Visiting Orrido di Bellano: Discover Lake Como’s Hidden Gorge
If you are considering visiting the Orrido di Bellano in Lake Como, you have come to the right place! Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Lake Como is just pretty villas, cute towns, and George Clooney sipping on an espresso on the balcony of his private villa thinking about how wonderful the sun feels on his face“… No, it’s not all about that!
Lake Como has some gorgeous natural wonders to explore, one of which is the Orrido di Bellano. It’s a breathtaking gorge that was carved out by the elements some 15 million years ago (no big deal)! This is one of Lake Como’s most unique attractions with roaring waterfalls, towering rock walls, and wooden walkways weaving over the rushing waters of the Pioverna River.
Visiting Orrido di Bellano: Discover Lake Como’s Hidden Gorge
Orrido di Bellano is the perfect place to take a break from the crowded hotspots like Bellagio and Varenna, especially if you enjoy nature, waterfalls, and photography! I will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting the Orrido di Bellano—how to get there, the best time to visit, ticket prices, and what to expect—so you can make the most of your trip to this gorgeous natural wonder in Lake Como.
What to Expect When You Visit Orrido di Bellano
Orrido means a gorge or ravine in Italian, the direct Italian translation is “horrid”, but this is far from the direct translation! The Orrido di Bellano is stunning. As soon as you enter the gorge, you get that jaw-dropping moment.
You will walk along the winding wooden walkway through the gorge. The sound of the waterfalls echoing against the towering rock walls is like thunder constantly rumbling in a storm.
Continue navigating the walkway and the gorge will open up to the most impressive waterfall of the gorge.
There are quite a few steps throughout the walk, so if you have issues with steps, this might not be the attraction for you. The steps are spread out throughout the walkway and you can take as long as you like to navigate them, if that helps.
Cà del Diavol (House of the Devil)
After you enter the Orrido di Bellano, the Cà del Diavol is the medieval tower directly in front of you. The tower can be combined with your entrance ticket and is a small interactive museum that immerses you in the history of Bellano. There’s even a VR experience featuring the gorge!
The tower is named the “House of the Devil” because of the frescoes depicting the devil on the upper level of the tower.
The Winding Walkways
The walkways are sturdy and well-maintained, but if you’re afraid of heights, you might find a few spots a little nerve-wracking! Especially if you are afraid of heights. The walkways hang directly over the deep gorge, and looking over the edge can make your stomach turn.
Don’t worry, though—there are handrails along the entire route, and it’s completely safe for visitors of all ages.
It’s a one-way system once you enter the gorge, so you don’t have to worry about people trying to push past you in the opposite direction.
The walkway takes you directly through the center of the gorge with the rapids and waterfalls rushing below you. I thought it was such a wonderful experience and tourists of all ages will enjoy this!
How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Orrido di Bellano?
- The gorge walk takes about 20-25 minutes if you stroll around at a leisurely pace, or an hour if you are like me and want to take photos of EVERYTHING!
- It will take about 45 minutes to explore the Cà del Diavol, which is optional if you are pressed for time!
- Set aside extra time so you can walk around Bellano and enjoy a lunch at one of the many restaurants.
Where Does All the Water Go?
In the early 1900s, engineers saw the gorge’s powerful river and waterfalls as a perfect opportunity to generate electricity.
They redirected part of the river’s flow through a large pipeline (which you will notice as you are entering the gorge), channeling the water into a hydroelectric plant further downstream.
This system continues to provide renewable energy to the region today, making Orrido di Bellano not just a natural wonder but also a source of sustainable power.
How to Get to Orrido di Bellano in Lake Como
It is super easy to get to the Orrido di Bellano, whether you are already exploring Lake Como and arriving by ferry, or taking a day trip to Lake Como from Milan. No matter how you decide to get here, it will be a scenic journey!
Bellano itself is a wonderful little town with narrow streets and lake-view restaurants—it’s a great area to spend the day! So when you are finished with the Orrido di Bellano, you can grab some lunch in town!
I do have a small disclaimer for visiting Orrido di Bellano, there are steep steps on the way to the entrance, so if you have trouble walking, unfortunately this attraction isn’t for you.
By Train: The Fastest and Easiest Option
One of the best things about Bellano is that it has its own train station (Bellano-Tartavalle Terme) so if you are staying along the train line, it’s super easy to get.
Also, if you can make it to Varenna, which has a few more options when it comes to the ferry schedule, then you can take the train to Bellano.
- From Milan: Hop on a direct train from Milano Centrale to Bellano (about 1 hour and 15 minutes).
- From Varenna: A quick 5-minute train ride gets you there in no time.
- From Lecco: Takes around 30 minutes.
Once you arrive at Bellano station, it’s just a 5 to 10 minute walk to the entrance of Orrido di Bellano.
By Boat: The Scenic Route to Orrido di Bellano
If you are staying around the lake, sometimes the easiest way to get to Bellano is by boat, especially if you are on the opposite side of the lake!
- The Lake Como ferry system connects Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio with Bellano.
- The ferry ride from Varenna to Bellano takes just 15 minutes and offers stunning lake views along the way.
- Visit the Navigazione Laghi Official Site to plan your ferry route!
Once you dock, it’s about a 10 minute walk to the entrance of Orrido di Bellano.
By Car: Take on the Winding Roads of Lake Como
I don’t recommend renting a car in Lake Como, I think it’s easier to use other transportation options, but if you rented a car and want to drive to Orrido di Bellano, it’s hassle-free.
- From Milan: A little over an hour to drive from Milan to Bellano, taking the SS36.
- From Varenna: It only takes about 10 minutes and it’s an easy drive.
- Around the Lake: Hop on the car ferry at Bellagio or Cadenabbia and take it to Varenna.
There are plenty of car parks dotted around Bellano. The easiest one is by the waterfront, but if you are there early enough, you should have your pick of parking spots!
Best Time to Visit Orrido di Bellano
Timing is everything when it comes to visiting the Orrido di Bellano, whether you are looking for the best light or fewer crowds, choosing the right season can totally transform your experience.
Spring: If you love lush greenery, mild weather, and powerful waterfalls, then the spring is for you! The freshly melted ice from the mountains fuels the Pioverna River, making it stronger than it will be all year, the surrounding foliage is also lush and fresh, giving it a more magical feeling, and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer.
Summer: The best part about the summer is the longer hours… making it easier to visit in the morning or late afternoon. Of course, if you are running around exploring in the summer sun, it’s going to get hot, with the gorge being naturally shaded, it’s great to take a break and cool off from the midday sun.
Autumn: Who doesn’t love fall foliage? No one! The gorge looks amazing during the autumn and the days are cooler. The weather can be unpredictable at times, but the risk is worth it for fewer crowds.
Winter: The Orrido di Bellano is open all year round, so you can enjoy a brisk winter walk through the gorge. The waterfalls tend to be less powerful and the weather is chilly, but you’ll still have a great experience!
So, When’s the Absolute Best Time to Visit?
- Spring (April-May) or early Autumn (September-October) for a good balance of strong waterfalls, lush foliage, and fewer crowds.
- Morning or late afternoons for quiet moments and great photos
- Summer midday visits if you want to feel the cool mist and enjoy the shade from the hot sun, but it will be busier!
No matter when you visit, Orrido di Bellano is breathtaking and you’re going to have an amazing time! Just remember to wear comfy shoes and bring your camera!
Tips for Visiting
- While it’s not necessary, you can pre-book your tickets (I recommend pre-booking in the summer months)
- Wear comfortable shoes because there are quite a few steps
- Avoid bringing bulky bags since the walkways are narrow and parts of the rock face make the path a little tight in places
- If there has been heavy rain, the waterfalls are most likely more powerful, so work around the weather as best you can
- Plan your day! Make sure you don’t skip out on walking around Bellano, leave yourself enough time to explore the town
Is the Orrido di Bellano worth it?
One word answer: ABSOLUTELY! If you love the outdoors and want a change of scenery from all the villas and the overcrowded hotspots, this gorge is for you! Orrido di Bellano is a must-visit for your Lake Como itinerary! It’s affordable, easy to reach, fun for everyone, and gives you a completely different perspective of Lake Como!
Are you planning your next trip to Lake Como? Are you thinking about visiting Orrido di Bellano? Let me know in the comments below! I love hearing from you!
Read more about Lake Como and Italy:
- First Timers Guide to Lake Como
- Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan
- Visitors Guide: Villa Carlotta
- The Perfect Day in Portofino
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