The Bergamo Alps | A Scenic Hiking Trails Guide for Every Adventurer
The Bergamo Alps, also known as the Orobie Alps, are one of Lombardy’s best-kept secrets. Nestled in northern Italy, this region offers rugged, high-altitude trails, alpine lakes, and breathtaking panoramic views. Known for their wild beauty and diverse flora, these mountains are perfect for both experienced hikers looking for a challenge and those seeking to immerse themselves in nature. Whether you’re interested in a multi-day trek through the mountains or a scenic day hike with family, the Orobie Alps provide a variety of routes to suit all preferences.
In this guide, we’ll cover four of the most stunning trails in the Bergamo Alps, providing practical travel tips, recommendations for gear, and insider advice on what to expect along the way. These trails offer not only physical challenge but also immersion in the culture, history, and natural beauty of Lombardy.
1. Orobie Trail (Sentiero delle Orobie): The Ultimate Alpine Adventure
Distance: 84 km
Best For: Experienced hikers
Difficulty: Challenging (multi-day)
Ideal Season: Late Spring to Early Fall (June to September)
The Orobie Trail, or Sentiero delle Orobie, is a high-altitude trek that spans over 80 kilometers through the Orobie Alps. Divided into multiple stages, this demanding trail is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a multi-day adventure that offers sweeping views, diverse wildlife, and the chance to stay in traditional mountain huts (rifugi) along the way. The trail’s combination of rocky ascents, alpine meadows, and serene lakes makes it one of the most beautiful and challenging routes in the region.
Trail Overview
The Orobie Trail can be broken down into different sections, with most hikers opting to complete it over 5 to 7 days. Starting in Ardesio, the trail winds its way through mountain passes, lush valleys, and several well-known rifugi, including Rifugio Coca and Rifugio Laghi Gemelli. On the second day of my hike, I remember the early morning fog lifting to reveal the towering peaks of the Orobie range—a scene straight out of a postcard.
As you hike, you’ll pass through pristine alpine landscapes and enjoy views of the Seriana and Brembana valleys. The trail’s high altitude (often over 2,000 meters) means that weather conditions can be unpredictable, with cooler temperatures even in summer.
One of the most memorable parts of this trek was arriving at Rifugio Longo after a grueling climb. The hut, nestled high in the mountains, felt like a sanctuary. After a long day of hiking, there’s something uniquely satisfying about sitting down to a hearty meal of polenta taragna (a local specialty made of cornmeal and buckwheat) and watching the sun set over the peaks.
Travel Tips
Accommodation: The trail is dotted with several rifugi where you can spend the night, each offering basic but comfortable accommodations and meals. Be sure to book in advance during peak season, especially in summer.
Equipment: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are a must, as well as a lightweight backpack for carrying essentials. Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly with altitude. Trekking poles can also be useful, especially for the steeper sections.
What to Pack: In addition to clothing for cold and warm weather, bring a map or GPS device, a first aid kit, and plenty of water. Snacks like nuts and energy bars will help keep you fueled on long days.
2. Sentiero dei Fiori (Trail of Flowers): A Scenic Journey Through Alpine Flora
Distance: 7 km
Best For: Nature lovers, casual hikers
Difficulty: Moderate
Ideal Season: Summer (June to September)
If you’re interested in a shorter, more leisurely hike that still offers stunning alpine views, the Sentiero dei Fiori in Val di Scalve is an excellent choice. Known as the Trail of Flowers, this route takes you through some of the most beautiful alpine flora in the Orobie Alps. The 7 km trail is perfect for families or casual hikers looking to enjoy a day in nature without the intensity of a multi-day trek.
Trail Overview
The Sentiero dei Fiori begins in the village of Schilpario and leads hikers up into the Val di Scalve, with gentle slopes giving way to more dramatic mountain scenery. What makes this trail truly special is the incredible variety of wildflowers that bloom along the path in summer. When I hiked this trail in July, the hillsides were a riot of color—vibrant pinks, purples, and yellows—framing the towering peaks beyond.
This trail also offers a rich historical aspect. Along the way, you’ll pass old bunkers and fortifications dating back to World War I, when the area was part of Italy’s defensive line. It’s a surreal experience, hiking through peaceful meadows with wildflowers swaying in the breeze, while remnants of a turbulent past lie just off the path.
