Samolaco

Access

Samolaco is easy to reach thanks to the Strada Statale road connecting Lecco to Valchiavenna, while the nearest railway station is Colico, about 20 km away. The Milan-Malpensa Airport is about 120 km away, making the town also accessible to international visitors.

Introduction

Samolaco is a small Italian municipality located in Lombardy, in the province of Sondrio, at the north-western end of the region. The village lies in a strategic position, where the Valchiavenna meets the western shore of Lake Mezzola, at the foot of the imposing Rhaetian Alps. The territory is characterised by a varied landscape, alternating flat areas along the valley floor with mountainous relief, offering suggestive views of water, woods and peaks.
Samolaco's origins date back to Roman times, when the village was a transit point along the trade routes between Italy and central Europe. In the Middle Ages, its position made it an important crossroads for traffic between Milan and the Alpine passes, such as the Spluga Pass. Today, the municipality retains a quiet charm, linked to its history and natural surroundings, attracting visitors in search of peace, hiking and authentic glimpses of Alpine life.

Description

The territory of Samolaco extends between Lake Mezzola and the slopes of the mountains, with an altitude ranging from 200 metres in the lake area to 1,500 metres in the higher areas. The lake, formed by the retreat of the ancient Lario glacier, is a dominant feature of the landscape, surrounded by reeds and chestnut and birch woods. To the north, Monte Berlinghera (1,930 m) marks the border with Switzerland, offering breathtaking views of the Valchiavenna and the Alps.
Historically, Samolaco has experienced periods of prosperity thanks to its location along trade routes, but also moments of decline, such as during the barbarian invasions and plagues of the 17th century. Among the personalities linked to the area is San Fedele di Como, a Christian martyr who, according to tradition, passed through these lands during the Roman persecutions. The local economy has long been based on agriculture and fishing, while today tourism and handicrafts play a significant role.
Traditional agriculture still produces apples, malga cheese and honey, while local handicrafts are distinguished by woodworking and soapstone, an ancient Valchiavenna tradition. The typical cuisine reflects mountain flavours, with dishes such as pizzoccheri, sciatt (cheese fritters) and goat's violins, typical cured meats of the area.
Festivals and traditions enliven the Samolache calendar: among the most heartfelt are the Feast of St John the Baptist, patron saint of the village, and the Sagra del Pesce di Lago (Lake Fish Festival), celebrating the link with the waters of the Mezzola River. Hiking is one of the area's strengths, with trails that climb up the mountains or skirt the lake, such as the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer's Path), a historic route linking several Lombard villages. For nature lovers, the Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve and Monte Berlinghera are unmissable destinations, while alpine refuges offer hospitality to those who wish to immerse themselves in the silence of the peaks.

Information

Area: 45.53 km²
Altitude: 236m
Maximum elevation: 1,930m - Monte Berlinghera
 Number of inhabitants: 2,899 as of 31.03.2025
 Name in dialect: Samolich` (in chiavennasco)
Inhabitants' name:Samolachesi
Patron Saint: St. John the Baptist, celebrated on 24 June
 Internet site: www.comune.samolaco.so.it
Webcam:
Bordering municipalities: Gordona, Livo, Montemezzo, Novate Mezzola, Prata Camportaccio, Sorico, Vercana

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