A Unique Experience Between Mountain and History

If you’re staying at the Hotel Saligari, the perfect starting point to explore the Valchiavenna, you can’t miss the hike along the Strada dei Cavalli to the Crotti di Sceglio and the Pradel area. This route, lasting about 2 hours and 30 minutes, is suitable for families and animal lovers and will lead you through spectacular landscapes and historical remnants of a living mountain culture.

The Route: From Hotel Saligari to the Strada dei Cavalli

Starting from the Hotel Saligari, the journey begins with a gentle climb, followed by a right turn towards the Sentiero Storico dei Cavalli. After a brief descent of about 50 meters, the Strada dei Cavalli, clearly marked and with an easy surface, is accessed on the left. The trail runs at altitude, offering breathtaking views of the village of Verceia and Lake Mezzola.

Choosing the Path: Fontanin and Piena

After a bit of walking, you’ll reach the Fontanin spring, enclosed by stone walls and secured with a padlock. Here, you’ll encounter a fork in the trail: you can choose to ascend to the left along a steeper and more challenging path (not suitable for children) or continue straight to Piena, a stunning viewpoint offering panoramic views of Mount Berlinghera and the entire valley below.

At Piena, you can climb 62 steps to Ghiandone or continue on the trail until you reach the paved road that leads to Foppaccia.

Exploring Sceglio and its Crotti

Along the paved road, the view on the left reveals a spectacle of unspoiled nature. After about 500 meters, you’ll arrive at the small village of Sceglio, known for its mountain huts, sheep farms, and the well-maintained plots of land cultivated by local farmers.

Beyond the village, the path enters a shaded area dominated by ancient chestnut trees. Here, you’ll find the Crotti di Sceglio, ancient stone buildings leaning against each other. These crotti preserve Sorel, a crack in the rock from which air flows at a constant temperature (between 8 and 14 degrees), ideal for storing food and wine.

A brief pause at the fountain will allow you to refresh before continuing the ascent through four hairpin bends immersed in the tranquility of nature.

Arrival at Pradel: A Postcard-Perfect View

After about an hour of walking, you’ll reach the Pradel area, a charming plateau with monumental chestnut trees, a fresh little fountain, and ruined stone huts. The view that opens before your eyes is breathtaking: below you, the village of Sceglio, Verceia, Lake Mezzola, and Mount Berlinghera. In the background, you’ll see the Valchiavenna, the picturesque village of Dascio, swans, fishermen’s boats, and in the distance, Lake Como stretching towards Dongo.

Here, you can enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation before deciding whether to descend again towards Verceia or continue towards Foppaccia.

A Hike for Everyone

This walk is also perfect for families and those traveling with their dogs: there are sections where your four-legged friends can roam freely. Along the way, you’ll also find wooden sculptures, a detail that makes the experience even more enchanting.

Our dog Black loves this hike and the sense of freedom it offers in the safer stretches. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the mountain in complete harmony with nature!

Stay at Hotel Saligari and Discover the Valchiavenna

Hotel Saligari, located in Verceia, is the ideal starting point for those who love trekking, mountain biking, and outdoor activities. Nestled in the beauty of Valchiavenna, just a short distance from Lake Como and Valtellina, it offers a warm welcome and services dedicated to nature enthusiasts.

Book your stay and set off to discover the beautiful alpine trails! Happy hiking!