What You Need to Know: Useful Information
When autumn rolls into the northeastern shores of Lake Como, the crisp alpine air carries a distinct, comforting scent: woodsmoke and roasted chestnuts. The city of Lecco, spectacularly framed by the dramatic, jagged limestone peaks of the Prealps and the deep blue waters of the lake, serves as the ultimate gateway to this magical season. Beyond its breathtaking lakeside promenades, Lecco is surrounded by dense, ancient forests that hide a centuries-old rural tradition. From September through November, families and travelers venture into the hills for the yearly chestnut harvest (raccolta delle castagne), gathering the versatile, sweet treasures that have anchored Lombard mountain cuisine for generations.
Getting There
By Train:
Lecco is remarkably easy to reach by public transit. Direct regional trains run frequently from Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi, arriving at the Lecco railway station in roughly 40 minutes. From the station, local public buses can transport you uphill toward nearby trailheads like Valbrona or Ortanella.
By Car:
From Milan, take the SS36 highway north directly into Lecco (approx. 50 minutes). If you are heading into the mountain valleys or the Curone park to forage, a car provides the maximum flexibility to reach remote trailheads. Ample parking structures are available in Lecco's city center.
By Bus:
The ASF Autolinee bus network operates lines connecting Lecco to the surrounding lakeside and mountain villages.
Below you'll find the location marked on Google Maps. Click on it to open the location directly on your device's maps.
Useful Contacts
- Lecco Tourist Information Office (Infopoint): +39 0341 295720 | [email protected]
What to Bring & Pro-Tips
- Thick leather gardening gloves are mandatory – the outer prickly husks of the chestnuts are incredibly sharp. You will also need a canvas or mesh bag (avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and make the chestnuts rot quickly) and sturdy hiking boots to safely navigate muddy or leaf-covered slopes.
- Remember that many chestnut groves in Lombardy are actually located on private agricultural property. To avoid hefty fines, look out for signs indicating proprietà privata and stick strictly to public parklands or book a guided tour where foraging permits are included.
The “Hidden Gem“
Before leaving the area, make the short, scenic drive or bus ride up to Consonno, located in the hills near Olginate just south of Lecco. Once a quiet medieval farming village, it was completely demolished in the 1960s by an eccentric businessman who attempted to rebuild it as the “Las Vegas of Italy“, complete with a spectacular minaret, shopping galleries, and a luxury hotel. Following a series of landslides, it was completely abandoned. Today, it stands as an eerie, fascinating ghost town wrapped in dense chestnut forests – an incredible, surreal playground for urban explorers and photographers.
