Some say the view from the top of the Corna Trentapassi hike is the best view of Lake Iseo which is the fourth largest lake in the Lombardi region of Italy. After hiking to the top of Monte Colombina and getting a view of Iseo Lake from afar we knew that the Corna Trentapassi hike right above the lake was going to be beautiful – and yet, it still exceeded our expectations!
Corna Trentapassi translated to English means 30-foot horns and we’re not sure exactly the significance of it but the hike is amazing. Even the drive around Lake Iseo to get to the starting point of the hike is beautiful.
We’ve been fortunate to hike some pretty incredible hikes in this part of Italy, and Corna Trentapassi might just be our favourite.
The view from the top of the lake and the island in the middle of the lake is out of this world. Even the pictures don’t do it justice. A hike we’re sure you’re going to love!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you decide to use the links and make a valid purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you <3
Everything you need to know for the Corna Trentapassi hike
Surprisingly this hike wasn’t too hard compared to some of the other hikes we’ve done in Lombardi. Maybe it was because the elevation was pretty consistent throughout the hike with really only one challenge right near the top.
It was definitely easier than the summit up to Monte Colombina (another hike that overlooks Lake Iseo).
The trail itself was quite easy to follow and well-marked but we still checked our map a few times just to make sure we were on the right track. You can see the Corna Trentapassi hike trail map here.
Once you’re on the trail, you’ll see quite a few different trails and forks in the road and most of them lead to the top of Corna Trentapassi.
If you want to make sure just follow the trail map on Mapy.cz and you’ll get there. There are also a few signs along the way that have Corna Trentapassi on them!
You will see two crosses near the top. The first is Corna Trentapassi East (1192m) and then a few minutes away you’ll see the main summit (1244m).
The hike itself isn’t that crazy although it does have a good amount of incline. As long as you have all the basics with you, you’ll be set to enjoy one of the best hikes near Lake Iseo!
Practical information about the Corna Trentapassi hike
Distance: 6.2 km return / 3.85 miles return
Elevation: Roughly 532 m / 1745 ft. elevation gain
Type: In-and-out trail (multiple trails connecting to the same ones)
Length: 2.5-3.5 hours total (with a break at the top of Corna Trentapassi)
Difficulty: Moderate (the very last section is steep but otherwise very chill with consistent incline)
Rating: 5/5
Click here to see a map of the beginning of the Corna Trentapassi hike.
Starting the hike at the parking lot in the town of Zone
We found a nice free parking spot in the town of Zone where the hike starts (the parking spot is #1 on the map). This area is quite famous actually and not only for the hikes in the area but for the Piramidi di Zone.
These unique pyramid-looking rock formations were formed by erosion. It’s definitely worth walking to the Piramidi di Zone after the hike if you have time and energy for it.
We actually stopped for a quick coffee at La Lucciola right next to the car park before embarking on the hike.
A great little local restaurant where you can enjoy a nice coffee outside and use the toilet before hiking for the next 2-3 hours! We also heard they have great pizza there!
Once you’re ready to embark on your hike, you can walk through the town onto the trail on the road Via Marcolano.
The road quickly turns from the village into a country road and in no time you’ll be out of the village and into the wilderness.
Into the forest towards Corna Trentapassi
The trail itself is pretty easy to follow once you’re out of Zone and into the trees. The first section of the trail is called Sentiero di Monte Vignola. You will follow it for quite some while you’ll see other small trails going left and right but just stay on the main trail.
This first part of the hike isn’t that interesting since there’s not much to see. You will see a few rural country houses that really bring you back in time which is cool but other than that, not so much.
We didn’t walk across their properties but the houses are parallel to the trail so you’ll be able to snap a picture or two if you want.
You can always look back at the trail map for the hike to make sure you’re on the right trail but as long as you follow the signs and stay on the main trail you should have no problems. The hike isn’t that long either!
Out of the trees and into the open towards Corna Trentapassi
Once you’ve made your way through the forest, the hike will completely open up and the view of Lake Iseo comes to life. Stop and take a few pictures but keep in mind that the higher and further into the hike you go the view will get that much better.
This section of the hike does have some incline and it’s a little challenging but the fact that you can see both crosses (the false peak and the main peak) makes it that much easier!
The craziest thing is you can actually see the whole lake from up here and also the town of Zone where the hike started.
You also get an amazing view of Montisola which is the island located in Lake Isola. Words can’t describe how beautiful it is!
Enjoy the views from the top of the Corna Trentapassi hike
Once you make it to the top of the first peak, you can finally head to the summit. Now it’s time to take in and enjoy the incredible views! It’s one of the most breathtaking and actually best views we’ve ever had while hiking.
It’s not that hard of a hike but in every direction you look, the views are incredible and that’s what makes this hike so special.
You have the view of Lake Iseo on two sides, small villages scattered in the mountains and down below, and then of course you have all these beautiful mountain peaks around you!
On a sunny day, if it’s not too windy, the top of Corna Trentapassi is the perfect place to enjoy a nice snack while taking in the view.
There’s not much shade up at the top and in the summer it will get really hot so take that into consideration!
We definitely recommend spending some time at the top before making your way back down because once you’re back in the trees the views are gone!
Back down to Zone
That’s it for this hike! Once you get to the top of Corna Trentapassi you’ll realize that it’s not the hardest hike but for the effort and the views you get it’s one of the most rewarding!
Once you start heading back you can take the same trail you took up. If by chance you find yourself off the trail just walk for a few more minutes and check the map on your phone.
There’s a good chance the trail you’re taking will connect to the main one right away (this happened to us once).
Slowly (or quickly, depending on how fast you go down) the small village of Zone will come to view. There are a few restaurants you can sit at and enjoy a pizza or pasta after the hike depending on what time you’re done with your hike. Since it’s Italy, they do take their siesta quite seriously 😉
If the restaurants are closed, you can make your way back down the mountain and find somewhere near Lake Iseo to stop instead! We went to Pisogne and stopped at a bar called Morgana which overlooks the lake. There we enjoyed a cup of cappuccino before heading back to our Airbnb!
What to bring on the Corna Trentapassi hike
Two of the most important things to bring on the Corna Trentapassi hike are sunscreen and some water. Even in early October, it was really hot and sunny once we got to the top so we can only imagine what it’s like in the summer.
We usually pack our Osprey bags with everything we need and always bring a few extra things. An extra layer of clothes is nice to bring in case it gets windy near the peaks. It’s always better to come over-prepared than under-prepared.
Even though it’s not the most challenging hike, water is a must! Especially since on the second part of the hike, it’s a lot of uphill and you’re going to be exposed. Bring more water than you normally would just in case.
Packing list for Corna Trentapassi:
- Water! We always fill up our LifeStraw bottles before hikes and even during them when we can. Make sure to fill it up beforehand. You can fill it up at the parking lot in Zone if you need to!
- A backpack. We always wear our Osprey backpacks when we go hiking! They’re so comfortable and lightweight + our Lifestraws fit perfectly into the side pockets.
- Sunscreen is highly recommended when hiking – especially in Italy. During the second half of the hike, you’ll be exposed to the sun the whole time. In the summer months, you’ll absolutely bake at the top on a sunny day.
- A power bank is always nice to have on a hike! You don’t want a dead phone halfway through the hike. Especially if you need to navigate back to your accommodation after it’s nice to have power on your phone to get you home!
- Bring some lunch for a nice picnic. The top of Trentapassi is a great spot, otherwise, you can find a nice viewpoint at the false peak or somewhere else along the trail.
- Since this is a steep hike (!), you might want to bring hiking poles! The ascents and descents from the peak will be much easier with poles.
How to get from Bergamo to Zone (where the hike starts)
Having a car to explore the Lake Iseo area is going to be a lot easier than taking public transport. You are going to save a bunch of time by having a car.
