I was cycling on the cycle/pedestrian path of Lake Comabbio with a breathtaking walkway suspended over the water (and a Giant Bench)

I usually tell you about trips away from home, most often done in a camper. This time, however, I will take you a few kilometers from where I live to discover Lake Comabbio. In the heart of the province of Varese, it has a surface area of ​​just over 3 square kilometers and is nestled between Lake Varese and Lake Maggiore. But today I’m telling you about it because it houses one of the most pleasant cycle and pedestrian paths in Lombardy, perfect for those who want to spend a few hours immersed in nature among panoramic views and corners full of tranquility.

Where to start from

The complete tour extends for approximately 13 kilometers along a well-maintained cycle/pedestrian path that runs almost entirely along the shores of the lake. The sensation is that of pedaling in an environment far from traffic and city chaos, even if in reality you are just a short distance from the main centers of the Varese area.

We chose to travel it by bicycle starting from Varano Borghi, where, right in front of the Giant Bench, there is a small, very convenient free car park. Alternatively, many choose the Berrini Park in Ternate, which represents one of the main accesses to the route thanks to the presence of a paid parking area.

A simple route but with many ups and downs

The route is certainly suitable for everyone, even for those who are not particularly fit, but you shouldn’t make the mistake – and I’m talking especially to families – of considering it completely flat: during the journey you encounter several ups and downs and some short climbs which, although not challenging, can be a little steep and for this reason require a minimum of attention, especially for those using a city bike.

Nothing transcendental, but it’s good to know before leaving. It is precisely these continuous changes in slope that make the journey less monotonous and more fun than a simple, perfectly flat track. The surface alternates stretches of asphalt and others of compact gravel, always in excellent condition and easily passable with touring bicycles or mountain bikes.

The forest is your true ally on summer days

The track runs alongside the lake and passes near agricultural areas, offering continuously changing scenery and is cool even during the hottest days thanks to the presence of long stretches immersed in the woods with vegetation that accompanies much of the route creating a pleasant shade.

This characteristic distinguishes Lake Comabbio from many other cycle paths completely exposed to the sun. Between a tree-lined stretch and an open glimpse of the lake you will find numerous benches and small panoramic points that invite you to stop for a few minutes. The silence is broken only by the singing of birds and the sound of bicycles passing along the route.

The spectacular walkway suspended over the water

But going more into the specifics of the route, the true protagonist of the itinerary and of the entire Lake Comabbio is undoubtedly its suspended walkway. It is a long structure that runs parallel to the shore and allows you to walk or cycle practically above the water, giving a truly unique perspective on the lake.

It is the most photographed point of the entire cycle/pedestrian path and also the one that most invites you to stop when you get off your bike to admire the landscape. From here you can observe the water lilies, aquatic vegetation and the birds that populate the lake. The silence and the reflection of the water make this stretch one of the most evocative moments of the entire excursion.

Berrini Park where you can have a relaxing picnic

Among the other stops not to be missed is the aforementioned Berrini Park, located in Ternate, and it is much more than a simple green area. Directly overlooking the lake, it offers manicured lawns, centuries-old trees and spaces also dedicated to children with a large playground. In short, a perfect rest area for those who want to relax or have a picnic.

The Giant Bench and the giant swing overlooking the lake

First, however, I mentioned the famous Giant Bench which is part of the Big Bench project. It is located in Varano Borghi and its out-of-scale dimensions allow you to observe the landscape with a different gaze, giving one of the most characteristic photographs of the area. It is not just a curious attraction, but a real panoramic point that enhances the area. Of course, the usual photo in which we all look very small is inevitable.

But it’s not just the bench that’s giant, there’s also a splendid recently inaugurated swing that we find in the municipality of Mercallo. Swinging with a view overlooking the lake is ideal for treating yourself to a short relaxing break to recharge your batteries and, needless to say, taking a photo of yourself and feeling like children again.

A natural oasis also ideal for birdwatching

Lake Comabbio is also a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts thanks to the presence of large reed beds and wetlands that are home to a rich fauna. Here they can easily admire swans, coots, mallards, grebes, herons and, depending on the season, also numerous migratory species.

Let us remember that nature reigns supreme here and therefore it is not uncommon to encounter some tender wild animals, as happened to us, obviously to be observed from a safe distance. The entire lake also represents an environment of great naturalistic value, born from the action of the ancient glaciers that shaped the pre-Alpine territory. Cycling along this ring therefore means crossing a landscape that combines geological history, biodiversity and relaxation.

A simple trip but really worth the trip

Despite being a stone’s throw from home, Lake Comabbio manages to give the feeling of being far from the city. A small lake which, kilometer after kilometre, manages to surprise much more than its size. Finally, a small side note: from a cycle tourism point of view, the track is connected via a slip road to the Lake Varese cycle path, giving rise to a route of over 40 km, perfect for those who want to fully enjoy (my) province and the beauties it offers.

You might also be interested in: