The Corni di Canzo are a beautiful mountain area in the Lombardy Prealps, not far from Milan, known for their three iconic rocky peaks and peaceful forests. During the hike, you will walk through scenic woodland trails, enjoying nature, fresh air, and panoramic views. It’s a relaxed outdoor experience with time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the calm surroundings.

Lombardy is a region in northern Italy known for its mix of vibrant cities, lakes, mountains, and countryside. It offers a wide variety of landscapes, from the busy streets of Milan to the peaceful Alpine foothills and natural parks, making it a diverse and beautiful area to explore.

The Sentiero dello Spirito del Bosco is a charming forest trail in the Corni di Canzo area, known for its peaceful atmosphere and the wooden sculptures hidden along the path. It’s an easy and scenic walk through the woods, where nature and art come together, giving the hike a playful and almost magical feeling.

Canzo is a small, typical Lombard town surrounded by forests and mountains, at the foot of the Corni di Canzo (Horns of Canzo). We’ll begin our hike here and return later to catch the train. We’ll also have time for a gelato in town.

The experience begins at Piazzale Luigi Cadorna in Milan, where the group will meet the accompanying host under the iconic “Needle, Thread and Knot” sculpture. From here, we will head together to Cadorna railway station and take the train towards Canzo. The train journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and runs regularly, with departures about twice per hour, making it a smooth and flexible connection out of the city and into the mountains.

Via Gajum, is the main access point to the Corni di Canzo trails, located just above the town of Canzo in Lombardy. Starting from the historic Gajum spring, the path quickly leads into a peaceful forest setting with clear mountain air and shaded woodland trails. From here, well marked routes lead hikers toward destinations such as Terz’Alpe and the surrounding alpine area, making it one of the most popular starting points for easy to moderate hikes in the region.

The Sentiero Geologico in Canzo is a short and educational trail that showcases the area’s unique rock formations and geological features. Along the path, you can observe different types of stones, layers, and natural formations shaped over time, offering a simple introduction to the local geology.

The hike’s main destination is Rifugio Terz’Alpe, situated in the heart of the Corni di Canzo forest at approximately 800 metres above sea level. This is a relaxed guided experience through shaded woodland trails surrounded by nature and fresh mountain air. Terz’Alpe is set between forest and meadows offering a peaceful alpine setting where local farm animals can often be seen grazing nearby. The hike takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours covering 4–5 km (3 miles) with moderate elevation gain. The route is suitable for beginners with well-marked forest paths and natural spring water along the way. At the rifugio guests will enjoy a packed lunch. Upon request, lunch can also be arranged at the local farm (fattoria) or rifugio restaurant subject to availability. After lunch there is time to relax and enjoy light nature-based games in the surrounding meadows. Public toiletries are available.