Travel guide
Lake Como Poetry Way: route guide
The Lake Como Poetry Way is a 16 km (9.9 mi) walk from Roggiana Pass (Maslianico, on the Swiss border) through Cernobbio and Como up to Brunate, and most walkers do it in one full day of 5–7 hours; split it into two days if you want the Brunate climb and the lakeside towns unhurried. Walk it northbound, start early, and wear shoes with grip — the upper half is old mule road and uphill.The Lake Como Poetry Way is a 9.9 mi (16 km) walk from Roggiana Pass (Maslianico, on the Swiss border) through Cernobbio and Como up to Brunate, and most walkers do it in one full day of 5–7 hours; split it into two days if you want the Brunate climb and the lakeside towns unhurried. Walk it northbound, start early, and wear shoes with grip — the upper half is old mule road and uphill.
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Key facts
- Total distance
- About 16 km, Maslianico to Brunate via Cernobbio and Como
- Time on footcheck
- 5–7 hours walking; 1 day fast, 2 days comfortable
- Start
- Roggiana Pass, Maslianico, on the Italy–Switzerland border
- Finish
- Brunate, above Como
- Direction
- Either way; can be split into stages at will
- Getting to the startcheck
- ASF urban bus line 6 from Como toward Maslianico
- Terrain
- Lakeside pavements and old mule roads; the Brunate section is uphill
- Cost
- Free to walk; budget for buses, funicular and food (2026 estimate)
Map and route shape
The route runs roughly north along the western shore of Lake Como, then turns uphill away from the water. It starts at Roggiana Pass, the border crossing between Maslianico in Italy and Vacallo in Switzerland, drops through Maslianico, follows the shore through Cernobbio, crosses Como, and climbs to Brunate in the hills above the city.
The route's own project page is the place to start for a map; treat any other map you find as a guide rather than a surveyed line. The waymarking is a storytelling trail: 16 historical figures are tied to specific places along the way, and 12 Little Free Libraries — small book-exchange boxes — mark points on the route. Those boxes are the most reliable on-the-ground confirmation that you are on the right path.
Because the trail passes through four built-up areas, you can leave it at almost any point and pick it up later by bus or on foot. That flexibility is the main reason it works as a half-day, a full day or a two-day walk.
Stages and what not to skip
Distances below are approximate and measured along the walking line, not by road. Treat the times as walking time only, before stops.
The stretch most people remember is the Cernobbio waterfront: a flat, shaded lakeside promenade with villas and gardens on the inland side. It is also the easiest part to cut short if you are behind schedule.
The Como–Brunate climb is the hard part and the reason to keep energy in reserve. Brunate sits high above the lake and the ascent is sustained; the funicular is the shortcut down or up if your legs are done. The funicular closes for maintenance at times, so check before you plan to rely on it.
| Stage | Approx. km | Walking time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roggiana Pass – Maslianico | 2 km | 30–40 min | Border start; downhill into town |
| Maslianico – Cernobbio | 4 km | 1–1.5 h | Shore road and pavements |
| Cernobbio – Como | 5 km | 1.5–2 h | Flat lakeside promenade; the easy, scenic section |
| Como – Brunate | 5 km | 2–3 h | Sustained uphill on old mule roads; funicular alternative (check closures) |
Distances are approximate; the route can be split or walked in reverse. Times exclude stops.
When to go
Spring and early summer are the best window: mild temperatures, long daylight and the lakeside gardens at their best. Late September and October are the other good option, with fewer people on the Cernobbio promenade and cooler air for the Brunate climb.
July and August are hot and busy. If you walk then, start at first light, carry more water than you think you need, and plan the uphill Como–Brunate section for the morning rather than the afternoon. The route's own guidance flags exactly this: bring water on a spring or summer day.
Winter is walkable at low level but the upper section can be cold, wet and slippery on old stone. Rain in any season makes the mule-road surfaces slick, and lake weather changes fast, so keep a flexible day in your plan.
Where to stay
Como is the practical base. It has the widest choice of hotels, guesthouses and hostels, direct trains from Milan and Malpensa airport links, and buses to the start at Maslianico. Staying in Como also means you can walk the lower lakeside stages one day and the Brunate climb the next.
Cernobbio suits travellers who want the waterfront on their doorstep and a quieter evening; it is a short bus or walk from Como. Brunate is for the view — a small hill town with limited accommodation, best booked well ahead in summer.
Maslianico at the start has very little tourist lodging, so most people begin there by bus from Como rather than sleeping there. If you are coming from Switzerland, Chiasso and Vacallo are close to the border start.
Preparation and practicalities
Wear shoes with real grip. Part of the route is uphill and follows old mule roads, which are uneven and can be greasy after rain. Trainers with tread are fine in dry weather; trail shoes are better.
Carry water, especially in spring and summer, plus sun protection for the exposed lakeside sections. There are cafés and shops in Maslianico, Cernobbio and Como, but the Brunate climb has fewer chances to refill.
The route crosses an international border at Roggiana Pass. If you are not an EU or Schengen resident, carry your passport or ID — there are normally no checks on this crossing, but you are legally entering or leaving Switzerland. The route is generally safe; the usual city precautions apply in Como.
Check the ASF bus timetable for line 6 before you set out, and check the Como–Brunate funicular for maintenance closures if you plan to use it.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How long does Lake Como Poetry Way take?
About 16 km and 5–7 hours of walking from Maslianico to Brunate. Fit walkers do it in one day; two days is more comfortable if you want time in Cernobbio and Como and an unhurried Brunate climb.
When is the best time to do Lake Como Poetry Way?
Spring and early autumn: mild weather, long daylight and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy, so start early and carry extra water. Winter is possible at low level but the upper mule roads can be wet and slippery.
Where should I stay along Lake Como Poetry Way?
Como is the best base, with the most accommodation and good transport links. Cernobbio suits those wanting the waterfront close by, and Brunate is for the view but has limited rooms. Maslianico, at the start, has little tourist lodging.
Can you walk the Lake Como Poetry Way in either direction?
Yes. The route runs from Roggiana Pass to Brunate, but it can be walked in reverse or split into stages at will. Walking northbound puts the uphill Brunate section at the end, which many prefer.
How do you get to the start of the Lake Como Poetry Way?
From Como, take ASF urban bus line 6 toward Maslianico and get off near Roggiana Pass. Check the current timetable before you travel, as services change seasonally.
Is the Lake Como Poetry Way difficult?
The lakeside sections through Cernobbio and Como are flat and easy. The Como to Brunate climb is sustained uphill on old mule roads and is the demanding part. Good grip shoes and water are the main requirements.
Deep dive
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