Lombardy is one of the biggest regions of Italy and is characterised by her varied and beautiful landscape that is home to both Alpine peaks and Italy’s stunning lake district (including Lake Como, Lake Garda, and more). If you are an outdoorsy type or in search of incredible views and backdrops, it is a perfect holiday destination. Just browse our vacation rentals in Lombardy and come explore the impossible beauty and endless outdoor pursuits offered by this amazing part of Italy for yourself!
While there is much to do in the region, many are drawn to Lombardy particularly for hiking and walking. However, there is a wide range in difficulty and distance that different hikers can be looking for. Some may be up for major expeditions but if you’re interested in simply taking in some pretty views and stretching your legs rather than hikes that last hours upon hours, one popular peak that is easily accessed, not too much of a climb, and offers incredible panoramic views over the surrounding area is Canto Alto.
While there is much to do in the region, many are drawn to Lombardy particularly for hiking and walking. However, there is a wide range in difficulty and distance that different hikers can be looking for. Some may be up for major expeditions but if you’re interested in simply taking in some pretty views and stretching your legs rather than hikes that last hours upon hours, one popular peak that is easily accessed, not too much of a climb, and offers incredible panoramic views over the surrounding area is Canto Alto.
Canto Alto is not far from the city of Bergamo, above the village of Sorisole, and is located within the Bergamo Alps. On clear days there is a 360° panorama from the top of the peak that takes in Bergamo and the distant profile of the Apennines to the south, Monte Linzone, Resegone, Grigne, Monte Rosa and Monviso to the west, the Orobic Pre-alps, the Presolana, and the Pizzo Camino to the north, and the Bronzone and the Brescia peaks to the east. This strategic position made it an important observation point on the communication routes between the Brembana and Seriana Valleys and it was guarded in the Middle Ages by a wooden watchtower and then a stone fort that was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt during the disputes between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. At the beginning of the 14th century, the fort was finally destroyed for good and the Republic of Venice took control of the area.
The site then became home to a cross dedicated to Christ the Redeemer in 1902, which was financed by a subscription of offerings in the local diocese. It was destroyed over time and then rebuilt and inaugurated in 1952 and dedicated this time to the fallen of the two world wars and of the bombing of Dalmine. It, too, was eventually destroyed, having been struck by lightning multiple times and was replaced by a third cross made entirely from metal trellis in 1979 by local groups of the National Alpine Association, which still greets visitors to the top to this day.
There are numerous paths to the summit to choose from on the slopes of the mountain; you can head from Sorisole in the south, Monte di Nese passing the Monte Cavallo in the east, Poscante in the north, or from the Cler district in the municipality of Sedrina in the west. The easiest and simplest route is the trail that starts from Monte di Nese. This trail gets you to the summit in around 3km and climbs just 350m in altitude. The most popular route among hikers, however, is the one that starts in Sorisole and is 4km long and climbs 700m in altitude. However, all of the routes to the peak are safe and comparatively not too difficult so they could be tackled by non-expert hikers with relative ease.
Come in spring and you will find a carpet of daffodils and, if you’re lucky, you may spot a beautiful roe deer or two but no matter when you visit you are pretty much guaranteed amazing views from the peak. Of course, these will be more spectacular on clear days. It is a wonderful place to soak in the beauty of Lombardy during the day and to try and take in as much of the region at once as you can or to watch the sunset or sunrise or to admire twinkling lights in the evening. If you have found a vacation rental in Lombardy and are looking for quite the reward for comparative little effort, it is a must and one of the best places for a gentle hike in Lombardy.
The site then became home to a cross dedicated to Christ the Redeemer in 1902, which was financed by a subscription of offerings in the local diocese. It was destroyed over time and then rebuilt and inaugurated in 1952 and dedicated this time to the fallen of the two world wars and of the bombing of Dalmine. It, too, was eventually destroyed, having been struck by lightning multiple times and was replaced by a third cross made entirely from metal trellis in 1979 by local groups of the National Alpine Association, which still greets visitors to the top to this day.
There are numerous paths to the summit to choose from on the slopes of the mountain; you can head from Sorisole in the south, Monte di Nese passing the Monte Cavallo in the east, Poscante in the north, or from the Cler district in the municipality of Sedrina in the west. The easiest and simplest route is the trail that starts from Monte di Nese. This trail gets you to the summit in around 3km and climbs just 350m in altitude. The most popular route among hikers, however, is the one that starts in Sorisole and is 4km long and climbs 700m in altitude. However, all of the routes to the peak are safe and comparatively not too difficult so they could be tackled by non-expert hikers with relative ease.
Come in spring and you will find a carpet of daffodils and, if you’re lucky, you may spot a beautiful roe deer or two but no matter when you visit you are pretty much guaranteed amazing views from the peak. Of course, these will be more spectacular on clear days. It is a wonderful place to soak in the beauty of Lombardy during the day and to try and take in as much of the region at once as you can or to watch the sunset or sunrise or to admire twinkling lights in the evening. If you have found a vacation rental in Lombardy and are looking for quite the reward for comparative little effort, it is a must and one of the best places for a gentle hike in Lombardy.
Photo credits: Giorces / CC BY-SA 3.0