Rifugio Martina: a panoramic balcony above the 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 as a family.
Rifugio Martina is one of the finest stops for those who want to see Lake Como from above, with a rare balance of hiking accessibility and panoramic appeal. Its setting is the classic one of the Triangolo Lariano: woods, ridges, a mountain hut, mountain air, and sudden openings onto the lake and the neighboring slopes.
For UTLAC, it is a very powerful place because it perfectly conveys the spirit of the race: movement, landscape, and depth of place. It is the kind of place that is not only for ‘watching,’ but for truly experiencing the event.
At a glance
| Location | Rifugio Martina |
| Area | Triangolo Lariano ridge |
| Access | Access on foot |
| Type | Mountain hut / scenic viewpoint |
| Ideal for | Hikers, trail lovers, photographers |
| Map | Open the location in Google Maps |
What to see and do
- a large scenic balcony over Lake Como
- a hiking setting very much in keeping with the trail audience
- proximity to a network of trails that is interesting for those extending their stay
Trails, views, and nearby places
- combine Martina with Colma di Sormano or Civenna
- consider the routes along the Triangolo Lariano ridge
- use the stop as a day devoted to walking + race watching
Local flavors
Here, the culinary side is decidedly Alpine: polenta, braised meat, mountain 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
The culture of the Lake Como mountain huts is strongly expressed through places like this: places of support, meeting places, and true terraces overlooking the landscape. They are central elements in shaping Lake Como’s outdoor identity.
How to experience it during UTLAC
It is recommended for those who enjoy walking and want direct contact with the environment of the route. Less immediate than a lakeside destination, but immensely stronger in terms of experience.
Where to stay nearby
For accommodation, it is best to use bases in the valley or the Where to stay page, paying particular attention to the partner accommodations in the Triangolo Lariano and the Lecco branch of the lake according to your plans.