Val Codera the jewel of the Rhaetian Alps. It is a valley accessible only on foot in the province of Sondrio, 100 kilometers from Milan, in the municipality of Novate Mezzola. This beautiful valley is at the side of the Val Chiavenna, close to Lake Como and Switzerland.

For this adventure that starts from Novate Mezzola (319 m), Sondrio, in Valtellina, we left the car at the Mezzopiano dirt car park (340 m) and in a few minutes you will arrive at the start of the path.

Province and Departure: Sondrio

Route: Novate Mezzola -Codora - Cola - San Giorgio - Novate Mezzola

De[parture & Arrival: Novate Mezzola

Distance: 14,8

Time (Loop): h 6:49:13

Difficulty: medium demanding

The excursion begins by taking the side of the mule track, a panoramic path in the woods which winds towards Codera with many sections of challenging and steep granite steps, renowned for its challenges requiring physical strength and endurance! Great Cardio Workout!

After passing under a series of parapets and in the distance you can see the Val Codera (825m) with spectacular views and after passing a small chapel and on through open spaces and green meadows, you arrive at Avedée  (790m).

After about a couple of hours,with a couple of ups and downs with magnificent views and even a view of Lake Mezzola you arrive at a real fairytale town, the ancient village Val Codera. (825 m)

At Val Codera, everything seems to have stopped in time and an atmosphere of peace dominates, made unique, thanks to the ambience of the streets. In fact, even today it is only served by mule tracks or the a modern, long cableway that goes up and descends from the valley. Incredible!

Val Codera is a historical place of Italian Scouting and is still chosen today by numerous groups of Scouts for their activities. Years ago our friend Alberto who was part of one of the groups told us the story that during Fascism it was in fact frequented by stray Eagles, a clandestine scout group that opposed the regime and chose the valley because of its inaccessibility.

After visiting the village we went to the stream for a picnic which was also a beautiful place surrounded by mountains and other paths that can be taken to reach to Switzerland.

To complete the loop you return to the center of the village of Codera where there is the sign of the famous Tracciolino - it was built for the maintenance of the hydroelectric plants in the valley and can also be traveled by bicycle. Then continue on the path on the opposite side, passing over the eighteenth century bridge (Punt del la Mala 765 m), Clii, Cola and San Giorgio (740 m) in the Alto Lario.

Finally, the wonderful views of Lake Mezzola and the valley floor and with a series of downhill hairpin bends with very steep steps that reach the end of the magnificent excursion arriving in Novate Mezzola. Then the path takes us next to the sand pit, and through a tunnel in round steel sheet covered with rocks we pass under it and then cross the bridge over the Codera stream to enter the parking area to return to Mezzopiano.

Val Codera - Hiking Loop of San Giorgio, Sondrio Lomabardy Italy                                      Added (03/2022)

coming soon