Hike & Beer: beer tasting & breathtaking views at sunset

REVIEW · LAKE COMO

Hike & Beer: beer tasting & breathtaking views at sunset

  • 4.54 reviews
  • From $184.22
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Operated by Orizzonti Lake Como · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 4.5 (4)Price from$184.22Operated byOrizzonti Lake ComoBook viaViator

A sunset hike in Lecco is a rare combo. What makes this one interesting is the mix of views high above the lake and a real brewery stop where you taste local craft beers and pick one to take up to the lookout. I also like how the guides build a hike that feels more like a walk with context than a sweaty grind.

You’ll want to go in with the right expectations: this is for medium-level hikers, and the guide is strict about trekking shoes and safe footing. Bring water and be ready for mountain wind once you’re up high.

Key highlights to pay attention to

Hike & Beer: beer tasting & breathtaking views at sunset - Key highlights to pay attention to

  • Parco Monte Barro hike above Lecco for big lake views and fewer crowds than the shoreline
  • Birrificio Herba Monstrum tasting with local appetizers, plus you choose your beer for later
  • One bottle included so you can sip at the lookout with the sunset in front of you
  • Timing flexes with sunset so you’re not stuck waiting in the dark
  • Small group size (max 16) for a more personal guide experience
  • Dinner discount voucher to keep the good mood going after the hike

Why this sunset hike + craft beer match makes sense

Hike & Beer: beer tasting & breathtaking views at sunset - Why this sunset hike + craft beer match makes sense
This tour works because it doesn’t treat beer like a gimmick. You don’t just stop at a brewery, sample a few pours, and move on. The rhythm is built around the hike, then the tasting, then the lookout—so you get the change in scenery and the payoff at the end.

I’m also a fan of how it balances two kinds of “value.” First, you’re buying a guided experience on the mountain with serious viewpoints. Second, you’re getting a structured brewery tasting (with appetizers) and a bottle to take up. That means you’re not burning time hunting for food or beer after you hike. You’re doing both in a way that feels planned, not rushed.

The other quiet win: you get a break from the lakeshore crowd. If you’ve spent any time around Lake Como in peak season, you know the vibe can get busy. Up in the hills, it’s calmer, windier, and more “locals do this” than “tour buses do this.”

Meeting point in Lecco and why the 6:00 pm start matters

Hike & Beer: beer tasting & breathtaking views at sunset - Meeting point in Lecco and why the 6:00 pm start matters
The tour starts at 6:00 pm at Edicola Ponte Vecchio Lecco, Via Azzone Visconti 86, 23900 Lecco. It’s a practical choice for sunset—starting early enough to hike without rushing, but late enough that you’re not chasing daylight all afternoon.

Because the activity ends back at the meeting point, you won’t have that annoying scramble at the end. You return where you started, which is helpful when you’re piecing together dinner plans in Lecco.

One more detail you’ll be glad you noticed: timing may shift based on sunset time. That’s not a problem here—it’s the whole point. On a mountain, sunset moves fast, and wind changes fast. Your guide adjusts so you’re at the viewpoint at the best color moment, not just when the clock says sunset.

Monte Barro climb: hiking above Lecco without the lake traffic

You begin with a hike in Parco Monte Barro, following trails that run along the side overlooking Lecco and the eastern side of Lake Como. The hike segment is about 3 hours, and it’s framed as a mountain walk with a view—so you’ll want to keep a steady pace rather than sprinting.

Here’s what you should love about this part if you enjoy outdoors time:

  • You’re going higher, so the lake comes into view in layers—different angles as you climb.
  • The trail is enough of a climb to feel like you earned the lookout, but it’s not presented as extreme.
  • Guides often point out local plants and bits of context as you walk, which turns the hike from “where are we?” into “I didn’t know that.”

The biggest consideration is also simple: footwear. The mountain guide will not accept participants with shoes that aren’t suitable for trekking. That likely means you should skip fashion sneakers and bring real grip—especially because trails can be rocky or uneven. Also, mountain wind at dusk is real, so pack a windproof jacket.

The Herba Monstrum brewery stop: pick your beer like a local

Hike & Beer: beer tasting & breathtaking views at sunset - The Herba Monstrum brewery stop: pick your beer like a local
After the climb, you head to Birrificio Herba Monstrum Brewery (Birreria Artigianale con Cucina) for about 45 minutes. This is where the tour turns from hike-first to beer-first for a short, focused break.

This stop includes:

  • A craft beer tasting with local appetizers
  • The chance to choose the beer you want to take and enjoy later at the lookout

That “choose your beer” detail matters. If you like different styles (lighter, darker, hoppier), you get to decide what you’ll actually drink while the sun goes down—rather than settling for whatever is poured first. And because one bottle of beer is included for taking up the mountain, the tasting feels connected to the final payoff instead of being a separate activity.

Also, this is one of those moments where the group size helps. With a maximum of 16 travelers, you’re not standing in a line for every step, and the guide can keep an eye on timing so you don’t miss the colors at the top.

The lookout over Monte Resegone: sipping while the sky changes

Hike & Beer: beer tasting & breathtaking views at sunset - The lookout over Monte Resegone: sipping while the sky changes
Once you’re back up high, the focus shifts to the view. The destination is a lookout point overlooking Lecco and the surrounding countryside. From there, you get sunset over the eastern side of Lake Como, with the light changing as the day cools off.

