Excursion for families on Lake Como: to Brunate from Torno along the Strada Regia

They are several touristic itineraries and excursions for families that you could do even with less experience in the area of ​​our Lake Como. Today I want to talk of a very characteristic “road” because it allows you to take two vehicles typical of our region (of which the children are crazy!), as the boat and the funicular to Brunate: it is the trekking route between Brunate and Torno along the Strada Regia.

The villages around Lake Como seem like small mangers perched on the mountains, you often can get only by foot and once the only way to reach them was to walk the old trails. The road ‘Strada Regia’ was one of them and linking Como to Bellagio. Abandoned in the early ‘900, between 2002 and 2006 the Archaeological Society “Comense”, with the help of the Mountain Community “Larian Triangle” and through regional and provincial funds, was able to restore it giving to trekkink’s lovers unique paths perfects to discover the territory. (In total they are about 32 km, mostly only for pedestrian. Info and insights: Albano Marcarini, LA STRADA REGIA, A walk from Como to Bellagio, Lyasis editions, Sondrio 2007).

The hike that I propose can be done either from Brunate to Torno or from Torno to Brunate. In the first case you could reach Brunate in the morning taking the funicular (here the website for timetable) and, after the walk, I’ll be back come to take the bus or boat that will allow you to return to Como. In the second case you start from Torno after reaching it with the boat.

Photo by Josef Grunlg

Walking with children on the “Strada Regia”: not only nature, also history

The road “Strada Regia” is well signed, and about the route Brunate / Torno, you will need to follow the path that allows you to pass from Montepiatto / Piazzaga. The hike in total takes about 2 ½ or 3  hours normally (except of course the journey by ferry and car). It is not difficult and you can enjoy the truly unique views of our lake Como.

Crossing Montepiatto you will meet the St. Elizabeth’s church and admire the ‘stone pendula’, a giant boulder that only the perfection of nature may have left in a position of semi balance that is absolutely precarious. Going down to Torno you will also also cross “Massi Avelli”, tombs carved from the rocks and dated between the fifth and sixth century, probably destined to the nobility of the time and typical of the Lake Como area, of ​​Ticino, Brianza and Valtellina.

The route will amaze you, I’m sure, and the return by boat will the right final of a fantastic day that you could spend with your entire family. I found this Roberto Rolla’s video on Youtube: it is done very well and it tells in a very good way the path that I have just described. If you want to get an idea of ​​what to expect look here: you surely would plan this excursion for your family!

This and many other artistic and nature trails are waiting for you in Como and into the Lake Como areas. I, Armando and all the Hotel Posta Moltrasio staff’s are at your disposal for any advice that will allow you to live better and in complete relaxation your holiday on Lake Como! We are waiting, as always, with a smile!