Dosso del Liro and Pian delle Castagne: nature and passage in Upper Lake
This guide is part of UTLAC's Area section and is intended for people arriving at Lake Como to race, accompany an athlete, or turn the event into an opportunity to discover the area with their family.
Dosso del Liro and the Pian delle Castagne area are perfect for portraying the mountains of Upper Lake without filters. Here the landscape becomes harsher, drier, and more vertical; the view opens up, but the setting remains deeply connected to village life and the rhythms of the Larian mountains.
It is a very worthwhile stop for those who want to understand why UTLAC is not just 'a race around the lake.' In these places, the more inland side of the area is clearly felt: chestnut groves, high-elevation hamlets, roads that climb, and a very direct relationship with the environment.
At a glance
| Location | Dosso del Liro – Pian delle Castagne |
| Area | Upper western lake |
| Access | Access by car to the indicated point |
| Type | Mountain village / passage / scenic area |
| Ideal for | Hikers, committed supporters, those seeking authenticity |
| Map | Open the location in Google Maps |
What to see and do
- the authentic character of the mountain village
- the proximity to scenic areas and high-elevation routes
- the quiet, little-touristed atmosphere, very consistent with the trail narrative
Trails, views, and nearby places
- combine the visit with Garzeno or other mountain villages in Upper Lake
- see Pian delle Castagne as a breathing point during a broader journey
- keep the area as a stop for those who love landscape photography
Local flavors
Here, the food is decidedly Alpine: polenta, braised beef, alpine cheeses, cured meats, honey, chestnuts, and mushrooms are the most natural references. On race days, it is best to choose simple places, with local cuisine and a more relaxed pace than on the lakeshore.
Art, culture, and local identity
Dosso del Liro has a strong local identity and retains the character of the small mountain villages on the lake's western side. The material culture here is that of mountain huts, chestnut groves, polenta, and mountain rhythms, rather than strolling tourism.
How to experience it during UTLAC
During UTLAC, this area is particularly interesting for those who want to see the passage in a rougher and less obvious setting. It requires a little more organization, but gives back a great deal in terms of atmosphere.
Where to stay nearby
For accommodation, it is advisable to check the Where to stay page and use a partner property as a base, keeping Dosso del Liro as a discovery stop.