fifth stages, from Orimento to Alpe Comana, you’ll discover Val d'Intelvi in all its beauty, and have the opportunity to visit fortifications from the First World War. You can also immerse yourself in art thanks to the Sentiero delle Espressioni (Path of Expressions).

In this Collection, I’ve divided the route into five stages, each of which ends somewhere with accommodation such as mountain huts, holiday homes and small hotels. As these facilities may not always be open or could be crowded, booking ahead is essential.

While the Tours involve significant elevation gain, the paths are accessible without navigating ridges or technical sections. However, I’d still recommend good quality hiking boots and layered technical clothing. You’ll need a large rucksack to carry your kit and enough food and water for at least a couple of days. These areas are naturally rich in water, but in recent years climate change has caused prolonged periods of drought.

If you’re continuing the CamminaForeste from the previous stage on the eastern side of Lake Como ( komoot.com/collection/2520839 ), you can reach the starting point of Menaggio by ferry from Varenna. If you’re embarking on the route here, you can reach the start from Lugano or Como via a well-connected bus network (ASF company buses, lines C10 and C12).

Until a few decades ago, this area was a hub of intense human activity and the stage for fascinating battles between smugglers and the Guardia di Finanza (state police). You’ll discover a changing land, which is evolving towards new forms of life and interaction with the environment. The western Lake Como region is a place of surprising rebirth, where nature and history intertwine, offering visitors a unique and deeply meaningful experience.

A trip to these lands is not only an exploration of enchanting landscapes, but also a journey through the history and evolution of an area that continues to surprise and inspire.

Enjoy the CamminaForeste.