Faggeto Lario between mule tracks, gorges and churches

Faggeto Lario is a destination for travellers who want to explore trails, nature and local history at their own pace. The old network of mule tracks leads from Riva to Molina, Lemna and Palanzo and is now used as a hiking trail network. Each of the three mule tracks takes around 30 minutes and leads through different landscapes.

Hiking the old mule tracks

Each of the three mule tracks in Faggeto Lario takes around 30 minutes and involves an ascent of approximately 500 metres. The trails connect the different hamlets and pass through a landscape where physical activity and local history come together directly. For a short hike with a cultural destination, the trail to the Chiesa della Madonna del Soldo is ideal: after about 15 minutes, you will reach the church.

Gorges, water and beech forest

At the Orrido di Riva, a natural canyon awaits you, formed by centuries of water erosion. A walk there takes about 20 minutes and leads to waterfalls and natural pools carved into the rock. The Sentiero dei Faggi focuses on a different type of landscape. It is approximately 3 kilometres long, runs through a dense beech forest and connects the Bocchetta di Molina with the Bocchetta di Lemna.

The Orrido di Molina also demonstrates the effect of water on rock: it includes a cascade more than 50 metres high and a fissure in the limestone. The path at the Orrido di Faggeto Lario is not accessible to pushchairs or wheelchairs. The Orrido di Faggeto Lario can also be reached by boat or bus and offers a free self-guided visit.

Churches and evidence of local history

The path to the Chiesa della Madonna del Soldo passes several votive chapels, some of which have recently been restored. The church stands on a panoramic terrace with benches and a large meadow. The Chiesa della Madonna del Soldo is also known as the Chiesa dell'Addolorata and was built in the second half of the 16th century. Local history also includes the Chiesa di San Giorgio, which was built in the 16th century on the site of an earlier religious building. The present-day Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate was completed in 1703.

Wine tradition and special reasons to visit

The Torchio di Palanzo is an ancient wine press dating from 1572. It was made from a single 12-metre-long chestnut trunk; its circumference is 3 metres. At the annual Sagra del Torchio, you can watch the grapes being pressed and taste the freshly produced must. In this way, alongside hikes, waterfalls and churches, the trip also offers a direct connection to a local tradition.

Practical guidance for your accommodation

During the summer months, Faggeto Lario provides residents and tourists with a free shuttle bus between the mountainous part of the municipality and the part located on the lake. When choosing a hotel in Faggeto Lario, you can therefore first organise your personal priorities: hikes on the mule tracks and the Sentiero dei Faggi, nature experiences at the Orridi or a visit to the Torchio di Palanzo lead to different daily itineraries.

Further places for regional orientation

For further regional orientation, you can also include Bugiallo, Vassena, Pianello Del Lario, Corrido, Albogasio, Pellio Intelvi, Rovello Porro and Brienno.

For the overarching travel overview: Como.