4.3
(10)
29
hikers
03:33
7.45km
820m
Hiking
Hike the Moltrasio - Rifugio Bugone Trail, a moderate 4.6-mile route with 2697 feet of elevation gain and panoramic Lake Como views.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Get Directions
22 m
Highlight • Waterfall
203 m
Highlight • Waterfall
Showing Translation
Tip by
399 m
Highlight • Settlement
622 m
Highlight • Structure
Translated by Google •
Tip by
928 m
Highlight • Viewpoint
1.48 km
Highlight • Viewpoint
7.45 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.30 km
625 m
510 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
7.39 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Friday 15 May
15°C
4°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
The trail starts in Moltrasio. While specific parking details aren't provided, Moltrasio is a settlement on Lake Como, and you'll likely find public parking options within the village. It's advisable to check local parking regulations upon arrival.
Moltrasio is accessible by public transport, typically via bus or ferry services on Lake Como. You can reach Moltrasio by bus from Como or by ferry from various towns around the lake. The trail generally ascends from the Moltrasio pier.
While there are no explicit restrictions mentioned, the trail involves steep sections, cobbled mule paths, and uneven ground. If bringing a dog, ensure it is well-trained, physically capable of handling a moderate to challenging hike with significant elevation changes, and kept on a leash. Always carry enough water for both yourself and your dog.
The trail offers different experiences throughout the year. Spring and autumn generally provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. In winter, some shaded sections can become icy, requiring specialized gear like crampons and gaiters. Summer can be warm, so an early start and sufficient water are recommended.
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Moltrasio - Rifugio Bugone Trail. It is a publicly accessible route.
The terrain is diverse and can be challenging. It includes steep sections through woods, cobbled mule paths, and uneven ground. A particularly notable section is an old smuggler's path called "La Culman," which can reach a 70% gradient. Sure-footedness is essential, especially if the ground is wet.
You'll encounter several interesting features. The trail passes by Waterfalls in Moltrasio and the Cascata Pizzallo. You'll also discover ancient Moltrasian stone quarries, charming historic villages like Monte di Liscione, and a centuries-old beech tree known as "Il Fuatèl" near Rifugio Bugone.
Yes, the trail offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Como throughout the ascent. You'll find several spots designated as Panorama and Viewpoint. Near the Rifugio Bugone, you can admire expansive views of the lake towards Como and Monte Bisbino. The "Sentee di Sort" section between Rovenna and Moltrasio is also noted for its scenic panoramic path.
Given the moderate to challenging difficulty and varied terrain, trekking shoes with good grip are strongly advised. Carry an adequate supply of water, especially on warmer days. In winter, be prepared for icy sections by bringing crampons and gaiters. Layers of clothing are recommended to adapt to changing conditions.
Yes, the Rifugio Bugone itself, located at an altitude of approximately 1115-1119 meters, offers a cozy accommodation with a bar, restaurant, and options for overnight stays. In Moltrasio, the starting point, you'll find various amenities, including cafes and restaurants.
Yes, this route can be part of the larger Via dei Monti Lariani network. It also incorporates sections of other official trails such as the Antica Via Regina, Sentiero mezza costa, Sentee La Culman, and Sentee di Sort.
The path from Moltrasio to Liscione than up to Rifugio Bugine is steep but very well kept and large. The Sentee Culmam is much more challenging.. through the forest, path covered by lots of leaves, steep. It is marked by yellow marks on trees and stones. Recommended to have cell phone fully charged as it can be easy to lose the path.
In trying to motivate and share the meaning (if there is a meaning) of this afternoon's route, I refer to some events that happened in the past in the Larian territory. The western shore of Lake Lario is a border territory between the province of Como and the Canton of Ticino, between Italy and Switzerland. Here, until the 60s and 70s of the 20th century, there was intense smuggling activity from Switzerland of countless goods, especially coffee, cigarettes and watches, through a vast and intertwined network of paths. One of these is the Sentèe la Culman. For smugglers it was the most direct and fastest path to reach Lake Lario from the Colma di Bugone. Now, every year, they hold the uphill trail running race there, where the time limit for the ranking is set at 1 hour and 20. I would be out by 1 hour and 45 minutes 😭🤣 I run it by going up to the Bugone refuge from the Moltrasio lido, for just under 3 km and a difference in altitude of about 900 m.