Grigna Settentrionale — known locally as the Grignone — is the highest and most imposing peak in the Lombardy Prealps above Lake Como. At 2,409 metres, it dominates the landscape from Alpe Cainallo to Pizzo d'Erna, visible from the entire lake and much of the Po Valley. This is not a tourist summit: it is genuine pre-Alpine mountaineering, with limestone walls, scree gullies and exposed ridges.
The most convenient base is Esino Lario (914m a.s.l.), 30 minutes by bus from Varenna. From here trail CAI 25 climbs to Rifugio Bietti (1470m) and then to the summit in another 2h30'. The route is rated EE (Experienced Hikers) — not suitable for those without mountain experience or good physical fitness.
⚠️ Caution — not a hike for everyone
Grigna Settentrionale is rated EE. It requires good physical fitness, mountain experience, technical clothing and high hiking boots. Not suitable for young children, unfit persons or in fog/thunderstorm conditions. Always check weather and snow conditions before setting out.
Route map
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Interactive map and GPX track coming soon.
CAI trail overlay on Leaflet/OpenStreetMap.
⬇ Download GPX track
Normal route from Esino Lario
Start · Village centre
Esino Lario — Via Roma
From Esino Lario centre, take trail CAI 25 heading north. Signs point to "Rifugio Bietti" and "Grigna Settentrionale". The first 500m follow a secondary road, then the forest path begins. Bus SP62 stop 100m from the trailhead.
E — Easy
ℹ️ Start by 7:00–8:00 in summer. The summit can be in thunderstorm in the afternoon (frequent phenomenon in the Prealps).
Stage 1 · Mountain Hut
Rifugio Bietti-Buzzi
The first major objective: Rifugio Bietti-Buzzi at 1470m. Reached from Esino in 1h30' through beech and larch forests, with progressively opening landscape. The hut is staffed and serves meals, drinks and dormitory beds. Stop here, check the weather and decide whether to continue.
E — Easy/Moderate
☕ The hut serves breakfast and lunch. Open June to September (verify exact dates each year).
Stage 2 · Critical altitude
Bocchetta di Prada — Grigna Threshold
From Rifugio Bietti, climb to Bocchetta di Prada, a 1950m pass marking the boundary between the lower grassy slopes and the upper rocky zone. The trail becomes steeper and more exposed, with sections over scree where hands may be useful. The panorama begins to be extraordinary: Lake Como to the right, the Alps to the north.
EE — Demanding
⚠️ Exposed sections. In fog or wet ground the risk of slipping increases. If the weather worsens, descend to the hut.
Summit · Grignone
Grigna Settentrionale Summit
The final stretch to the summit cross is on a limestone ridge with some grade I/II passages. At the top: 360° panorama over Lake Como (the entire Lecco branch), the Orobie Alps, the Lombard Alps, Monte Rosa (on clear days), and the Po Valley stretching to Milan. One of the most complete views in all of Lombardy. Time at the summit: 20–30 min, then begin descending immediately if you see storm clouds.
EEA — Equipped (some sections)
🏆 Total ascent from Esino: ~7km, +1,495m, about 4 hours. Descent: ~2h 45' by the same route.
Rifugio Bietti-Buzzi (1470m)
Rifugio Monza-Bogani (1816m)
Rifugio Brioschi (2410m, summit)
Mountain Huts at altitude
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1470m · On the route
Rifugio Bietti-Buzzi
The main mountain hut on the route from Esino to Grigna. Managed by the CAI, it serves hot meals, drinks and dormitory beds. A mandatory rest stop before the summit ascent. Excellent mountain cuisine.
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2410m · Summit
Rifugio Brioschi (summit)
The mountain hut on the very summit of Grigna Settentrionale at 2410m — one of the few high-altitude huts in Lombardy. Also reachable from the Pasturo side (Valsassina). Breathtaking views. Overnight stay at altitude for those who want to watch the sunrise from the summit.
Geological curiosity
The Grigna Caves
The Grigna massif is not only surface: beneath your feet lies one of the most extensive and complex karst systems in the Lombardy Prealps.
