Via del Fiume in Val d'Era

The River Trail in Val d'Era (or Val Meria) is quite unique in Lombardy. Halfway between a hiking trail and a via ferrata, it serves as a perfect introduction to the world of ferratas, and an ideal outing both in the shoulder seasons (given its low altitude) and in late summer (thanks to the cooling waters of the valley pools).

The starting point is Sonvico (370m) — reachable by car from Mandello del Lario. The River Trail begins approximately 30 minutes' walk from Sonvico.

The River Trail presents itself as a narrow path that follows the deep course of the Meria Stream, leading us to see countless waterfalls, cascades, giant's kettles, and clear pools of water. Occasionally, a chain or some steps help us navigate through the most exposed points or slippery rock sections.

The canyon ends when the waterfalls of Val d'Era rise before us: to exit the canyon, we need to climb steeply to the left. A half-hour ascent takes us to the lush green meadows of Alpe d'Era (850m, 2.15 hours), a tranquil and peaceful basin adorned with a chapel; those who don't feel up to traversing the River Trail can easily access this wonderful clearing via the path to Santa Maria in Val d'Era, which we also take for the return to Sonvico.

This path, at times a bit airy but secured by a solid railing, is mostly flat until the church of Santa Maria (664m, 45 minutes) and offers splendid views of the Northern Grigna in all its grandeur. From the church, a beautiful mule track descends rapidly back to Sonvico (370m, 30 minutes).