Varese: enchanting autumn excursions

Autumn often reserves beautiful days with clear skies, crisp air and temperatures that are not too cold. In short, ideal for walking in the Varese area. So, if you are wondering what to do in autumn in the Lake Varese area outdoors, know that there are plenty of opportunities, with routes, trails, parks. Spending a day immersed in nature is an absolute must. Let's look at some tips for organising activities in the green in Varese in autumn.

At this time of year, nature is tinged with typical autumn colours. As happens almost everywhere in our beautiful country, in Varese in autumn the landscape turns yellow, ochre, then red. If the idea is to walk in the Varese area, a trip to the Campo dei Fiori Park, historically recognised as the 'mountain of the Varese people', is absolutely recommended. Over 6,000 hectares of land, many nature reserves within it, and a unique variety of vegetation. Also near Varese are two other parks that make for a beautiful day's walking: the Parco del Ticino, with almost 800 kilometres of trails, and the RTO park at the foot of the Varese foothills of the Alps. These parks create a map of Varese trails to be discovered, an extensive and varied network for all ages and difficulties.

There are places that are worth seeing, and if they are reached by a nice walk in the green even better. This is the case of the Sacro Monte of Varese, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, a scenic route through 14 chapels built in the 17th century, ending with a magnificent sanctuary in the centre of a hamlet. The route is about 2 kilometres long on a cobbled path, with an altitude difference of almost 1,000 metres. An easy but steep walk.

Starting from the Sacro Monte di Varese, it is possible to continue a slightly longer hike that leads through sensational views. From the village you continue into the Campo dei Fiori Park, and in about two hours' walk you arrive at Forte Orino, a military building from the Second World War, where you can enjoy a sweeping view of Lake Varese and the other lakes in the area. Although longer, this walk is also within everyone's reach.

For those who are thinking about what to do in autumn and are considering a hike in the Lake Varese area, there is an opportunity that can take several days. This is the Via Verde Varesina, which was created in the early 1980s to connect the mountains of the Varese province to the European E1 trail from northern Europe. The Via Verde Varesina comprises an itinerary of almost 200 kilometres, divided into 10 stages and several variants from which you can choose.

Testifying to the variety of scenery and places to visit that Varese autumn hosts, another naturalistic area that should not be missed is the Palude Brabbia, the largest in Lombardy. It is a true paradise for walkers but also for birdwatchers and photographers. The marsh is of glacial origin and has been an exploited peat bog since the mid-19th century. Excavation activity created stretches of water and canals that still characterise the geography of this magical place. Today it is a nature reserve with hundreds of species of fauna.

Among other routes for a walk around Lake Varese, a trip to the Piana di Vegonno is also a good choice. It is an easy walk through the woods leading to an enchanted oasis. Another attractive place is the Centro Parco Ex Dogana Austroungarica, a former customs house, as its name suggests. Several hiking routes depart from here, for example, towards the Villoresi Canal, the Industrial Canal, the Naviglio Grande and the Ticino.