Imagine reaching one of the most iconic peaks in Lombardy, overlooking Lake Como, just an hour away from the bustling city of Milan. This dream is a reality, with numerous trails of varying difficulties offering the opportunity to conquer both modest and prestigious summits within a single day. On this page, we introduce you to four of the most iconic: Resegone, Grignetta, Grigna, and Legnone. However, there are many other peaks worth exploring, and we invite you to contact us for more information.
The Majesty of Mount Resegone
Resegone, or Monte Serrada, is a mountain in the Orobie Pre-Alps standing at 1,875 meters, located on the border between Bergamo and Lecco provinces. It features thirteen or fourteen main peaks and several secondary summits, with the southern point of Forcella di Serada, around 1,595 meters high, notable among them. The highest peak, once called Punta della Croce, was renamed in 1925 in honor of Mario Cermenati.
In 1900, a wooden cross was erected on the highest peak but was soon destroyed by weather, as was a subsequent metal cross in 1902. The current cross was installed on August 31, 1925, after leveling the peak by two meters. An altar added in 1981 was consecrated by Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini. In the late 19th century, Milan enforced the “Servitù del Resegone,” limiting building heights to preserve the mountain’s view. Palazzo Luraschi, built between 1881 and 1887, was the first to exceed this limit.
The allure of Grignetta
The Grignetta, part of the Grigne group in the Italian Alps, is renowned for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain. It attracts hikers, climbers, and nature lovers with its steep cliffs, rocky ridges, and stunning views. Rich in diverse flora and fauna, including rare alpine species, the Grignetta also holds cultural significance with a history dating back to ancient times.
At the summit, the “Bivacco Ferrario” mountain hut offers refuge. Named after Mario Ferrario, a mountaineer who died in 1933, this modest stone shelter provides basic amenities for adventurers facing harsh alpine conditions. The hut’s design inspired the logo of Grignetta.it.
Our site highlights not only Grignetta but also other splendid mountains like Northern Grigna, Resegone, and Legnone. We recommend a loop hike on Grignetta, ascending via the Cermenati trail and descending via the Cecilia trail.
Breathtaking panorama from Grigna’s peak
La Grigna, also known as Grignone or Northern Grigna, is the highest peak in the Grigne group, situated between Lake Como and Valsassina in the province of Lecco. Its summit reaches 2,410 meters and hosts the historic Rifugio Brioschi, owned by the Milan CAI. The mountain is characterized by three main slopes. The steep and climbing-friendly southwestern slope descends towards Lake Como, while the grassy, wooded eastern slope gently slopes towards Valsassina. The northern slope forms the glacial basin Moncodeno, notable in speleology for its numerous caves and abysses, including the “Complesso del Releccio,” the second deepest karst system in Italy. The normal ascent route begins in Pasturo.
Grigna is renowned in the climbing community for its routes on “Sasso Cavallo,” which features famous climbs such as “Via del Det,” “Cassin,” “Via della Luna,” and others. On clear days, Grigna is visible from the entire Lombard plain due to its height and position. The summit offers panoramic views of the northwestern Alps, including the Bernese Oberland, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Swiss peaks, and even the Milan Cathedral on windy days.
In addition to Rifugio Brioschi at the summit, several other refuges are located on the mountain. Rifugio Bietti, at 1,719 meters, is managed by the Nogara family. Rifugio Arnaldo Bogani, at 1,816 meters, is situated on the northern slope, while Rifugio Elisa, at 1,515 meters, is in Val Meria. Rifugio Pialeral is located on the Valsassina side. There are also several bivouacs, including Merlini at Bocchetta della Bassa, Riva-Girani at Comolli, and Baitello del Manavello.
The Highest Peak Near Como Lake
Monte Legnone is a 2,610 meters high mountain in the Alps, the highest peak in the province of Lecco and the westernmost sector of the Orobie Alps. Its pyramid-shaped summit is distinctly visible from Milan and Brianza.
Referred to as Lineone in a document dating back to 879 AD, Monte Legnone stands as a prominent landmark, separating the Valtellina from the Valvarrone and overlooking Lake Como. While not particularly notable for rock climbing due to its scree-covered slopes, except for the irregular north face, it is popular among hikers for offering unparalleled views of the Central Alps. Its isolation of 16 kilometers from other peaks enhances its panoramic allure, extending over the lake and the lower Valtellina.
Within the Legnone massif lies a small perennial snowfield called Nevaio del Colombano at 2,360 meters. West of the main summit, there’s a secondary peak known as Legnoncino (1,711 m).
The normal route up Legnone, starting from Rifugio Roccoli Lorla in Val Varrone, ascends along the western ridge. Fixed ropes assist climbers near the summit.
An alternative route follows the easier southeast ridge from Rifugi Alpe Scoggione or Alpe Legnone, reaching Bocchetta alta del Legnone (2,395 m) on the Orobie watershed via a military road. This path features remnants of World War I trenches, part of Italy’s secondary defensive line.
More challenging routes begin directly from Rifugio Alpe Scoggione, including Direttissima, which involves short climbing sections up to grade III.
Due to frequent lightning strikes, possibly due to subsoil composition or abundant larch trees, climbing during thunderstorms is not advised. Local tradition links observations of Legnone’s summit to weather forecasting, captured in the dialect proverb:
“When Legnone wears its hat (cloud-covered summit), leave the scythe and grab the rake,” advising to collect hay quickly before impending rain.