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Varese

Lago di Monate

The best waterfall hikes and walks around Lago di Monate

4.2

(4170)

20,038

hikers

3

hikes

Waterfall hiking trails around Lago di Monate offer a serene environment for exploration, characterized by tranquil glacial waters and lush woodlands. The region features gently rolling pre-alpine hills and diverse paths that wind through wooded sections and along the lakeshore. This landscape provides varied terrain and opportunities for scenic views of the lake and surrounding countryside.

Best waterfall hiking trails around Lago di Monate

  • The most popular waterfall hiking route is Erno Waterfall loop from Lesa, a 2.2 miles (3.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 0 minutes to complete. This easy route features gentle elevation changes through natural surroundings.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Erno Waterfall loop from Massino Visconti, an easy 3.3 miles (5.2 km) path. This trail offers views of the landscape and leads to the Erno Waterfall.
  • Local hikers also love the Lake Maggiore – Erno Waterfall loop from Massino Visconti, a 3.9 miles (6.2 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 1 hour 42 minutes.
  • Hiking around Lago di Monate is defined by tranquil glacial waters, lush woodlands, and gently rolling pre-alpine hills. The network of trails offers options for different ability levels, with all listed waterfall routes being easy.
  • The routes in Lago di Monate are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 4000 reviews. More than 20000 hikers have used komoot to explore Lago di Monate's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 13, 2026

3.8

(5)

9

hikers

#1.

Erno Waterfall loop from Lesa

3.60km

01:01

80m

70m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.6

(10)

29

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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

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Popular around Lago di Monate

Gravel in Varese – in the land of lakes and UNESCO sites

Other adventures around Lago di Monate

Gravel in Varese – in the land of lakes and UNESCO sites

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Tips from the Community

Horst
April 17, 2025, Chiesa di San Rocco (Solcio di Lesa)

The parish church of San Rocco was built in the hamlet of Solcio in the municipality of Lesa to replace the older small church of Sant'Antonio Abate, which still exists upstream of the town. Founded at the expense of the local philanthropist Felice Borroni, it is a neoclassical building with an Ionic order and a Greek cross plan designed by the Verbanese architect Bartolomeo Franzosini between 1823 and 1830. The current bell tower was added later (1935-1938) to replace the original, smaller one. The façade of the church is decorated with a mosaic by Giovanni Sgorlon depicting the Saint. The interior is brightly intimate, with a single nave. The wooden pulpit on the left is elegant. The apse houses a Deposition of Christ by Morazzone and an Adoration of the Venetian school. The pendentives of the dome are decorated with frescoes by Gerolamo Induno depicting the four Evangelists (1886). The right altar is decorated with a Crucifixion, a fresco by Luigi Morgari from 1922 who also painted the entire cycle of the Via Crucis. On the left side of the entrance hall is the marble bust (posthumous) of the founder Borroni, who is buried in the temple. Above the entrance compass is the choir with an organ by the Mentasti company of Novara. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiesa_di_San_Rocco_(Solcio_di_Lesa)

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This beautiful church is located near the train station. The front facade is gleaming white and plastered. The sides appear more gray. The interior is somewhat sleepy.

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The church of San Sebastiano is a religious building located in Lesa (NO), it is located along the road that leads from Lesa to Massino Visconti on a panoramic hill overlooking a crossing point of the Erno river and the town of Solcio. Mentioned for the first time in the Liber Notitiae Sanctorum Mediolani by Goffredo da Bussero from the 13th century, it is an example of a sacred building from the Romanesque period that has maintained its original structure in its entirety. The shape of the wall structure dates the construction period to 1100-1125. The small building, oriented from west to east, has a single nave, a gabled façade and a semicircular apse, the bell tower is particularly interesting, partially incorporated into the masonry of the perimeter wall of the building and has three orders of openings surmounted by hanging arches, a slit on the first level, a single-lancet window on the second and a double-lancet window on the third. Hanging arches also decorate the apse which has three pilasters with small windows, a cruciform opening in the apse corresponds to an internal fresco symbolically depicting redemption through the risen Christ. Other frescoes probably executed between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries are found inside the apse. They depict Christ Pantocrator enclosed in an almond, surrounded by the four evangelists with their respective symbols and by some saints, an iconography already present in the church of San Donato in Sesto Calende. It is certain that the oratory in the past was one of the stops of the "rogations", ancient prayer processions for the conservation and prosperity of the sowings. Due to the remains of Roman tombs found in the meadow in front, it is assumed that the Oratory was used between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries as a burial place for victims of endemic diseases and as a lazaretto. In 2004, conservative restoration works were carried out, which mainly concerned the walls, the bell tower and the roof. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiesa_di_San_Sebastiano_(Lesa)

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Thomas
April 7, 2025, Lago Maggiore

Not an easy tour, some paths are a little adventure.

