Ternate: Nature, Trails and History on Lago di Comabbio

Ternate combines extensive recreational areas, trails between water and reeds, and prominent reminders of its history. At Parco Berrini, picnics, play, sports and cultural events come together. There are also cycling and walking trails along Lago di Comabbio, opportunities for observing nature, and several churches and monuments that bring different chapters of the past to life.

Nature and Activities in Parco Berrini

Parco Berrini offers large open spaces in Ternate for picnics, relaxation, play and sports. Picnics, play and sports can shape different parts of the day in the park. For family stays, two equipped playgrounds with play equipment and a fitness area can be included in the day’s plans. The park is designed without architectural barriers. Since 2012, Parco Berrini has hosted the annual Woodinstock Music Art Festival.

Trails Between Lakes, Reeds and Nature Observation

The Pista ciclopedonale di collegamento dei Laghi begins at Parco Berrini in Ternate and is suitable for walking and cycling. The Itinerario tra i Laghi di Comabbio e Travedona also leads from Parco Berrini in Ternate, after a few hundred metres, to a wooden platform between water and reeds. Anyone wishing to experience Lago di Comabbio along a longer route can take the Giro del lago di Comabbio, a 12.5 km circular route for cyclists and pedestrians. The stated distances differ significantly: the wooden platform is a few hundred metres away, while the Giro del lago di Comabbio is a 12.5-kilometre circular route. This provides a short section along the water as well as a longer circuit around the lake when planning your day.

Palude Brabbia is equipped with nature trails, information boards, birdwatching facilities, an educational pond and a floating observation platform. The Torneo tra i Laghi takes place annually between February and March in Ternate as an international indoor archery event.

Churches and Historic Reminders

The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Sasso is a 16th-century building that was renovated in the 17th century. The Chiesa Parrocchiale dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta was rebuilt in 1600. The bell tower, built in 1619, was constructed during the same period and features visible granite elements. Both churches provide a tangible setting for exploring architecture and local history.

The Monumento ai Caduti commemorates the fallen of Ternate from the First and Second World Wars with two white marble plaques. The upper plaque is dedicated to those who fell in the First World War and lists their names; the lower plaque is dedicated to those who fell in the Second World War. Investigations in the Ternate area at Lago di Comabbio also uncovered charcoal and the ends of wooden posts.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to combine Ternate with other places on your trip to Italy, you can also visit Cantello, Brissago-Valtravaglia, Malgesso, Vizzola Ticino, Lonate Pozzolo, Barasso, Viggiù and Casalzuigno as well.

For the higher-level travel overview: Varese.