At the trail’s highest point, the views open up to reveal the jagged ridgelines of the surrounding mountains, with distant glaciers glinting in the sun. This is an excellent spot to stop for a picnic, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the distant hum of cowbells.
Travel Tips
What to Wear: Even though the trail is relatively moderate, be sure to wear comfortable hiking boots. A light jacket is also recommended, as mountain weather can change quickly.
Best Time to Go: The flowers are at their peak in July and August, so plan your visit during this time if you want to see the full spectrum of alpine blooms.
Bring a Camera: The combination of colorful flowers, historic landmarks, and stunning mountain views makes this trail particularly photogenic, so don’t forget to pack a camera or smartphone.
3. Rifugio Laghi Gemelli: A Moderate Trek to Tranquil Alpine Lakes
Distance: 14 km (round trip)
Best For: Moderate hikers, nature enthusiasts
Difficulty: Moderate
Ideal Season: Late Spring to Fall (May to October)
For those who love alpine lakes, the hike to Rifugio Laghi Gemelli is a must. This moderate 14 km trek starts from the village of Carona and leads to the Laghi Gemelli refuge, which is situated beside two sparkling alpine lakes. The trail offers a mix of dense forests, open meadows, and dramatic rocky landscapes, making it a fantastic option for hikers looking for a day-long adventure.
Trail Overview
What to Wear: Comfortable hiking boots are essential, and consider packing a light rain jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains.
Bring Snacks and Water: Although the rifugio offers meals, it’s always a good idea to carry some snacks and plenty of water, especially if you plan on spending the day exploring the area around the lakes.
Best Time to Visit: The trail is accessible from late spring to early fall, but summer is the best time to enjoy the lakes in their full beauty.
4. Monte Resegone: A Challenging Summit with 360° Views
Distance: 8 km (round trip)
Best For: Experienced hikers, mountain lovers
Difficulty: Challenging
Ideal Season: Spring and Fall (April to October)
Monte Resegone, near the town of Lecco, is one of the most iconic peaks in the Bergamo Alps. Its sawtooth profile, visible from much of the Lombardy region, makes it a popular destination for hikers and climbers alike. The 8 km round trip to the summit is a challenging ascent, but the 360-degree views from the top make it well worth the effort.
Trail Overview
The hike begins at Piani d’Erna, which can be reached by a cable car from Lecco. From there, the trail winds its way up through dense woods before breaking out into rocky terrain. The final ascent to the summit involves some steep sections, but the well-marked path makes it accessible for hikers with a good level of fitness.
One of the things that struck me most about this hike was the sense of isolation and grandeur as I neared the summit. As the trees thinned out, the vastness of the landscape became more apparent—the rolling hills and valleys stretching out to the horizon, with the shimmering waters of Lake Como in the distance.
The summit of Monte Resegone offers panoramic views of the Lombardy region, with the Alps to the north and the plains stretching south toward Milan. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of the Apennine mountains in the distance. After taking in the views, I found a quiet spot to sit and simply take in the majesty of the mountains—a moment of calm after the physical exertion of the climb.
Travel Tips
What to Wear: The ascent can be demanding, so wear sturdy hiking boots and dress in layers. The temperature can drop significantly as you climb, so pack a warm jacket even in summer.
Cable Car: If you’re starting from Lecco, take the Piani d’Erna cable car to save time and energy before beginning the hike.
Best Time to Go: Spring and fall offer the best hiking conditions, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, but the trail is still manageable with proper hydration.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Through the Bergamo Alps
The Bergamo Alps are a treasure trove of hiking opportunities, offering something for every type of adventurer. Whether you’re tackling the Orobie Trail over several days or enjoying a peaceful afternoon hike to the Laghi Gemelli, the region’s natural beauty, cultural history, and welcoming rifugi make it a fantastic destination for hikers. With the right gear, a sense of adventure, and a love for the mountains, these trails promise unforgettable experiences in the heart of Lombardy.
So pack your backpack, lace up your boots, and set off on a journey through the Orobie Alps—a landscape where rugged peaks meet serene valleys, and every step offers a new perspective on the beauty of nature.
