There is a corner of Lombardy where nature, history and adventure intertwine in a few kilometers of path. It is located close to the border with Switzerland, within the Spina Verde Regional Park, a protected area that embraces the hills west of Como and preserves some of the most surprising landscapes of the Como area. Here, less than an hour from Milan, there is a circular itinerary that in recent years has won over hikers, families and trekking enthusiasts thanks to a rare mix of elements: a spectacular staircase of almost 900 stone steps, a Tibetan bridge suspended in the woods and military evidence of the First World War.
It is a route that allows you to live a true mountain experience without straying too far from the city. An ideal destination for a day trip, capable of offering views of Lake Como, evocative crossings and a journey into the historical memory of a border that has had a strategic role for centuries.
The Stairway to Paradise
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The best-known attraction of the itinerary is undoubtedly the so-called Staircase of Paradise, a long succession of stone steps that climbs along the wooded slope of the hill. The name, evocative and almost mystical, well describes the sensation that accompanies the ascent: a challenging climb but immersed in a natural environment that repays the effort step by step.
The staircase was built for practical reasons and control of the territory. In the past, in fact, these mountains represented one of the main routes for smuggling between Italy and Switzerland. Border guards and Guardia di Finanza men used these connections to monitor movements along the border and combat illegal trafficking of goods.
Today that route, created for surveillance needs, has become one of the most fascinating excursions in the Como area. The climb takes place almost entirely in the shade of the forest, a feature that makes it pleasant even during the hottest months. Among chestnut trees, locust trees and oak trees, the path opens up at times to glimpses that allow you to observe Lake Como and the surrounding mountains from above.
The constant presence of vegetation creates a particular atmosphere, far from traffic and urban noise. It is precisely this contrast between the proximity to large inhabited areas and the feeling of isolation that makes the experience special.
A Tibetan bridge in the heart of the woods
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Once the most challenging part of the climb has been overcome, the route continues crossing one of the most surprising elements of the itinerary: a Tibetan bridge suspended above a small natural gorge.
While not a particularly long or extreme structure, the passage offers an unusual perspective on the surrounding landscape. Walking on the suspended planks, surrounded by the trees and the silence of the forest, adds an adventurous component that contributes to the charm of the excursion.
The bridge is built safely and can be crossed without particular difficulty by most hikers. For children it often represents one of the most exciting moments of the day, while for adults it is an opportunity to observe the wildest part of the Spina Verde Park from a different point of view.
This infrastructure, inserted in a well-preserved natural context, also demonstrates the growing interest in slow and sustainable forms of tourism, capable of enhancing the territory without altering its environmental balance.
The traces of the Great War along the Cadorna Line
If nature is the protagonist of the route, history is no different. In fact, along the way numerous testimonies emerge of the so-called Cadorna Line, the defensive system built between 1915 and 1918 along the northern Italian border.
Contrary to what many people think, these fortifications were never used in combat. They were built to face the possibility of an Austro-Hungarian invasion through Swiss territory, a scenario that never occurred but which pushed the Kingdom of Italy to build a vast network of military works.
In the Spina Verde Park, trenches, walkways, observation posts and small forts are still visible. Some sections can be explored on foot and allow you to understand the difficulties faced by the soldiers tasked with guarding these mountains over a century ago.
Entering these structures means immersing yourself in a different dimension, made of stone, silence and memory. For those who love history they represent an important added value, capable of transforming a simple excursion into a journey through the past.
A protected area that preserves biodiversity and landscapes
The Spina Verde Regional Park is not just a hiking destination. Established to protect an area of high naturalistic value, it represents one of the main green lungs of the Como area.
The area is home to numerous animal and plant species, including birds of prey, small mammals and a rich variety of flora typical of the pre-Alpine hills. The presence of extensive forests also contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and plays a fundamental role in climate mitigation and soil protection.
Walking along the route, different environments alternate: wooded areas, panoramic clearings and stretches characterized by rocky outcrops. This variety makes the excursion particularly interesting from a naturalistic point of view and offers different scenarios in every season.
In spring the forest is filled with colors and blooms, while in autumn the foliage transforms the landscape into a palette of red, yellow and orange shades. It is precisely these periods that are considered the best to visit the area.
Useful information for organizing the trip
The circular itinerary measures approximately 4.8 kilometers and requires on average between two and two and a half hours of walking, including stops. Although it is classified as a hiking trail, it does not have technically difficult or particularly exposed passages.
The main critical point is represented by the long initial staircase, which requires a minimum of training and can be challenging for those suffering from knee problems. To tackle the route safely it is advisable to wear trekking boots with a good non-slip sole and bring enough water with you.
One of the most used access points is located in the Ponte Chiasso area, but it is also possible to start from the Colverde area, where parking and easy connections with the path are available.
The combination of accessibility, historical value and scenic beauty makes this itinerary one of the most interesting excursions in the Lombardy region. A place that demonstrates how, even a few kilometers from a large metropolis like Milan, there are still routes capable of surprising and telling stories of borders, nature and memory. A small journey which, step by step, truly leads to what many hikers continue to call their paradise.
