Beautiful mountains, spectacular lakes, and ancient villages — in spring, Lombardy becomes a true paradise for hikers. Are you currently living in Milan and you are tired of big city heat? Are you somewhere else in Europe and searching a weekend get away in nature? If the answer is yes, keep on reading!
Just a short distance from Milan, you will find opportunities for scenic walks and outdoor activities: alpine trails, lakeside paths, forest routes and charming historic towns. What else?
Spring is perfect for visiting the region: the nature comes back to life, mountain refuges reopen their doors. You can stop for traditional local dishes, enjoy panoramic terraces, and experience the authentic atmosphere of northern Italy’s mountain culture.
From the shores of Lake Como to the wild valleys of the Alps, these are some of the most beautiful spring hiking itineraries in Lombardy . Check them out!
1. The Sentiero del Viandante: A Spectacular Lake Como Trail from Varenna to Dervio
If there is one panoramic hiking trail in Lombardy that should not be missed, it is undoubtedly the Sentiero del Viandante, or “Wayfarer’s Path.”
Stretching along the eastern shore of Lake Como for around 60 kilometers, this historic route was once used to connect lakeside villages. Today, it has become one of the most scenic hikes in northern Italy, suspended between mountains, water, history, and nature.
One of the most beautiful sections runs from Varenna to Dervio.
The journey begins in the colorful lakeside village of Varenna, where ochre houses seem to hang directly above the water. Before starting the hike, it is worth strolling along the romantic “Walk of Lovers,” which hugs the shoreline.
From there, the trail climbs toward Vezio, crowned by its medieval castle and breathtaking views over Lake Como. As the path continues, hikers walk through chestnut forests, ancient olive groves, and blooming spring landscapes filled with flowers and the distant sound of church bells from villages scattered along the lake. Check my post about Varenna and Vezio Castle here.
At every turn, stunning views suddenly appear — Bellano perched on its rocky promontory, dramatic mountains plunging into the lake, and tiny harbors with fishing boats gently floating on the water.
In spring, the Sentiero del Viandante becomes an explosion of colors and scents, making it one of the best slow travel experiences around Lake Como.
2. Santa Caterina del Sasso: A Historic Cliffside Sanctuary on Lake Maggiore
Among the best spring walks around Lake Maggiore, the trail to Santa Caterina del Sasso is one of the most memorable because it combines nature, history, and spectacular lake views.
The route begins around Leggiuno and follows ancient mule tracks, quiet forest paths, and small villages overlooking the lake. But the true highlight is the arrival at the extraordinary Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, built into the cliffs directly above the water.
The sanctuary can be reached by descending a long staircase of 268 steps from the upper square, or alternatively by elevator. Once inside, you will discover a peaceful world of medieval frescoes, historic chapels, and silent stone courtyards overlooking Lake Maggiore.
Outside, panoramic terraces offer unforgettable views across the lake toward the opposite shore and the elegant town of Stresa. During spring and summer, boats also connect the sanctuary to other villages around Lake Maggiore, making it easy to combine hiking with lake travel.
This itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for a slower and more reflective spring escape surrounded by water, history, and mountain scenery.
3. Monte Isola: A Scenic Hike Around Lake Iseo’s Hidden Island
The circular trail around Monte Isola is one of Lombardy’s most underrated hikes and one of the best ways to experience the quieter side of the Italian lakes.
Located in the middle of Lake Iseo, Monte Isola is Europe’s largest lake island and remains wonderfully authentic despite growing tourism in nearby regions. Cars are almost entirely absent, which gives the island an incredibly peaceful atmosphere.
The hike begins in Peschiera Maraglio, a charming fishing village with colorful houses and small lakeside cafés. From here, the trail follows the Strada degli Ulivi — the “Olive Tree Road” — offering constant views over the lake and the tiny island of San Paolo.
The route itself is relatively easy and ideal for spring, when olive trees, flowers, and chestnut forests begin to bloom again after winter.
For travelers wanting more panoramic views, it is possible to climb toward the village of Menzino and continue to Rocca Martinengo, a historic fortress overlooking the Sensole Gulf.
Another must-visit spot is the Sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola, located at the island’s highest point. From here, the entire lake opens beneath you, surrounded by the mountains of Lombardy.
One of the most beautiful things about Monte Isola is the constant change in scenery. Along the way, hikers pass tiny harbors, old stone walls, hidden chapels, olive groves, and lakeside houses clustered tightly along the shore.
And naturally, food plays an important role here too. Monte Isola is famous for traditional dishes like dried lake sardines, polenta, baked whitefish, perch, and local salami — perfect after a day of walking.
4. The Greenway of Lake Como: Walking Through Villages & Lakeside History
The Greenway of Lake Como is one of the most beautiful slow travel routes in northern Italy.
Running for around 10 kilometers between Colonno and Griante, this scenic lakeside trail follows ancient stone paths and mule tracks once used to connect the villages along Lake Como’s western shore.
Villages such as Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra, and Tremezzo each reveal something unique — quiet piazzas, hidden courtyards, lakeside churches, old stone houses, and breathtaking views over the water.
Every corner seems to open onto another postcard-perfect panorama: mountain reflections in the lake, bell towers rising above slate rooftops, and elegant villas surrounded by gardens.
The route also passes some of Lake Como’s most famous historic residences. Villa del Balbianello, near Lenno, is one of the lake’s most iconic villas thanks to its cinematic setting and terraced gardens overlooking the water. Nearby, Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is famous for its botanical gardens, especially beautiful during spring bloom.
If you have some extra time, the walk can continue uphill from Griante toward the beautiful Church of San Martino, one of the most panoramic viewpoints over central Lake Como.
The Greenway is ideal for you if you want a relaxed spring itinerary combined with nature, history, villages, and local culture. Want to find out more about Green Way? Check my dedicated post here.
5. Walking Through Prehistory: The Rock Engravings of Val Camonica
Val Camonica hides one of the most extraordinary archaeological landscapes in Europe. Spread throughout the valley are more than 300,000 prehistoric rock engravings carved into stone over thousands of years. This incredible collection became Italy’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1979.
The heart of this open-air museum lies near Capo di Ponte inside the National Park of Naquane Rock Engravings. Check the website for more info.
Established in 1955, the park covers around 14 hectares of forest crossed by several walking trails and circular routes. Along the paths, visitors encounter more than 100 engraved rocks featuring ancient scenes of hunting, rituals, warriors, animals, and mysterious symbols.
Some of the most famous carvings include the “Running Priest” and depictions of horses inspired by Greek and Etruscan styles.
Walking here feels unlike anywhere else in Lombardy. The combination of forests, mountains, and prehistoric art creates an atmosphere that is both peaceful and deeply fascinating. Spring is one of the best seasons to visit because temperatures remain mild and the summer crowds have not yet arrived.
It’s a must visit if you are interested in history and archaeology. Val Camonica offers one of the most unique hikes in northern Italy.
6. Wild Val di Mello: Predarossa Plateau & Rifugio Ponti
For a wilder alpine adventure, few places in Lombardy compare to Val di Mello and the spectacular Predarossa Plateau. This remote valley feels totally different from the more polished lake destinations. Here, the landscape becomes rugged, raw, and deeply connected to nature.
The Predarossa plain opens beneath towering rock walls while the imposing Monte Disgrazia dominates the horizon. In spring, melting snow transforms the area into a landscape of rushing rivers, alpine streams, waterfalls, and reflective pools. The route follows the road toward Sasso Bisolo and Predarossa before continuing toward Rifugio Ponti.
Access to the area is limited to protect the environment, with a restricted number of cars allowed daily, so planning ahead is essential during spring and summer weekends.
Once on the trail, you must follow the classic red-and-white mountain markers toward Rifugio Ponti. Early in the hike, a wooden bridge crossing the Duino River leads into the first wide plain of Predarossa, surrounded by larch trees and snowed peaks.
The main path continues across wooden walkways over marshy sections while streams rush through the valley below. In spring especially, the terrain can be muddy and wet, so proper hiking shoes are important.
Eventually, the trail climbs more steeply through the forest toward Rifugio Ponti. The final ascent requires more attention because of rocks, roots, and uneven ground, but the views become increasingly spectacular.
Reaching the mountain refuge, without a doubt, is rewarding. Surrounded by glaciers and alpine silence, it is one of the most beautiful mountain settings in Lombardy.
Why Lombardy Is Perfect for Spring Hiking
Spring transforms Lombardy into one of Italy’s most rewarding hiking regions. Lakes begin sparkling under warmer light, mountain trails reopen after winter, villages become quieter before the busy summer season, and nature returns in full color.
What makes Lombardy especially appealing is the incredible variety of landscapes within short distances. In a single weekend, you can hike above Lake Como, explore prehistoric valleys, walk through olive groves on Monte Isola, or climb into untouched alpine scenery.
And because many of these itineraries remain less internationally known than destinations in the Dolomites or Tuscany, they still preserve a more authentic atmosphere. So get your hiking boots and leave the crowded and hot city for a hike off the beaten track!
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