However, in case you can’t or don’t want to drive, this hike is still accessible by public transport which is great!
Bergamo to Zone by public transport
From downtown Bergamo to Zone you can take a bus towards Lake Iseo and transfer at least twice at local bus stations. You can also combine it with taking a short taxi once you’re at Lake Iseo to get to Zone faster.
This is possible if you don’t have a car but we don’t really recommend it if have other options. It’s not super convenient and it takes a few hours. So we don’t recommend this option unless you’re planning to stay a night or two in Lake Iseo!
Rent a car in Bergamo
Renting a car is by far the best option for this hike and also for the majority of the other hikes in the Bergamasque Alps. Cars are fairly affordable to rent from the Bergamo Airport (we paid around €15 a day + gas in October). Plus being able to drive will save you lots of time in the Italian Alps!
You can look at and compare different rental car options from the Bergamo Airport here.
Before you hike Corna Trentapassi
Check the weather
No matter where you hike, you should always check the weather before you go. The Lake Iseo area is known for its amazing weather but, as always, the weather can quickly change up in the mountains.
Since you’re going to be hiking over 1000 meters and on a very exposed mountain it’s good to know what you’re getting yourself into.
You can see the Lake Iseo weather here to get an idea of how to dress and how to best prepare for the hike.
Again, it’s better to be over-prepared than be on the hike and get cold and wet from some unexpected storm that comes in!
Wear hiking shoes
Almost everywhere you hike in northern Italy, you’re going to want proper hiking shoes. We wear them on all mountain hikes we do. It makes the hike so much more enjoyable to have the proper shoes.
Thankfully, this trail wasn’t muddy or wet but you also don’t want to destroy your regular walking shoes. So hiking shoes are recommended!
Like on most hikes we’ve done in Italy the trails are rocky, steep, and challenging on Corna Trentapassi. Proper footwear makes the hikes a lot easier!
Best time to hike Corna Trentapassi
The fall is a stunning time to be in the Bergamasque Alps and around Lake Iseo. All the fall colours really come to life this time of year (mid to end of October) and the trails look beautiful. You’ll also find a lot fewer people on the hiking trails!
Lake Iseo and the surrounding areas get really busy in the summer and of course, Corna Trentapassi does too.
During the shoulder season when it’s quieter is a beautiful time to come and explore the mountains above Lake Iseo!
If you’re here during the summer it might be nice to get up bright and early and get up to the top before most people even start the hike.
Then in the afternoon you can go down to Lake Iseo and enjoy a coffee and some gelato. Or go for sunset! We can only imagine how beautiful that must be from the summit!
You may also like…
- Hiking up Monte Blum to the Beautiful Capella Alpani near the Peak
- 4 Beautiful Lake Iseo Boat Tours & Trips [2023]
- Hiking to the top of Monte Colombina near Lake Iseo
- Hiking to the Tallest Waterfall in Italy – Cascate Del Serio
- How to Get From Bergamo to Lake Iseo
Recap of the Corna Trentapassi hike overlooking Lake Iseo
To summarize, this hike up to Corna Trentapassi offers some of the best views of Lake Iseo that we’ve seen. It isn’t the most challenging hike but it is incredibly rewarding.
We found Monte Colombina to be more challenging than Corna Trentapassi but with views that were just a little less rewarding (probably also because the sky was quite hazy due to forest fires).
It’s a close second though and the hike to Monte Colombina is also worth doing.
If you’re in Bergamo or near Lake Iseo and want to go for an adventure then Corna Trentapassi is perfect. You can easily do this hike in the morning and still have the rest of the day to explore something else.
Make sure to stop at both peaks along the trail because they both have different viewpoints and you can get some great pictures from each of them!
Enjoy one of our favourite hikes in Italy to date! If you have any questions about the trail or how to get there then DM us on Instagram or leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you.
Enjoy the view and the hike, and make sure to eat some gelato once you’re back down. You’re in ITALY after all! 😉
Enjoyed this post? Save & share it on Pinterest!
