Vassena – Civenna Panorama Loop

From Vassena to Civenna via Madonna del Sumpiazzo

From Vassena Pier to the Historic Town of Civenna

This panoramic excursion starts from the lakeside village of Vassena at 205 m (672 ft) and climbs to the spectacular Civenna viewpoint at 630 m (2,067 ft), offering splendid views over the villages lying along the shores of the Lecco branch and the central section of the lake. The route stretches across a mix of paved roads, dirt paths, and traditional mule tracks; because the first section features a few steep inclines, we highly recommend wearing proper trekking shoes and carrying a good supply of water. Hikers can reach Vassena via public boat services exclusively during the spring and summer seasons, whereas the LineeLecco bus service (Lecco - Bellagio line) runs consistently throughout the entire year. Leaving the Vassena pier, we head up toward the historical Carmine church, turning right onto Via Cairoli to find white and red trail signs complete with estimated hiking times at the next crossroads. Following Trail 16 toward Civenna, we climb past a concrete ramp and turn left onto a stone stairway that winds up into the woods, passing beautiful local villas and navigating a few switchbacks until reaching the junction for Trail 14.

The Civenna Belvedere and Monuments to the Fallen

We continue following Trail 16 toward Civenna, and as the climb becomes gentler, the path skirts along historic stone walls that signal our arrival at the first houses of the town. Emerging from the woods, we continue climbing along the paved road, turning right at the crossroads into Via San Vincenzo to walk along the panoramic Ettore Foschi promenade, eventually reaching the small church of San Rocco (St. Roch) at the main overlook. The Belvedere of Civenna is a panoramic balcony that is truly one-of-a-kind, located just a few steps away from where the historic Monument to the Fallen of Motorcycling and the Monumento degli Alpini proudly stand. The overlook railing is equipped with detailed metal plaques that describe the beautiful geographic landmarks visible directly across the water.

Descending past the Sumpiazzo Chapel back to Vassena

We proceed northward, walking through the quiet Bellavista park, and after passing a shaded rest area, we descend along the path in the direction of Civenna 2 and Gorla. Upon reaching a wooden gate, we turn right heading south, where the trail winds through open meadows before re-entering the forest. Here, we pass a natural fresh water spring and a few traditional farmhouses until intersecting with Trail 18, which descends directly toward Vassena. After passing two benches that offer wonderful panoramic views, we encounter the brief detour for the Madonna del Sumpiazzo at 380 m (1,246 ft), a charming little chapel standing on a rocky spur overlooking the lake. Retracing our steps, we resume our descent along Trail 18; once out of the woods, we walk alongside beautifully kept stone terraces and cross a small wooden bridge to return to the heart of the village of Vassena.