Places
Cave·Easy·Family·Popular
Orrido di Osteno
Lombardy
At Osteno, on the little-visited Lombard arm of Lake Lugano, the Rio Cul stream disappears into a limestone gorge and cave system that has been explored by boat since the 19th century. Guided rowboats glide beneath dripping stalactites into a cavern chamber before the gorge opens back onto the lakefront. The village itself, with its narrow lanes and old net-drying racks, feels barely touched by tourism compared to the main Como shore.
Duration
1 hour
Distance
1 km
Elevation
+30 m
Best season
April – October
Highlights
- Boat-accessible cave chamber
- Underground stream disappearance
- Untouristed Lake Lugano hamlet
With your dog
Short boat-accessible cave visit; dogs may need to wait onshore during the guided tour.