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Shortly after passing Cascina Incocco, you will find the detour to reach the waterfall.

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We will find them continuously along the entire route.

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Beautiful shady hike with great views.

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Easy path, a small waterfall in a very quiet place.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many waterfall hiking trails are available around Lago di Monate?

There are several dedicated waterfall hiking trails around Lago di Monate. Our guide features 4 distinct routes, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate adventures, all designed to lead you to beautiful cascades.

What is the difficulty level of waterfall hikes in this area?

Most of the waterfall hikes around Lago di Monate are considered easy, making them accessible for various fitness levels. For example, the Erno Waterfall loop from Lesa is an easy 3.6 km trail. There is also a moderate option, the Battina Trail – Tina Bautina Waterfall loop from Meina, which is a longer 12.6 km route.

Are there any specific waterfalls I can visit near Lago di Monate?

Yes, the most prominent waterfalls featured in our routes are the Erno Waterfall and the Tina Bautina Waterfall. You can explore the Erno Waterfall loop from Massino Visconti or the longer Battina Trail – Tina Bautina Waterfall loop from Meina to experience these natural beauties.

What do other hikers say about the waterfall trails around Lago di Monate?

The waterfall trails around Lago di Monate are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.2 stars from over 4000 reviews. Hikers often praise the serene environment, the tranquil glacial waters, and the lush woodlands that characterize these routes.

Are the waterfall hikes around Lago di Monate suitable for families with children?

Yes, many of the waterfall hikes are family-friendly due to their easy difficulty. Routes like the Erno Waterfall loop from Lesa are relatively short and feature gentle elevation changes, making them suitable for a pleasant outing with children.

Can I bring my dog on the waterfall hiking trails?

While specific regulations for each trail can vary, generally, dogs are welcome on many hiking trails in the Lago di Monate region, especially if kept on a leash. The natural environment of lush woodlands and open paths makes it a great place to explore with your canine companion. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions.

Are there circular routes available for waterfall hikes?

Yes, all the waterfall routes highlighted in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same point. Examples include the Lake Maggiore – Erno Waterfall loop from Massino Visconti and the Battina Trail – Tina Bautina Waterfall loop from Meina.

What is the best time of year to visit Lago di Monate for waterfall hikes?

The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for waterfall hikes around Lago di Monate. In spring, the waterfalls are often at their fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall, and the surrounding woodlands are vibrant. Autumn offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. Summer can also be enjoyable, though the water flow might be reduced, and winter can be picturesque but may present colder conditions.

What kind of terrain can I expect on these waterfall trails?

The trails typically wind through lush woodlands and along gently rolling pre-alpine hills. You can expect varied terrain, including well-trodden paths through forests and sections that offer glimpses of the lake and surrounding countryside. The area's tranquil glacial waters are a defining feature, contributing to the serene hiking experience.

Are there any notable natural features or viewpoints along the waterfall trails?

Beyond the waterfalls themselves, the region offers panoramic views of Lago di Monate and the surrounding Lombard countryside from various points along the trails. The area is characterized by its clear, glacial waters, lush woodlands, and gentle pre-alpine hills, providing a calming natural escape. The motorboat ban on Lago di Monate ensures a peaceful environment, enhancing the natural silence during your hike.

How long do the waterfall hikes typically take?

The duration of the waterfall hikes varies depending on the route and your pace. Shorter, easy loops like the Erno Waterfall loop from Lesa can be completed in about 1 hour. Longer, moderate trails such as the Battina Trail – Tina Bautina Waterfall loop from Meina might take around 3 hours 40 minutes.

Is there public transport available to reach the starting points of these waterfall hikes?

While specific public transport options to every trailhead can vary, the Lago di Monate area is generally accessible. For routes starting from towns like Lesa or Massino Visconti, you may find local bus services connecting from larger hubs. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information when planning your trip.

Are there parking facilities near the waterfall trailheads?

Many trailheads in the Lago di Monate region, especially those near villages or popular starting points, typically offer parking facilities. For example, routes like the Erno Waterfall loop from Massino Visconti usually have designated parking areas nearby, though availability can depend on the season and time of day.

Most popular routes around Lago di Monate

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