Castello Baradello
Historic watchtower offering breathtaking panoramic views of Como and Lake Como, accessible via a scenic hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Castello Baradello
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic watchtower offering breathtaking panoramic views of Como and Lake Como, accessible via a scenic hike.
"The views from the top are amazing, and the 1000-year history of the place is fascinating!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The path to Castello Baradello is steep and can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is essential for a pleasant hike.
💰 Ticket for the Top
An extra fee applies to climb the tower for the best views. Consider if the panoramic vistas are worth the additional cost.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Keep's Panoramic Views
Top of the tower
Ascend the historic keep for breathtaking 360-degree views of Como city and the stunning Lake Como landscape.
Medieval History Unveiled
Inside the castle keep
Explore the four levels of the keep, filled with artifacts detailing the castle's Roman to medieval past.
Scenic Hillside Hike
Path from Como Camerlata
Enjoy a rewarding 30-40 minute walk through nature to reach the castle, with well-marked trails suitable for most.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hike Smart, See More
Guided Tours & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The path to Castello Baradello is steep and can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is essential for a pleasant hike.
💰 Ticket for the Top
An extra fee applies to climb the tower for the best views. Consider if the panoramic vistas are worth the additional cost.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours Recommended
Access to the keep is often by guided tour only. These tours offer valuable historical insights.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers stunning vistas of Lake Como and the surrounding landscape – perfect for photography. 
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The path to Castello Baradello is steep and can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is essential for a pleasant hike.
💰 Ticket for the Top
An extra fee applies to climb the tower for the best views. Consider if the panoramic vistas are worth the additional cost.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours Recommended
Access to the keep is often by guided tour only. These tours offer valuable historical insights.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers stunning vistas of Lake Como and the surrounding landscape – perfect for photography.
💧 Bring Water
Especially on warmer days, carry water as the hike can be strenuous and there are limited facilities on the trail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Castello Baradello for its stunning panoramic views of Lake Como and the city, accessible via a pleasant hike. The historical insights provided by guided tours are also highly appreciated, making it a worthwhile visit for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Some find the entry fee for the tower climb a bit steep, and weather can impact the visibility of the views.
"About a 40 minute walk from the Como Camerlata train station. Which is One stop from the Como main station. The weather was not great when we did the walk with thick clouds and rain. Otherwise the views would have great. Most of the walk was steep, but thankfully very little traffic. The castle has been reduced to its keep. The keep can be accessed for 10 Euro per adult. There are four levels excluding the roof level. Each level had some artefacts on this history of the castle from Roman to medieval times. Our guide was knowledgeable and very happy to answer our questions. The roof would normally have fantastic views to Milan. Well worth the walk and visit."
Aaron Stork
"A nice hike, 10€ to additionally climb to the top of the tower, we saved that cash for the dinner tonight; you can continue the hike via Monte Croce and go down into the San Giovanni station, it's well worth it for the views."
ThePolishTraveller
"Guided tours only. No info at the gate. View points near the castle. We went to another hill with amazing view of the lake."
Kate
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach Castello Baradello is by hiking. From Como Camerlata train station, follow trail number 10. The walk is approximately 30-40 minutes and is well-marked, though it can be steep.
Parking is available near Piazza Camerlata in the Rebbio area, which is a good starting point for the hike.
Generally, driving directly to the castle is not permitted or practical due to the terrain and protected nature of the area. Hiking is the recommended approach.
Many visitors start their hike from Como Camerlata, as it offers convenient parking and direct access to the trail.
Yes, the hike is generally considered suitable for children, especially when accompanied by adults. The path is well-indicated and the reward of reaching the castle is exciting for kids.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the castle keep typically involves a fee, often around 10 Euros per adult, which includes access to the different levels and potentially a guided tour. +1
While not always mandatory, booking in advance or checking for guided tour schedules is recommended, as access is often limited to guided tours.
Opening hours can vary, and access is often restricted to specific times for guided tours. It's best to check the official schedule or local listings before your visit.
Access to the castle keep is usually only permitted with a guided tour. You can explore the viewpoints near the castle without a ticket.
Yes, Castello Baradello sometimes hosts special events, including historical reenactments and themed parties, particularly around Halloween.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The top of the castle tower offers the most spectacular panoramic views of Lake Como and the city. The surrounding hills also provide great vantage points. +1
Drone usage might be restricted due to the historical nature of the site and local regulations. It's advisable to check for any specific rules before flying.
Expect stunning views of Como city, the surrounding mountains, and the beautiful Lake Como. On clear days, you might even see as far as Milan.
Absolutely! The climb to the top of the tower is highly recommended for the unparalleled panoramic views, which are a major highlight of the visit. +1
Late afternoon or early morning can offer beautiful light for photography, with fewer crowds and softer shadows.
🎫 🏛️ History & Experience
Castello Baradello is an ancient fortress with a history dating back over a thousand years. It was rebuilt by Emperor Barbarossa and has played a significant role in the region's military and political past.
Inside the keep, you'll find exhibits and artifacts spread across four levels, detailing the castle's evolution from Roman times through the medieval period.
Yes, the castle is rumored to be haunted, with tales of ghosts adding an intriguing, albeit spooky, element to its history.
A visit, including the hike up and down and exploring the castle, can take around 2-3 hours. The guided tour itself is usually about an hour.
The hike to the castle involves steep sections, and the interior of the keep has many stairs, making it challenging for those with significant mobility issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The castle keep offers a chance to explore and learn about history in an engaging way, and the panoramic views are sure to impress even the youngest visitors. Consider packing snacks and plenty of water for the journey.🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers and View Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Castello Baradello
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the path can be steep and uneven in places. While suitable for families and even pets, it’s wise to carry water, especially during warmer months. The ascent rewards hikers with increasingly beautiful views of the city and the lake as they climb higher.
+1For those who prefer not to hike the entire way, there might be options for shorter walks or exploring viewpoints closer to the castle. However, the full hike is highly recommended for the complete experience and the sense of accomplishment upon arrival.
Exploring the Castle Keep and Its History
The castle's history is intertwined with notable figures like Emperor Barbarossa, who is credited with rebuilding parts of the fortification. This historical depth makes the visit more than just a scenic outing; it’s an educational journey. Guided tours are often the primary way to access the interior, providing context and answering questions about the castle's past.
Beyond its historical exhibits, the castle is also known for its intriguing legends, including tales of hauntings, which add a layer of mystique to the visit. This blend of history, legend, and stunning views makes Castello Baradello a unique destination.
The Unforgettable Views from Castello Baradello
The summit of the castle's tower is the ultimate spot for these expansive views. It's here that visitors can truly appreciate the beauty of the region. Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset.
+1While the views from the top are spectacular, even the areas around the castle offer lovely perspectives of the lake and city. These viewpoints are accessible without a ticket and provide a taste of the scenery that awaits those who venture further up.
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