Practical guide

Is Lake Como accessible?

Which parts of the lake are accessible and which are not.

Illustration

The short answer

Partly. The waterfronts of Como, Menaggio, Lecco and Cernobbio are level and passable; the Villa Melzi gardens and the Villa Olmo park have level routes. The historic villages — Bellagio, Varenna, Nesso — are made of staircases and remain largely inaccessible.

In short

Level waterfronts: Como, Cernobbio, Menaggio, Lecco, Colico, Domaso.
Gardens with level routes: Villa Melzi in Bellagio, the Villa Olmo park in Como.
Boats and ferries: boarding is possible at many stops but not all; contact the operator first.
Trains: the main stations are equipped, the smaller ones not always.
Avoid: the stepped lanes of Bellagio and Varenna, the Nesso gorge, Castello di Vezio, the Sacro Monte.

A pre-Alpine lake with medieval villages built on steep slopes cannot be fully accessible, but many places are: the town lakefronts, some gardens, many boat landings.

Before any visit it is still best to check with the venue.

The level routes

The waterfronts of the larger towns are level, wide and in good condition: Como from Piazza Cavour to Villa Olmo is nearly two continuous, flat kilometres.

The Villa Melzi gardens in Bellagio can be walked almost entirely on the level at the water's edge, and they are the great exception among the lake's historic gardens, which are nearly all terraced.

The stepped villages

The lake's historic villages were built on steep slopes, and their streets are cobbled staircases. Bellagio, Varenna, Nesso, Torno and the upper hamlets are largely impassable in a wheelchair and hard with a pushchair.

The historic gardens are also nearly all built on seventeenth-century terraces linked by steps. Villa Carlotta has a lift for the museum, lifts in the garden and accessible toilets; at Villa del Balbianello the villa and park are only partly accessible, and with notice to the staff you can drive up to the ticket office at the park's road entrance.

Frequently asked

Can you board a boat in a wheelchair?

At several piers, yes, but it depends on the vessel and the landing stage. Navigazione Laghi publishes accessibility information and should be contacted in advance.