Pian dei Resinelli: between sky, rock and mining memory - Lecco's secret balcony
by Maurizio Sala
Those who love the mountains know it: there are places that, without shouting their beauty to the world, remain imprinted on you like stories whispered around a fireplace. The Resinelli Plateau, Standing out like a green terrace above the city of Lecco, they are one of these places. They don't show off, they don't seek fame, but they enchant. To those who know how to stop. To those who love to walk. To those who are ready to listen to the breath of the Grigna.
A 1,300 metres above sea level, in the heart of the Lombard Prealps, the Resinelli offer A visual embrace stretching from the deep waters of Lake Como to the distant glaciers of Monte Rosa. A glimpse that, on clear days, has the power to reconcile us with everything we've forgotten to love: the silence, the wind, the vastness.
But this place isn't just for contemplatives. It's a living destination, accessible and suitable for all seasons, where they intertwine Hiking, mining history, mountain gastronomy and family activities.
The catwalk Belvedere dei Resinelli, suspended on a rocky outcrop, is one of those places that takes your breath away. Not so much for the void beneath your feet, but for the wonder that explodes before your eyes. Lake, Brianza, Grigna, and—in the distance—even the Alps. You get there with a gentle walk through the Valentino Park, and the path itself is an invitation to slow down.
He who loves to continue finds little beyond the Coltignone Hill (1.473 m), with its outcrops and airy panoramas, ideal for a snack with a view. For the more adventurous, the path continues to Paradise Peak, a name that doesn't disappoint.
One of the aspects that make the Resinelli special is the variety of hiking trails. From stroller-friendly routes to climbs that test your legs and lungs, like the one leading to Rosalba Refuge, among the most fascinating and scenic in the area. The “Foppe Path”is the most accessible route, but it shouldn't be underestimated: the Grigna, It is, you know, as beautiful as it is unpredictable. It is a mountain that must be known, never challenged lightly.
And then there are the mines. Why the Resinelli are not only a natural eden, but also memory of fatigue and sweat, of men who for centuries have extracted minerals from these stony depths. Today the mines, like the Anna Mine and the Undercarriage, can be visited with expert guides and tell a forgotten but pulsing past, ..., also suitable for the most curious children. A journey into the bowels of the earth, to be undertaken with a helmet and torch, to touch history firsthand.
In winter, the Resinelle meadows turn white and become the paradise for Sledging and the snowshoes. The snow here is gentle, almost domestic, perfect for a family day or a feast of Polenta Taragna in one of the refuges that smell of a lit fireplace.
Beware, however: at weekends, the Resinelli are also populated by quattrozampe in search of adventure. Nothing to object to, except the importance of handling encounters between dogs and children responsibly. La Belvedere walkway, for example, is not the ideal place for four-legged friends: too crowded, too precarious.
The road from Ballabio up to Resinelli is steep and winding, dotted with 14 hairpin bends, which do not bring joy to sensitive passengers. But the effort is always rewarded. Alternatively, on summer weekends, you can opt for the Shuttle bus from Lecco, or – for the fitter hikers – you can walk up, along the path that starts from Abbadia Lariana, with an intermediate stop at Cenghen Waterfall.
Staying at the Resinelli for a night is a luxury I'd recommend without hesitation. When the sun sets and woodland sounds, the coolness that caresses the skin, the clear stars. There are Cosy B&Bs, ..., such as “Ai Frassini”, and a campsite, “La Meridiana”, which also offers refreshments. All suitable for families, and dogs included.
Who chooses the Resinelli Plans It's not just looking for a Sunday drive, but an opportunity to to reconnect with something authentic. A balcony overlooking Lombardy that offers real emotions, without filters. It is the perfect place for those who want to walk, breathe, learn. For those who are not in a hurry. For those who, deep down, still know how to listen to the mountain.
My recommendations as a correspondent in love with these places:
Arrive soonThe car parks fill up quickly, and the morning light here is magical.
Bring water and respectnot only for you, but for those who live, work and experience the mountains all year round.
Stay at least one nightThe mountain must also be experienced in the evening silence, far from the chaos of people returning.
Don't underestimate the trailsThe Grigna is beautiful, but demands attention. Ask for information, equip yourselves well.
Read the mountain, not just the signsEvery tree, every stone has a story. It's up to us to see it.
And if at the end, on that suspended catwalk, you find yourself out of breath and your eyes glaze over, don't be surprised. It happens to those who really love the mountains. It happens at the Resinelli.
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