Piani Resinelli

Situated at an altitude of around 1,300 metres within the Grigne National Park, Piani Resinelli is one of the best-known mountain resorts in the Lecco area. This vast plateau, at the foot of the Grigne mountains, offers a breathtaking panoramic view: the vista stretches from the Rhaetian Alps to Monte Rosa, taking in the town of Lecco, the Lecco arm of Lake Como and, on the clearest days, the plain all the way to the Milan skyline.

Their prime location makes Piani Resinelli one of the gateways to the Lecco mountains, an ideal starting point for hikes, walks and outdoor activities. With its trails, panoramic views and traces of alpine history, this area allows visitors to discover the Grigne landscape in all seasons.

A journey through history: from pastures to mines

The charm of the Piani Resinelli is rooted in a history stretching back several centuries. The earliest records date back to the 17th century, when the area was used as pasture by local families. The name itself derives from the Resinelli family, who built a bird snare here in the 19th century.

Between the 17th and 19th centuries, the plateau was an important mining centre for the extraction of lead, zinc and calamine – minerals that were essential to Lecco’s burgeoning metallurgical industry. Modern tourism, however, began in the 20th century with the construction of the carriage road, the little church and the first mountain huts and hotels.

Hikes and the panoramic walkway in Valentino Park

Piani Resinelli is the starting point for numerous routes suitable for all levels, from simple family walks to more technical hikes.

The suspended panoramic walkway, built in 2021 within Valentino Park, is a structure that juts out 12 metres over the void. It can be reached via an easy 30-minute walk and offers a unique experience, with a spectacular 360-degree view over Lecco and its lake, stretching as far as the Po Valley.

Mountaineering, sport and outdoor adventures all year round

The plateau is a legendary destination for mountain enthusiasts and climbers. The Southern Grigna (or Grignetta) dominates the landscape with its Dolomite-like peaks, offering climbing routes of immense historical and mountaineering significance.

But the outdoor activities on offer go beyond mountaineering: in summer, you can venture along equipped trails, hiking routes and cycle paths ideal for mountain bikes and e-bikes, whilst with the arrival of snow, the plateau is transformed into a magical place, perfect for picturesque walks through snow-covered woods and snowshoe hikes.

Family experiences: culture and mining

The Piani Resinelli offer educational and cultural activities that allow you to discover the true spirit of this area:

The Mining Park: the ancient mines of the Piani Resinelli date back to the 1600s and preserve the traditions and working techniques of days gone by; a visit to the Mining Park allows you to relive the area’s industrial past, exploring the tunnels where miners once worked.

Villa Gerosa Crotta House Museum: within Valentino Park lies the Visitor Centre – Villa Gerosa House Museum, a state-of-the-art museum complex dedicated to the history and nature of the Grigne Mountains. Thanks to an almost entirely multimedia exhibition, organised into six themed rooms, the landscape and historical heritage come to life through video projections, audio experiences and interactive displays. Visitors can immerse themselves in a journey of discovery through the geology, flora, fauna and legendary mountaineering history that have made these peaks famous throughout the world.

How to get to Piani Resinelli

Thanks to their prime location, Piani Resinelli is easily accessible from Lecco or the neighbouring towns. The area is served by a convenient road suitable for motor vehicles that climbs up from the valley floor. The main arrival point is Piazza della Chiesa: in this area you’ll find ample parking and the main visitor facilities. It is also the key hub from which the trails lead to Valentino Park, the Panoramic Walkway and the climbing routes on Grignetta.