The Smugglers Ride *From Como or Cernobbio
Route Details
Distance
58 km
Elevation
900 m elevation gain
Starting Point
Como, Cernobbio, Moltrasio
Description
Lake Como is so close to Switzerland and although there are several roads to cross the border, there is one point that can only be crossed by bike! We will ride up and into the Val d’Intelvi on Lake Como’s western side until we reach the town of Erbonne, a many century’s old village where the old border crossing path begins into Switzerland. This route was used by smugglers up until 50 years ago to bring goods into Switzerland and into Italy. After crossing the border we will descend through the Val di Muggio before entering back into Italy. The smugglers sure had nice views and scenery when taking this route, that we will get to enjoy too! There is also a very small “Museo dei contrabbandieri” that we can visit before making the descent into Switzerland, to learn more about this part of the history between Italy and Switzerland. A lunch stop at the Osteria del Valico is a good plus!
Route Map

Elevation Profile
Gallery











Historic Smugglers' Routes
*Important: For this ride you need to be in decent athletic shape. This is a 4-5 hour tour, beginning in the morning and finishing in the afternoon.
Ready to Ride?
Book your bike rental and start exploring this incredible route around Lake Como!