• Italiano
  • Deutsch
  • Français
  • Русский

Mount Bolettone (1,318 m / 4,324 ft)

Molina to Mount Bolettone Loop Hike

From Molina in Faggeto Lario to the summit of Mount Bolettone

  • Type: Loop
  • Distance: 14 km / 8.6 mi
  • Elevation gain: 880 m / 2,887 ft ↑
  • Duration: 5h
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • GPX track: Available

The Lariano Ridge Viewpoint: Trailhead at Molina Hamlet (Faggeto Lario)

A stunning loop hike starting from Molina (446 m / 1,463 ft) in Faggeto Lario reaches the panoramic summit of Mount Bolettone (1,318 m / 4,324 ft), traversing one of the most scenic sections of the Larian Triangle ridge between Bocchetta di Lemna and Bocchetta di Molina. The trail presents no major technical difficulties; however, we highly recommend downloading and following the GPX track before setting out, as trail signs can be infrequent along certain stretches. Up on the high ridge line, the path passes near two welcoming mountain huts: the Capanna Mara Refuge (+39 392 892 6865) and the Rifugio Bolettone—it is always best to contact them in advance to verify their seasonal opening days and hours. The official starting point is located right at the bus stop for the ASF Line C31 (Como - Torno - Palanzo route) on the SP43 main road, with convenient public car parking areas available nearby.

Climbing the Beech Forests to Bocchetta di Lemna

We begin our journey in the picturesque village of Molina. Walking along Via Fontana Vecchia, we pass by the ancient village wash-house (lavatoio) and continue heading uphill toward the mountains. After passing the last houses of the hamlet, the paved road smoothly turns into a dirt trail. We enter the dense woods following the historical signs for the "Strada Regia," cross the scenic Brema plateau, and after skirting along the edges of the deep Valle dei Mulini (Mill Valley), we reach the neighboring hamlet of Lemna. At the small fountain square, we begin a steep ascent toward Bicogno; at the next junction, we turn left to follow the mountain road leading up to Bocchetta di Lemna. After a long, rewarding hike through a forest of beech and chestnut trees, we finally reach the main ridge line at Bocchetta di Lemna (1,115 m / 3,658 ft), where a large trail signpost points in all possible directions.

Conquering Mount Bolettone and Descending via Mount Dosmat

We turn right onto the scenic "Sentiero delle Colme" trail, where the panoramic views immediately become incredible: to the south, you can admire Lakes Pusiano and Alserio, the rolling Brianza plains, and the distant Milan skyline, while to the northwest, Lake Como and the snow-capped Alpine peaks dominate the horizon. We climb up to Doss da la Mùla, pass by the local mountain hut, and with a final easy stretch, reach the summit cross of Mount Bolettone (1,318 m / 4,324 ft). After a well-deserved break to take in the scenery, we continue along the ridge line of Mount Dosmat (1,282 m / 4,206 ft). Upon reaching Bocchetta di Molina (1,116 m / 3,661 ft), we turn right to head toward Piano Dürac. Hidden within a lush fern forest, we find Path No. 2 descending steadily toward Pian delle Perle. Before reaching the flat clearing, we take a right turn to return directly to Molina along a magnificent, comfortable hillside trail.

The Upcoming Hikes

Lenno to Abbazia di San Benedetto Loop
Val Perlana Loop Hike
  • Type: Loop
  • Dist: 12.8 km / 7.9 mi
  • Elev: 630 m / 2,066 ft ↑
  • Duration: 4h 30m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • GPX track: Available

Santuario della Madonna del Soccorso

Upon reaching the Madonna del Soccorso (420 m / 1,377 ft), you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the Central Lake, along with a cozy trattoria and a perfect rest area.

Hiking from Pigra to Mount Costone
Mount Costone (1,430 m / 4,691 ft)
  • Type: Loop
  • Dist: 14 km / 8.7 mi
  • Elev: 910 m / 2,985 ft ↑
  • Duration: 5h 45m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • GPX track: Available

Mount Pasquella Panoramic Ridge

A scenic trek along the ridges overlooking the village of Pigra. This trail offers constant lake views and, while not technically difficult, it requires a solid level of fitness due to its length.

Long-distance Trails

The Wayfarer’s Trail - View of Varenna
Wayfarer’s Trail

The Wayfarer’s Trail (Sentiero del Viandante) travels halfway up the eastern part of Lake Como, with the journey beginning in Abbadia Lariana and ending in Morbegno, to make the hike easier, the route is divided into six stages.

The Strada Regia - View of Brema (Molina di Faggeto)
The Strada Regia

The hike along the Strada Regia is not particularly difficult and is highly doable at any time of the year, though it is best to avoid the hottest days of summer and snow in the winter, in this guide, we have divided the route into three stages.

Lariano Triangle Ridge - Panoramic view of the ridge above Faggeto Lario
Lariano Triangle Ridge Trail

The trek along the ridge kicks off from Brunate and ends in Bellagio, though it can easily be traversed in the opposite direction without problems. The total distance is about 37 kilometers (23 miles), to roughly 8 to 10 hours of walking.

icon back to top