Montegrino Valtravaglia: Forest Trails, Churches and Views

Forest, Trails and Views

Montegrino Valtravaglia combines the forest of Pineta Alta, trails with far-reaching views and a town centre where several churches preserve traces of art, faith and history. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy nature experiences, circular walks and cultural visits in a diverse small destination.

Circular Trail around the Laghetto di Montegrino

The Laghetto di Montegrino is located in the Pineta Alta area at an altitude of approximately 600 m. The wooded area is equipped with benches, a playground and a fitness trail measuring approximately 1.5 km. The fitness trail is designed as a circular route, has a low level of difficulty and includes outdoor exercises as well as viewpoints. Its route also includes a detour to the Masso Altare.

The Masso Altare is a glacial erratic in the forest of Pineta Alta with rock carvings from the late Iron Age, dated to the period between the second and first millennium BC. Another way to enjoy the landscape is the La Pineta Alta route: it leads to the Chiesa di San Paolo. From the church square, the view extends over Valmarchirolo, Ponte Tresa and Lugano to Lake Lugano and as far as Porlezza (CO). The church square of the Oratorio di San Martino also offers a view of Lake Maggiore.

Historic Trails and Sacred Art

The Frontiera Nord has been enhanced by the Sentieri della Pace, with nine historic hiking trails leading to military positions. Alongside the forest trails, historic traces are therefore among the subjects you can explore in Montegrino Valtravaglia.

The Museo d’Arte Sacra e Presepe di Radici a Bosco houses reliquaries, finely crafted liturgical objects and a unique nativity scene made from roots. Fermo Formentini created it from natural material that he collected in the forests. The museum is located in rooms belonging to the Chiesa dell’Annunciazione. The parish must be contacted for visits.

Churches in the Town Centre

The interior furnishings of the Chiesa di Sant’Ambrogio date largely from the 18th century and include elaborate stucco work as well as polychrome marble from Viggiù. The Chiesa dei Santi Rocco e Sebastiano stands at the far end of Montegrino’s central square. It was built as a popular votive offering after surviving the plague of 1629–1631. A monumental votive cross stands in front of the church: a votive column crowned by a metal cross.

The Chiesa dei Santi Rocco e Sebastiano is the setting for the procession of the Madonna del Rosario. It begins at the former parish church of Sant’Ambrogio and ends in the town centre of Montegrino. A walk through the town therefore provides a direct connection between church interiors, public squares and religious traditions.

Travelling by Train and Bus

Luino railway station is 6 km away and offers train connections to Bellinzona, Gallarate, Laveno, Milan and Novara. A bus service to Luino is operated by Autolinee Varesine. These train and bus connections provide additional orientation for your journey to Montegrino Valtravaglia.

Other Destinations

You can also discover Cocquio-Trevisago, Casciago, Cislago, Germignaga, Ardena Di Brusimpiano, Marzio, Somma Lombardo and Brinzio as further destinations.

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