The Via dei Monti Lariani is the long mid-slope trail that runs for 125 kilometres, in four stages, along the western side of Lake Como. The first stage starts from Cernobbio and reaches San Fedele Intelvi, in Val d’Intelvi: 28 kilometres for about nine and a half hours of walking, with three huts along the way to break up the stage or simply rest.
The starting point is Piazza Mazzini in Cernobbio, reached by the C10 and C20 bus lines; the finish is at San Fedele Intelvi, served by the C20, C21 and C22 lines. The route follows CAI Como waymarking (red-white-red flags, number 1) and reaches its highest point, 1,275 metres, at the Bocca di Orimento.
From Cernobbio to Ca’ Bossi
The path climbs from Cernobbio towards Rovenna (450 m), also reachable by the C28 bus line, then towards Madrona (850 m) and Ca’ Bossi (1,188 m). From here the access trails to the stage’s first huts branch off.
The huts at Colma del Bugone and Colma dei Murelli
At Colma del Bugone (1,119 m) stands Rifugio Bugone, open all summer with bar-restaurant service and overnight stays. Further on is Colma dei Murelli (1,200 m), where Rifugio Murelli stands, rebuilt in 2008 after a fire destroyed its roof in 1999. A little further is Rifugio Binate (Schignano), currently closed and looking for a new manager.
Towards San Fedele Intelvi
The route continues to Colma di Schignano (1,128 m) and Pian delle Alpi (960 m), before reaching the stage’s highest point at Bocca di Orimento (1,275 m), where the Baita di Orimento stands. A detour also leads to Rifugio Prabello, on the ridge between Val d’Intelvi and Switzerland, before the final descent to San Fedele Intelvi.
Practical information
- Length and duration: 28 km, about nine and a half hours of walking.
- Ascent: 900 m. Highest point: 1,275 m, at Bocca di Orimento.
- Difficulty: intermediate.
- Waymarking: CAI Como, red-white-red flags, number 1.
- Stopping points: Rifugio Bugone (continuously open from 1 July to 15 September, then weekends and public holidays), Rifugio Murelli (mainly summer and weekends) and Rifugio Prabello (weekends year-round, continuous June to September); Baita di Orimento (tel. +39 031 830412).
- Bus access: C10/C20 lines for Cernobbio; C28 for Rovenna; C20/C21/C22 for San Fedele Intelvi.