Top 20 Mountain Passes in Como
Best mountain passes in Como are situated in the foothills of the Alps, offering routes for various outdoor activities. The region features diverse terrain, from lake-level ascents to high-altitude peaks. These passes provide access to panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountainous landscape. The area is known for its historical significance in cycling and its network of trails.
Best mountain passes in Como
- The most popular mountain passes is Madonna del Ghisallo Summit and Cyclists' Monument, a summit that is a legendary cycling climb and home to a church dedicated to cyclists. It features a cycling museum and offers views of the lake.
- Another must-see spot is San Lucio Pass, a mountain pass on the border between Italy and Switzerland. Visitors can find a church and a refuge open year-round, with views of Val Colla and Lake Lugano.
- Visitors also love Colma di Sormano Summit and Observatory, a summit known for its challenging ascent. It serves as a refreshment point after the climb and offers views from the observatory.
- Como is known for cycling routes, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints. The region offers a variety of mountain passes, from historically significant cycling climbs to high-altitude summits with panoramic vistas.
- The mountain passes in Como are appreciated by the komoot community. The guide features 32 highlights, with 632 photos and more than 800 upvotes from users.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Madonna del Ghisallo Sanctuary and Cycling Museum
Highlight • Religious Site
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Madonna del Ghisallo and Cycling Museum
Highlight • Religious Site
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Madonna del Ghisallo Summit and Cyclists' Monument
Highlight (Segment) • Summit
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Sormano Astronomical Observatory
Highlight • Monument
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San Lucio Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Orimento Hut
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Here it is also possible to eat typical products of the area.
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Marelli Memorial
Highlight • Monument
The monument is located along a hiking trail that leads to the top of Mount Palanzone, and is an important stop for those who hike these trails, which also offer spectacular views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. The route that leads to the Cippo Marelli is characterized by fairly challenging mountain sections, but a visit to the monument is a good opportunity to reflect on the history and sacrifice of the partisans, while enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds the area.
The Cippo Marelli is a destination of historical and cultural interest for hikers and for those who want to learn more about the history of the Resistance in the Lombardy Alps, immersed in a mountain environment of great charm.
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Cow Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
This is the most difficult section of the entire Corni di Canzo traverse: komoot.com/it-it/highlight/7234185
Recommended reading:
lariotrek.it/soiusa/triangolo-lariano/gruppo-dei-corni-di-canzo/corni-di-canzo/corno-Occidente-di-canzo/passo-della-vacca
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Rifugio Giovo
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Here you can leave the car to go up to Passo San Jorio or to continue on other paths.
The road that gets here is not the best, as a large part of it is dirt, but with the right attention it is not a big problem.
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Antica Dogana di Bonello
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
Monument dedicated to Angelo Marelli
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We parked the car to go on an excursion to Mount Generoso
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Yes, at the foot of the Palanzone
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Passage to go up to Palanzone or to the Riella refuge
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Beautiful ridge hike for those who like to have a bit of emptiness on both sides.
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Since the Madonna de Ghisallo is officially the patron saint of racing cyclists, the Passo Ghisallo is a monument to the Tour of Lombardy and the Giro d'Italia, and also, in general, because it is a wonderful place with a very beautiful climb, you should definitely go up here on your racing bike.
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Technical passage for people with a propensity for exposed passages
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I'm asking for info. On the komoot map there is (going up from the 25th anniversary via ferrata) a fork on the left. Is this fork located before the Passo della Vacca? Is it passable and can it function as an escape route? Thanks
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which mountain passes in Como are particularly significant for cyclists?
The Madonna del Ghisallo Summit and Cyclists' Monument is a legendary climb, often called the 'spiritual home of Italian cycling'. It features a church dedicated to cyclists and a cycling museum. Another notable climb is the Colma di Sormano Summit and Observatory, known for its challenging ascent, particularly the 'Muro di Sormano' (Wall of Sormano).
Are there mountain passes in the Como region that offer panoramic views?
Yes, many passes offer stunning vistas. Monte San Primo, the highest peak in the Larian Triangle, provides 360-degree panoramic views of both branches of Lake Como, the Como Prealps, and the Alps. The Passo di Monte Tremezzo also rewards climbers with fantastic views of Lake Como and the Swiss mountains.
What kind of historical or cultural sites can I find at the mountain passes?
The Madonna del Ghisallo Summit and Cyclists' Monument is home to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Ghisallo, a small church dedicated to cyclists, and an adjacent Cycling Museum. At San Lucio Pass, located on the border between Italy and Switzerland, you'll find a church and a refuge.
Are there family-friendly mountain passes or routes in the Como area?
Monte San Primo offers generally accessible routes, making it a popular destination for families, though some sections can be challenging. The Orimento Hut is also listed as family-friendly and can be a good base for exploring.
What are some good hiking opportunities near Como's mountain passes?
Monte San Primo is a popular hiking destination with various routes to its summit, offering breathtaking views. The Passo della Vacca, located in the Corni di Canzo area, is part of a scenic hiking trail. For more options, you can explore various easy hikes in Como, including routes like the Tour of Lake Segrino or the Lake Piano Reserve Trail.
Can I find cycling routes that incorporate the mountain passes in Como?
Absolutely. The Passo del Ghisallo is a legendary cycling climb featured in the Giro di Lombardia. The Passo di Agueglio also offers highly scenic routes with continuous panoramic views of Lake Como. For broader cycling adventures, consider routes like the Alto Lario Lake Como Loop or the Lake Como and Val d'Intelvi Loop, which are part of the cycling guide for Como.
What is the best time of year to visit the mountain passes in Como?
Spring and autumn are generally ideal for visiting the mountain passes, especially for hiking, as conditions are often dry and temperatures are pleasant. Some passes, like the Passo della Vacca, are best visited during these seasons due to exposed sections.
Are there any mountain passes near Como that connect to other regions or countries?
The San Lucio Pass is situated on the border between Italy and Switzerland, offering views into Val Colla and Lake Lugano. While not directly in Como, Lake Como's strategic location historically provided access to major Alpine passes like Stelvio Pass, Bernina Pass, and Gotthard Pass, which lead towards the Swiss Alps and Dolomites.
What facilities can I expect at or near the mountain passes?
At the Madonna del Ghisallo Summit, you'll find the Sanctuary and Cycling Museum. The Colma di Sormano Summit serves as a refreshment point after its challenging climb. San Lucio Pass has a refuge and a church, and the Orimento Hut also offers facilities.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the mountain passes in Como?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. Cyclists appreciate the historical significance and challenge of climbs like Ghisallo and Sormano. The combination of natural beauty, challenging routes, and cultural sites like the cycling museum makes these passes a rewarding experience for many.
Are there options for running trails near the mountain passes?
Yes, the region offers various running trails. For example, you can find routes like the '360° view of Lake Como, from Colma di Sormano to Monte San Primo' or 'Monte Palanzone e Rifugio Riella – loop run from Alpe del Viceré'. More running options are available in the running trails guide for Como.
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