Mountain Bike Tour Spina Verde: 30 km Lake Como & Swiss Border

World War 1 trench lines sit halfway up the climb, a stop most cyclists don't expect on a lake-view ride.

A mountain bike tour from Como city into Spina Verde natural park and across the Swiss border, covering 30 km with 800 m of elevation gain over roughly 3.5 hours of riding. You climb from Como to a panoramic balcony overlooking the lake, walk through restored World War 1 trenches, cross into Switzerland at a second viewpoint, then descend through Merlot vineyards and return flat along the lakeshore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mountain bike tour in Spina Verde park

• Start in Como city
• Climb to panoramic balcony
• Visit World War 1 trench lines
• Ride trails in chestnut woods
• Cross border into Switzerland
• Reach second panoramic point
• Descend to Switzerland's southernmost point
• Ride through Merlot vineyards
• Return flat route with lake views

The experience

The route starts in Como city and immediately leaves traffic behind, climbing into chestnut woods toward the first panoramic point in Spina Verde park. From there the lake and the city spread out below, and the itinerary turns toward the historical site: restored trench lines from World War 1 where you stop to walk and take in the scale of the terrain. After more singletrack through the forest, you cross the border into Switzerland and reach a second overlook before the descent begins.

The second half of the ride drops toward Switzerland's southernmost point, then winds through Merlot vineyards on the way back. The final stretch flattens out with lake views as you return to the starting point. The whole loop is 30 km with 800 m of climbing, and the riding time is roughly 3.5 hours. You'll need a mountain bike (rental is available as an add-on option) and a valid passport for the Swiss crossing. The tour runs in all weather, so dress for conditions. In extreme weather it may be rescheduled or fully refunded.

A professional guide leads the ride in English, Spanish, Italian or French. Riders must be at least 14 years old (under 18 requires an adult), in good cardiovascular health, and comfortable with sustained climbing and technical descents. The tour operates year-round and public transport options are nearby if you need to reach the starting point in Como city.

What’s included

• Professional guide.
• bike rental (if selected at checkout).
• local taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Cycling Tour OnlyGuide in 4 languages · 10:00

Cycling tour with bike rental includedGuide in 4 languages · 10:00A top-range carbon fibre mountain bike or an E-MTB rental is included. Please tell us your height(s) so we can match the bike size.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Physically demandingPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Como Bike Tours

Is this one for you?This ride suits experienced cyclists comfortable with sustained climbing and technical descents, and it requires a high level of fitness because the 800 m elevation gain comes in the first half before the panoramic stops. If you want to cross a border and see historical sites without leaving the bike behind, the Swiss crossing and the World War 1 trenches make this loop different from lake-view rides that stay on one side.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the elevation gain on this mountain bike ride?

The tour climbs 800 m (2,400 feet) over the 30 km route, with most of the gain in the first half as you ascend through Spina Verde park to the panoramic points.

Do I need to bring my own mountain bike or can I rent one?

You can choose the bike rental option at checkout and ride a rental bike for the full tour, or bring your own if you have one. Either way, a mountain bike is required.

What happens at the World War 1 trenches?

The trench lines from World War 1 sit partway up the climb in Spina Verde park. You stop there to walk through the restored site and see how the terrain shaped the historical landscape.

Do I need a passport to cross into Switzerland?

Yes, a current valid passport is required on the day of travel because the route crosses the border into Switzerland and reaches the country's southernmost point before descending through the vineyards.

How long is the actual riding time?

The riding time is roughly 3.5 hours, covering 30 km with the climbing, descents and the walk through the historical site included in that timeframe.