The most important practical point: mountain sunsets are not slow. You’ll spend about 30 minutes at the lookout, and that window is meant to be enjoyed, not used for frantic picture-taking. Think of it as: arrive, breathe, sip, watch, then settle into the moment.

The tour also emphasizes the color shift—so even if the clouds aren’t perfect, you’re still likely to get that slow gradient of light over the lake and hills. This is where the “beer + hike” becomes emotional, not just logistical. Cold bottle in hand, wind on your face, and the lake opening up below you.

If you’re traveling with anyone who usually isn’t into beer: this is still worth it. The beer becomes part of the scene, not the whole event. The views are the main story, and the drinks just add a local flavor to it.

What you get for $184.22: value beyond the beer

Hike & Beer: beer tasting & breathtaking views at sunset - What you get for $184.22: value beyond the beer
At $184.22 per person, you’re paying for more than a brewery visit. You’re buying:

  • A local, professional mountain guide
  • The brewery craft beer tasting plus local appetizers
  • A discount voucher for dinner later (or for the next day)
  • Alcohol included: one bottle of beer of your choice to take to the mountain
  • Access to the hiking area (the mountain park entry is free for the hike segment)

If you price this out like separate bookings, it becomes clearer why it’s not just “expensive beer.” A guided hike with a viewpoint-focused plan isn’t the same as going alone. And a brewery tasting with appetizers is also a specific experience, not a casual stop.

The dinner voucher is a smart add-on. Even if you don’t use it immediately, it helps you turn the night into a full plan instead of scrambling for where to eat after you hike. Just remember: it’s a voucher, not a meal included in the price—so you’ll still be budgeting for whatever you order at dinner.

One more value point: the guide coordination. Timing can shift with sunset, and the guide keeps the pace and schedule aligned. That’s hard to replicate if you try to DIY this with trains or buses and a hike you haven’t mapped out.

Small group, big difference: how the guide makes it feel personal

Hike & Beer: beer tasting & breathtaking views at sunset - Small group, big difference: how the guide makes it feel personal
The group max is 16 travelers, and that makes a real difference on a mountain hike. With fewer people, the guide can slow down for questions and adjust pacing if someone needs a breather.

The experience also benefits from guide personality. The names Gabriele and Isabella show up in past feedback for a reason: they’re described as making the hike more special, including pointing out flora and history along the way. I like that approach. When a guide pays attention to what’s around you—plants, terrain, local notes—it turns “exercise” into “learning with movement.”

And there’s another name that came up: Marco. While the data doesn’t map who does every segment, it clearly points to a team that cares about the experience, not just the route.

Who this tour fits best (and who should rethink it)

Hike & Beer: beer tasting & breathtaking views at sunset - Who this tour fits best (and who should rethink it)
This one is best for:

  • Outdoor enthusiasts who want a real mountain walk, not a flat stroll
  • Beer lovers who like craft beer and enjoy structured tastings
  • People who want sunset without doing it the crowded way along the lake

The tour also says it’s only suitable to medium-level hikers and beer lovers, with a friendly local feel. If you’re comfortable with uneven ground and a moderate climb, you’ll likely be fine. If you’re the type who avoids hills entirely, this may feel like too much.

Also, the guide won’t accept unsuitable shoes. That’s not just “rule talk.” It’s about safety on trails, and it affects whether the hike is enjoyable or stressful.

Practical prep checklist: what to bring and how to avoid discomfort

Use the guidance here and you’ll enjoy the hike more. Bring:

  • Water
  • Comfy sporty clothes
  • Trekking shoes with good grip (non-negotiable)
  • A windproof jacket, especially for dusk conditions

Plan for the fact that you’re starting in the early evening. The first part is still hiking, so you’ll work up some warmth. Then, as you get higher, wind cools you down fast. A windproof layer lets you enjoy the lookout without spending the best 30 minutes shivering.

Also, you’ll want to keep your expectations realistic about timing. The schedule is tied to sunset, so if you’re the type who hates “waiting,” this tour may feel different—but in a good way. The waiting time is replaced by pacing and viewpoint planning.

Finally, you’ll get a mobile ticket, which is convenient. And it’s near public transportation, so you don’t need a car to get to the start.

Should you book this beer-and-views tour?

I’d book it if you want a Lake Como evening that feels local and not like a repeat of the same lakeshore routine. The blend is strong: a guided climb in Parco Monte Barro, a tasting at Herba Monstrum, and a real sunset lookout moment where your chosen beer becomes part of the experience.

Skip it if you don’t enjoy hills or you’re hesitant about trekking footwear. This isn’t a “sit and taste” tour. It’s a hike with beer at the end.

If you’re on the fence about the beer angle, focus on this: the tasting and bottle are extra—what you’re really buying is a guided route to a mountain viewpoint above Lecco, timed for sunset, with a small group.

FAQ

How long is the hike and overall tour?

The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours. The hike portion is about 3 hours, the brewery stop is about 45 minutes, and the lookout time is about 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 6:00 pm.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Transfer from/to your accommodation is not included, but it may be available on request for an extra charge.

Does the price include beer?

Yes. The tour includes a craft beer tasting with appetizers, and you also get one bottle of beer at your choice to take with you in the mountain.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfy sporty clothes and trekking shoes. Bring water. The guide will not accept participants with unsuitable shoes. Also bring a windproof jacket in case of unstable weather.

What fitness level do I need?

You should have moderate physical fitness. The tour is described as suitable for medium-level hikers.

What happens if weather is poor or timing changes?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Timing may also change based on sunset time, and you’ll be informed accordingly.

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