Malnate between nature trails and history

Malnate can be explored through two themes: Parco Valle del Lanza and the traces of local history. The park comprises a protected area of intermunicipal interest around the valley of the Torrente Lanza, which flows into the Olona River in Malnate. When choosing a hotel in Malnate, this connection provides a practical framework: you can decide whether nature trails, local history, or both will be the focus of your stay.

Wooded valley and trails in Parco Valle del Lanza

Parco Valle del Lanza is a wooded habitat for deer, wild boar, and smaller mammals. Its trail network includes unpaved paths, country lanes, and a shared cycling and walking path. The trails generally follow the Torrente Lanza and the historic railway line. The network includes more than 70 kilometers of marked hiking trails, which you can use on foot or by bicycle; the signage follows CAI standards. Seven routes are designated. Trail types, lengths, and markings give you practical points of reference when planning your time in the park. The trails mentioned generally follow one of two distinct features: the stream or the historic railway line.

The Valmorea Railway in the park

The old Valmorea Railway offers a different perspective on railway history. Its route passes through the park and can be explored from Malnate Olona station beneath the Malnate Bridge. This makes the historic railway route one of the topics you can consider when planning your trip, alongside the trail network.

Chapels and the history of the mills

Malnate’s local history can also be seen in different places. The Chapel of San Matteo is considered Malnate’s earliest historical testimony. The Chapel of Santa Maria di Monte Morone has ancient Lombard origins. San Matteo is therefore notable as an early historical testimony, while Santa Maria, with its Lombard origins, offers a different historical point of reference.

The Mulini di Gurone tell the story of the processing of various goods: their waterwheels were used to grind grain and oilseeds, process rice, and make textiles. The waterwheels are no longer present at the mills, but some water channels remain. The chapels and mills thus connect different aspects of local history—from the chapels’ historical points of reference to the former work processes carried out using the waterwheels.

Plan your train journey

The city’s arrival guide, updated in July 2023, lists connections from Malnate railway station via Ferrovie Nord Milano to Milan, Como, Novara, Laveno, Canzo, Asso, and Varese. Check current Trenord timetables before your trip. When planning, also pay attention to the station names: the connections listed are for Malnate station; the historic Valmorea line can be explored from Malnate Olona station beneath the Malnate Bridge.

Discover more destinations: Bedero Valcuvia, Cadrezzate, Rancio Valcuvia, Venegono Superiore, Vizzola Ticino, Luino, Taino, Brinzio.

For the main travel overview: Varese.