The mapped cavities number around 1,100, with a total development exceeding 82 km of explored passages and shafts — some of the deepest caves in Europe open up in these limestone rocks.
The Triassic limestone (Esino Limestone, 240 million years old) is the dominant rock: permeable to water, it has dissolved over the centuries forming underground labyrinths, vertical abysses and chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
Among the most famous cavities: the Bus de la Volp and the Abisso Grigna, frequented by cavers from across northern Italy.
The Esino Lario Cave Group (CAI) has been exploring and mapping this hidden world since the 1970s.
The caves are not open for independent visits without speleological equipment and guide — but their story is told at the Museo delle Grigne, which holds minerals, rock samples and reconstructions of the karst systems.
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Warning: access to the caves requires speleological equipment and an expert guide. Do not venture into cavities without adequate preparation.
For guided outings contact
CAI Monza or the local section.
Grigna Settentrionale Regional Park
Flora & Fauna of the Grigne
Alpine Chamois
Campanula raineri (endemic)
Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
🦅 Birds
The Park hosts almost 100 bird species in winter months, some rare and protected at European level. The Hen Harrier frequents sunny pastures in winter; the Peregrine Falcon and Eagle Owl nest in the rocky walls descending toward Lake Como. The largest raptor is the Golden Eagle, whose main prey is the marmot. The Common Buzzard is common on Grigna Settentrionale.
🦎 Reptiles & Amphibians
Wetland habitats are limited by karstification, but alpine ponds host the Italian Crested Newt. Reptiles include: Common Wall Lizard, Western Green Lizard, Balkan Whip Snake. The Common Viper is quite rare.
🦌 Mammals
Large ungulates are the most spectacular presence: Red Deer, Roe Deer and Alpine Chamois inhabit the Grigna slopes. Predators include: Badger, Weasel, Stone Marten. The Squirrel is common in the woods. The Golden Eagle hunts mainly Marmots in the high-altitude meadows.
🌿 Vegetation
From chestnut and beech woods on the lower slopes to alpine meadows and bare rock at the summit. Campanula raineri is the most iconic endemic: it grows only on the limestone rocks of the Grigne and a few other pre-Alpine Lombard massifs.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
How hard is the Grigna Settentrionale hike?
The hike is rated EE (Experienced Hikers). It's physically demanding (+1,495m from Esino) and includes some exposed rocky sections near the summit. Good mountain fitness, proper hiking boots (ankle support), and experience with steep terrain are required. Not suitable for casual hikers, children under 12, or people without prior mountain experience. Allow a full day.
Can I do the Grigna Settentrionale as a day trip from Milan?
Yes, but it's a long day. Train from Milan Centrale to Varenna (~1h20'), bus SP62 to Esino (~30 min), ascent (~4h), descent (~2h45'), bus to Varenna, train to Milan. Total: 10–11 hours. Recommended to take the first available train (around 6:30–7:00 from Milan) to be at the summit by 13:00 and avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
Do I need a guide to climb Grigna Settentrionale?
For the normal route (CAI 25) it is not mandatory but is recommended for those without altitude experience. For via ferrata routes and mountaineering lines on the north face, a guide is strongly recommended. Mountain guides in Esino Lario and the surrounding area are available by appointment.
What is the best season to climb the Grigna?
From June to October. July and August are the busiest months but carry the highest risk of afternoon thunderstorms. September is often the best month: more stable weather, fewer crowds, excellent visibility. In spring (May) snow may still be present above 2000m. In winter, mountaineering equipment is required.
What is the view like from the top of Grigna Settentrionale?
On a clear day, the summit view is spectacular: the entire eastern branch of Lake Como directly below, Lecco and the Adda valley, the full sweep of the Alps from Monte Rosa to the Adamello, the Orobie Alps, and the Po Valley stretching south. It's considered one of the finest panoramas in all of northern Italy. Sunrise from the summit (with overnight at Rifugio Brioschi) is an unforgettable experience.
