The loop around Lago del Segrino is one of the easiest walks in the Triangolo Lariano: a circuit of about 5 km, almost entirely flat, around a small glacial lake between Canzo, Longone al Segrino and Eupilio. It suits anyone looking for an easy outing with children or a stroller, without giving up a lakeside landscape that is among the cleanest in Europe.
An easy walk for the whole family
The lakeside stretch is pedestrian-only, while an initial section runs along a pavement beside the SS41 state road; the maximum ascent over the whole loop is just 10 metres. On foot it takes 45-60 minutes according to one source, up to an hour and a half according to another; by bike it takes just 10-15 minutes. A good starting point is the car park at Lido del Segrino, in the municipality of Eupilio, but since it is a loop you can start from any point, including Canzo or Longone al Segrino.
The lake is safe for swimming: Lido del Segrino offers swimming plus canoe, SUP, kayak and bike rental, along with a bar and restaurant, making it a good stop along the way; there is also an active fishing reserve, popular on weekends. The Fontanavilla trail runs along the western shore, branching off towards Longone al Segrino and offering views down over the lake. Since 1984 the area has been protected as a Parco Locale di Interesse Sovracomunale, managed by the consortium of the municipalities of Canzo, Eupilio and Longone al Segrino together with the Comunità Montana del Triangolo Lariano, and it later also became a Site of Community Importance.
The lake has inspired writers such as Antonio Fogazzaro, who drew on it for Lake Malombra in the novel of the same name, and Carlo Emilio Gadda, who stayed as a boy at Villa Ambra in Longone al Segrino: more on these and other literary references in the lake’s own page. A small chapel dedicated to the Madonna also stands on the shore, its fresco telling the local legend of a carter who is said to have crossed the frozen lake in his sleep, kept safe by his oxen’s sure-footed crossing.
Those looking for a more demanding hike, with more ascent, can continue from Longone al Segrino on the Scioscia path, which climbs to Monte Scioscia (652 m).
Practical information
- Loop length: about 5 km (one source gives 4.97 km); maximum ascent 10 m.
- Duration: 45-60 minutes on foot according to one source, up to an hour and a half according to another; 10-15 minutes by bike.
- Difficulty: leisurely, suited to families and strollers.
- Recommended starting point: the car park at Lido del Segrino (Eupilio); it is a loop, so you can start from any access point.
- Swimming: the waters are safe for swimming, with Lido del Segrino equipped for it (canoe, SUP, kayak and bike rental).
- Season: year-round; in summer ideal for a swim.