Best mountain passes around Parlasco, a village in the Valsassina region of Lombardy, Italy, provide access to alpine landscapes and views of Lake Como. The area offers various routes for motorists, cyclists, and hikers. Its strategic location serves as a gateway to the Grigna mountain chain and scenic routes connecting to Lake Como.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Panoramic trail to Larice Bruciato https://youtu.be/TQC128VMamg
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fun passage on rocks in the area of the electricity pylons above the road, to follow it you have to stay on the ridge path and then go down onto the rocks below in correspondence with the pylons
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The climb to the Passo di Agueglio starts from Varenna on Lake Como. It is about 17 kilometers long with 1000 meters of elevation gain, follows a road that is sometimes narrow and passes through the town of Esino Lario. It has some ramps in double figures but in general it is a rideable climb that offers beautiful views of the Lario.
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Situated at 1,898 metres above sea level, Colle Valsecchi is close to both the Rosalba refuge and the Grignetta peak, and is a crossroads for both of these destinations. Here the trail is equipped with a rope anchored to the rock and is not very easy to follow.
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The Ghisallo climb is a legendary one.
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VERY NICE PLACE FOR CYCLISTS
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The Ghisallo hill (Ghisall in Lombard) is a road pass that connects Valassina with the upper part of the Lariano Triangle. The crossing point, at an altitude of 754 m above sea level, is part of the municipality of Magreglio. A few meters from the pass there is a small church: the sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo. Its name (according to an ancient legend) derives from a certain Ghisallo who in medieval times was attacked by bandits in that place and made a vow to the Madonna to build a church in his honor if he escaped. The sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo The Ghisallo climb (from the north side) is traditionally covered by the Giro di Lombardia and has also been included several times in the route of the Giro d'Italia. For this reason, the Madonna del Ghisallo is particularly venerated by cyclists, and on the initiative of the then parish priest Don Ermelindo Viganò (1906–1985), in 1949 Pope Pius XII proclaimed her the universal patroness of cyclists. Next to the sanctuary you can find the Cycling Museum and the "Monument to the cyclist", designed and created by Elio Ponti, sculptor from Ponzate, Como. Source: Wikipedia
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Super panoramic climb from Varenna to Passo Agueglio. Little traffic on weekends, just watch out for groups of motorcyclists who sometimes tend to cut corners too much. There is a bit of everything, hairpin bends, straight sections, significant slopes, especially at the beginning and end of the ascent, you pass by some villages and then through more wooded areas. Once you reach the top, a truly remarkable panorama opens up which, as they say, repays the effort. Watch out for the descent on the other side, the asphalt is in good condition and it's really fun to do but you often find rocks in the middle of the road.
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Beyond the well-known spots, you can explore Passo Agueglio, which offers surprising panoramas and one of the most beautiful vistas of Lake Como. Another excellent choice is the Pietro Pensa Road towards Esino Lario, renowned for its gorgeous landscape views of Lago di Como. For hikers, the trails around the Pizzi di Parlasco provide breathtaking landscapes of Valsassina and Lake Como.
Yes, Passo Agueglio is a popular destination for cyclists. It features a fully paved road with relatively gentle inclines in the initial kilometers (5-8%) and significant stretches through wooded areas, offering shade. It's often considered a more 'fun' and curvilinear alternative to other routes in the region.
The area offers diverse hiking experiences. For instance, the Pizzi di Parlasco feature several trails of medium-high difficulty, including Sentiero 1 and Sentiero 2 from Parlasco, and the 'Sentiero delle Creste' (Ridge Path). These trails lead to stunning viewpoints like Cima di Daas (1509 meters) and offer an immersive experience in wild, unspoiled environments. You can also find trails equipped with ropes, such as those near Valsecchi Pass, which are more challenging.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months are generally the best for visiting the mountain passes around Parlasco. During these seasons, the weather is more favorable for cycling, motorcycling, and hiking, and the views are typically clear. Some trails, especially at higher altitudes like the Pizzi di Parlasco, can be exposed and may require appropriate gear, so checking weather conditions is always advisable.
Yes, the village of Parlasco itself is known for its colorful frescoes depicting the legend of the bandit Lasco, adding a cultural dimension to your outdoor adventure. Additionally, along some hiking trails, particularly around the Pizzi di Parlasco, you can explore ancient manganese mines, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past.
For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the trails leading to the Pizzi di Parlasco are of medium-high difficulty, with some sections being exposed and equipped. Another challenging option is the ascent to Northern Grigna, the highest peak of the Grigne group, which offers rewarding views. The Valsecchi Pass also features trails equipped with ropes, indicating a more demanding experience.
The mountain passes around Parlasco offer spectacular panoramic views. From Passo Agueglio and the Pietro Pensa Road, you can enjoy expansive and gorgeous vistas of Lake Como. Higher up, from the Pizzi di Parlasco and Northern Grigna, you'll be treated to breathtaking landscapes of the Valsassina valley and the surrounding alpine peaks.
Yes, Passo Agueglio features a dedicated picnic area, making it a pleasant stop for a break during your journey. This allows visitors to relax and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Como and the surrounding landscape.
Beyond hiking, the region around Parlasco is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, including challenging climbs and scenic rides with lake views. There are also running trails available, ranging from moderate to difficult, allowing you to explore the diverse terrain at your own pace.
Many mountain passes in the area are easily accessible by vehicle. Passo Agueglio, for example, is reached via a fully paved road, making it a popular choice for motorists and motorcyclists. The Pietro Pensa Road also provides a scenic and often less congested route for driving towards Esino Lario, offering stunning lake views.
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, especially from spots like View of Lake Como from Passo Agueglio. Cyclists appreciate the challenging yet rewarding climbs and the well-maintained roads. The diverse terrain, from wooded areas to open panoramas, and the sense of immersion in nature are also highly valued by the komoot community.


See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides around Parlasco: