Where can I rent an e-bike near Varenna Lake Como?

E-bike rental is available in Esino Lario, 30 minutes above Varenna by bus or trail. The 22km circuit starts and ends in the village center.

E-bike Lake Como — 22km Circuit from Esino Lario

Q: Is there a place to eat along the e-bike route?

Yes — at Alpe Cainallo (1400m), there is a mountain hut with food and drinks. In Esino Lario village you will also find options for a meal before or after your ride.

Valle Ontragno - e-bike route Esino Lario

Alpe di Esino - panoramic view over Lake Como

Esino Lario has just inaugurated a new 22km e-bike circuit at 914m above Lake Como — one of the most scenic cycling routes in the Italian Prealps. The circuit explores the high valley above Varenna, passing through chestnut forests, alpine meadows, and the Alpe Cainallo mountain resort (1,400m), with breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Como and the Grigna Settentrionale.

E-bike rental is available directly in the village at Ristoro Esino Lario — no need to transport your own bike. Just arrive by train or bus from Varenna and start pedaling. The circuit is suitable for anyone who can ride a bike: the electric assist makes the steep climb to Alpe Cainallo (+480m) manageable even for non-athletes.

How to get there from Lake Como: Take the train to Varenna-Esino-Perledo station, then the SP62 bus (30 min, runs in summer/weekends) to Esino Lario. Or hike up the historic mule tracks from Varenna (2h30') and return by e-bike.

Route map

🗺️

GPX track of the 22km circuit coming soon.
Interactive map (Leaflet/OpenStreetMap) or Google Maps embed will be added when available.

⬇ Download GPX

The route stage by stage

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Departure · Village center

Esino Lario → Hamlet of Ortanella

From the center of Esino Lario, follow the cycling path north, passing through the historic village with views over the local stone rooftops and bell tower. The first stretch is nearly flat — ideal for warming up and getting used to the electric assist.

5 km

distance

+80 m

elevation gain

35 min

e-bike time

Easy

of 4

Ascent · Forests and alpine pastures

Ortanella → Alpe Cainallo (1,400m)

The most demanding stretch: climb through beech and larch forests to Alpe Cainallo, a ski resort in winter and MTB park in summer. The electric assist makes the 480m elevation gain manageable. At the top: a mountain hut, 360° panoramic views over Lake Como and the Grigne peaks — on clear days you can see all the way to the Alps.

7 km

distance

+480 m

elevation gain

65 min

e-bike time

Challenging

of 4

Traverse · Panoramic lake views

Cainallo → Ridge Traverse → Hamlet of Conceno

The most scenic stretch: ride along the ridge with Lake Como always visible on your right and Grigna Settentrionale on your left. Mixed trail on footpath and gravel track, with a few short technical sections. The panorama over the Lecco arm of the lake is among the finest in Lombardy.

6 km

distance

-220 m

elevation loss

50 min

e-bike time

Moderate

of 4

Descent · Return to the village

Conceno → Esino Lario center

The final descent through chestnut groves and meadows leads back to the village. The stretch follows a forest road and then a paved cycling path. Relaxing and scenic, with views over Esino's bell tower and stone rooftops. You return to the starting point, completing the loop.

4 km

distance

-260 m

elevation loss

25 min

e-bike time

Easy

Variants & combinations

🥾

Combo hiking + e-bike

Hike up, ride down

Hike to Cainallo on foot (2h30' from Esino) and descend by e-bike. The most satisfying way to enjoy the route without tackling the hard climb on two wheels.

↕ 480m elevation⏱ 4h total

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Advanced MTB

Technical circuit at Cainallo

Alpe Cainallo has dedicated MTB trails with technical descents and singletrack. For those who want more thrills after the panoramic climb.

↕ 700m+ elevation⏱ 5h total

🚂

Train from Varenna + e-bike

Arrive by train, ride the circuit

Train from Milan Centrale or Como to Varenna-Esino station (1h20'), then SP62 bus to Esino Lario (30 min). Rent an e-bike in the village and off you go.

🚂 Milan → 1h20'🚌 Varenna → 30'

👨‍👩‍👧

Family-friendly

Short loop: Esino – Ortanella

For families with children: stages 1 + return only. 10km of nearly flat terrain through meadows and forests, skipping the Cainallo climb. Great for a relaxed ride.

↕ 160m elevation⏱ 1.5h total

Plan your visit

E-bike Rental in Esino Lario

E-bikes are available for rental directly in the village — no need to bring your own. Booking is recommended for peak-season weekends (June–September).

Availability

Friday, Saturday, Sunday + public holidays

Season

April – October

Contact

+39 335 292220

Pick-up point

Ristoro Esino Lario, Via Bigallo 2 — village center

💡 Tip: Book by phone at least 2–3 days in advance on July and August weekends. For groups, contact early to check availability of multiple bikes.

📞 Book now

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know

Can I do the e-bike circuit from Varenna?

Yes! Take the SP62 bus from Varenna train station (30 min, €2.50) to Esino Lario. Rent an e-bike in the village and start your ride. The full 22km circuit takes 3–4 hours on e-bike. You can catch the return bus back down to Varenna after your ride.

Do I need to be fit to ride the e-bike circuit?

No. The electric assist makes the circuit accessible to anyone who can ride a bike. The climb to Alpe Cainallo (+480m) is the only demanding section, but with maximum electric assist it is manageable even for beginners. Recommended: some prior experience riding on gravel tracks.

Is there a place to eat along the e-bike route?

Yes — at Alpe Cainallo (1,400m), there is a mountain hut (rifugio) with food and drinks. In Esino Lario village you will also find options for a meal before or after your ride. The circuit ends back in the village center.

Can the circuit be done on a regular MTB (without motor)?

Yes, but the climb to Cainallo requires a good fitness level. Fit cyclists can complete the circuit in 2–2.5h by MTB. The descent from Cainallo also has technical sections suited to trail riders.

What is the best season for the e-bike circuit?

April to October. May, June and September are ideal: cool temperatures at altitude, green meadows, fewer crowds than July/August. Autumn (September/October) is spectacular for the forest colors. In winter the route may be snow-covered above 1,000m.

What should I bring?

Helmet (mandatory, often provided with rental), water (at least 1.5L — the climb is sun-exposed), energy snacks, sun cream. Comfortable shoes with a stiff sole. In spring/autumn: a windproof jacket for the descent from Cainallo (temperature drops significantly at altitude).

E-bike above Lake Como

The route stage by stage

Variants & combinations

E-bike Rental in Esino Lario

Everything you need to know

More things to do

E-bike
above Lake Como