Holiday apartment in Malnate: Nature, Trails and Culture

Nature and Wildlife in Parco Valle del Lanza

Parco Valle del Lanza is a protected area of supramunicipal interest surrounding the valley of the Torrente Lanza. In Malnate, the Torrente Lanza flows into the Olona River. Parco Valle del Lanza is also a wooded habitat for deer, wild boar and smaller mammals. This makes it a clear focal point for visitors who want to combine landscapes with wildlife observation.

Trails for Hiking and Cycling

The trail network in Parco Valle del Lanza includes unpaved paths, farm tracks and a combined cycle and pedestrian path. These routes generally follow the course of the Torrente Lanza and the historic railway line. In this way, nature and transport history come together along a route that can be explored both on foot and by bicycle.

The trail network also includes more than 70 kilometres of marked hiking trails. They can be used on foot or by bicycle and are signposted according to CAI standards. The different types of paths and the marked total length provide tangible orientation when planning active days around Malnate.

Chapels and Local History

The chapels also offer their own historical highlights. The Chapel of San Matteo is considered the first historical evidence of Malnate. The Chapel of Santa Maria di Monte Morone has ancient Lombard origins. Both places complement the natural experiences with a cultural and historical perspective, making Malnate an interesting destination for varied days of discovery.

Mulini di Gurone: Traces of Work in the Past

At the Mulini di Gurone, the waterwheels tell of various former uses: they were used to grind grain and oilseeds, process rice and produce textiles. The waterwheels are no longer present, but some water channels have been preserved. This surviving element in particular makes the mills an illustrative destination for visitors who want to understand historical working life through tangible traces.

Palaces, Castle and Parks in the Surrounding Area

Several other destinations with different characteristics are located around Malnate. Villa Augusta and Villa Mirabello are palaces. Il Castello di Gornate Olona is a castle, while the Civico Museo D'arte Moderna E Contemporanea is a museum in the area around Malnate. Giardini di Palazzo Estense is an additional garden. Parco di Villa Mylius, Giardino Storico di Villa Recalcati and Parco di Via Appiani are parks in the surrounding area. The range therefore extends from architectural history and art to landscaped green spaces.

Getting There and Historic Railway Lines

Malnate railway station is connected via Ferrovie Nord Milano with Milan, Como, Novara, Laveno, Canzo, Asso and Varese. In addition, the route of the old Valmorea railway runs through the park. It can be explored from Malnate Olona station beneath the Malnate Bridge. The station, historic route and trail network thus offer different perspectives on the connection between the town, landscape and transport history.

Choose a Holiday Apartment in Malnate Based on Your Travel Interests

When choosing your holiday apartment or holiday house in Malnate, it is worth deciding on your preferred focus in advance. If you are looking for outdoor activity, Parco Valle del Lanza and its trails take centre stage. For culture-oriented days, the chapels, the Mulini di Gurone, palaces, castle and museum are the main attractions. Gardens and parks add further destinations to your itinerary, while the rail connections offer an additional transport-related perspective.

Discover More Places

For further travel planning, you can also discover Ispra, Arcisate, Luino, Capolago, Castello Cabiaglio, Rasa Di Varese, Bedero Valcuvia and Varano Borghi.

For the higher-level travel overview: Varese.