Lake Como Mountain Biking Trails & Off-Road Routes

The Onno & Ghisallino route is one of our classic popular rides, as it's 35km that takes you to admire the diverse aspects of the Lake Como area: lakeside roads, hill climbs through the woods, charming small towns, and the famous Madonna del Ghisallo chapel. Is there a way to make this more fun? Yes, here we are with our 2020 Trail Mix version of the ride, with over 50% of the route being off-road on trails and old mule tracks to allow you to immerse yourself in the nature and views of this popular route even more! At the halfway point, you can take a break at Azienda Agricola Alpe di Megna for a local cheese tasting and to check out their farm-made products. Or stop at Baita Belvedere for lunch before descending to Bellagio. *This route requires mountainbiking experience and confidence in using a bike as there are some medium-level technical sections.

Around Varenna there are many gems worthy of seeing, two of which are certainly the 'Orrido di Bellano' and 'Castello di Vezio'. On this fun and super panoramic route, we take you to visit both of these special places by bike, all along secondary roads with 3 offroad sections, each a little more technical than its predecessor. We will even cross the 'Bosco delle streghe' or 'Witches' Woods', but have no fear, none of the offroad sections are dangerous. If you want to have a go at mountainbiking while enjoying and visiting some of Lake Como's wonders, then this is the tour for you!

Lake Como is like the front door for the magnificent mountain chain: the Alps. Looking North from Bellagio and Varenna you can see them in the background, white-topped giants even in Summer. Get a closer look by riding the North branch of the lake! From Cadenabbia or Menaggio, ride to Colico, the northernmost town on the Lake along the lakeshore (literally!), and cross the Adda river, the emissary river of Lake Como through the Pian di Spagna park on dirt trails. The “giants” will be closer than ever, and you can see the last of the PreAlps tower above you. The road to Varenna from Colico is very calm, with little traffic, but once again you’ll stay as close to the lake as possible on little town pathways before a final “off the beaten path” climb to take you back to Varenna.

A unique MTB experience that takes inspiration from the famous 'Scenic Lakes Loop,' now in an off-road version! This route guides you along dirt paths and gravel roads, offering an adventurous and immersive alternative to the traditional road version. There are no particularly technical sections, making it accessible even for less experienced riders, though the off-road terrain still requires a good level of endurance. The route reaches Porlezza, on the shores of Lake Lugano, a perfect spot to take a break. Here, you can stop for a coffee or, why not, enjoy lunch with a lake view before continuing your ride. On the way, before descending toward Menaggio, we also recommend a stop at the Vecchia Chioderia, an excellent spot for fish lovers. They farm fresh trout, cooked on the spot, offering a truly authentic gastronomic experience in a charming setting. This tour combines nature, adventure, and local flavors, perfect for those looking to explore Lake Como and Lake Lugano in a unique and unforgettable way!

The Wayfarer's Trail or Sentiero del Viandante runs along the Eastern Branch of Lake Como from Lecco to Colico, with constant elevation changes between the lake and the mountains. There are many options to hike the trail, but not all of these options can be done by bike too. On this spectacular route, we've designed a version of the Wayfarer's trail that can all be done by bike, and mostly offroad, between the towns of Varenna and Abbadia Lariana. After a short section on the road, we veer off onto cobbled mule tracks connecting ancient villages, deeply transmitting the soul of Lake Como. You won't miss anything, from the olive trees overlooking the lake to the refreshing forests and mountain streams...if it's a hot, summer day then you're in for a treat!

Ride mostly offroad to an amazing viewpoint and back by E-MTB! Your ride destination is Rifugio Martina, a characteristic and panoramic mountain lodge nestled on the mountain side where you can try some local, country-style, traditional dishes while you enjoy the view over Lake Como and maybe even relax and lie down on one of the surrounding fields. The route consists of a 4km paved, uphill start, followed by some fun, intermediate to difficult mountainbike trails in the forests (ask us about the various versions of the route)! None of the trails are dangerous or too technical, but we recommend having intermediate mountainbike handling skills.