The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Bergamo

Embark on a difficult hike along Trail 108, leading you through the rugged Bergamo Orobie to Rifugio Benigni. This challenging route covers 5.7 miles (9.2 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2391 feet (729 metres), typically taking around 4 hours and 58 minutes to complete. You will begin in peaceful forests before the landscape opens up to reveal traditional mountain pastures and the rocky channels that define this alpine experience. Keep an eye out for ibex as you ascend, and enjoy the panoramic views from the refuge, stretching across the Orobie range to the Masino-Bregaglia peaks.

To begin your hike, drive to Cusio and locate località Sciocc, the starting point for Trail 108. Be aware that you will need to purchase a daily access permit for the Piani dell'Avaro road to reach the trailhead. The route is clearly marked with CAI red and white signs, guiding you through the varied terrain. Plan to start early, especially given the trail's difficult rating and duration, to ensure ample daylight for your return.

This classic CAI route is a highlight of the Bergamo Orobie, offering a deep dive into the region's natural beauty. The trail passes by Casera Valletto, where you might find local goat cheese, and the refreshing Fonte San Carlo spring. Rifugio Benigni itself is strategically placed on a plateau, providing a perfect base for further exploration, including nearby Lake Piazzotti. It is a rewarding destination for those seeking an authentic mountain experience.

Embark on a moderate hike through the scenic Valle Imagna, leading you to Rifugio Resegone. This 4.2-mile (6.8 km) route involves a steady climb of 1919 feet (585 metres), taking approximately 3 hours and 13 minutes to complete. You'll begin by traversing open pastures and meadows, offering expansive views of the valley before the path guides you into a serene beech forest. Sunlight filters gently through the canopy, creating a peaceful atmosphere as you ascend. The journey culminates at Rifugio Resegone, perched at 1,265 meters, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the narrow and winding Imagna Valley.

To begin your adventure, head to the village of Brumano, where convenient parking is available near the Church of San Bartolomeo. The trail, marked as Trail 587, is well-defined and suitable for most hikers. Along the way, you can pause for a refreshing break at the historic Fontana Morello, a stone fountain offering a perfect resting spot. Remember to carry enough water, though a hidden tap providing fresh mountain water can be found further along the route. Rifugio Resegone offers local food and is a welcoming place to refuel before your descent.

This trail offers a unique connection to the wild heart of the Bergamo Alps, showcasing the natural beauty of Valle Imagna. As you hike, keep an eye out for cattle grazing in the mountain pastures and the diverse flora of the regional forest. The area is also home to various wildlife, including roe deer, chamois, and occasionally eagles soaring overhead. The views from Rifugio Resegone highlight the unspoiled, green landscape of the valley, with minimal signs of human development.

Embark on a moderate hike along the Lake Iseo panoramic route, covering 5.5 miles (8.9 km) with an elevation gain of 1009 feet (308 metres). This route offers a delightful mix of paved roads and gravel tracks, featuring gentle climbs, descents, and flat sections. You'll experience a constant interplay of forest views on one side and expansive panoramas of Lake Iseo on the other, making for a rewarding journey that typically takes around 2 hours and 43 minutes to complete.

To begin your adventure, head to the charming village of Bossico, which serves as the starting point for this scenic trail. Parking is conveniently available near Piazza San Pietro, making access straightforward for those arriving by car. Consider starting your hike in the morning to enjoy the best light over the lake and to allow ample time to explore the route at a comfortable pace.

As you progress, the trail leads you towards Ceratello, a small village known for its traditional stone houses and wooden loggias, offering a glimpse into local architecture. You can pause for a refreshing break at the Scarda Water Fountain or enjoy the views from the panoramic picnic area on Strada Panoramica Don Alessio Amighetti. Bossico itself holds historical significance, with 19th-century villas named after Rome's seven hills, reflecting its past as a summer retreat for wealthy industrialists.

Embark on the Tre Pizzi Alpine Trail, a challenging hike that leads you through the rugged beauty of the Orobie Alps. This difficult route covers 4.2 miles (6.8 km) and climbs a significant 1734 feet (528 metres), typically requiring about 3 hours and 24 minutes to complete. You will traverse sparse woodlands before emerging onto open alpine slopes, where the dramatic Tre Pizzi peaks dominate the skyline. Along the way, you can find the serene Pietra Quadra Lake, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding rocky walls.

To begin your adventure, head to the Baite di Mezzeno parking area, which serves as the trailhead for this route. You can reach this starting point by driving from Roncobello in approximately ten minutes. This trail is best enjoyed during favorable weather conditions, as the final ascent involves a short, rocky section that demands careful navigation. Plan your visit to allow ample time to complete the hike before dusk, especially given its difficult rating.

This trail offers more than just stunning views; it also provides glimpses into the region's natural and cultural heritage. You will follow CAI trail 217, passing by the historic Baita dei Tre Pizzi, an abandoned structure that tells tales of the area's pastoral past. The Tre Pizzi themselves are often compared to the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Dolomites, making this a notable destination for alpine enthusiasts seeking a rewarding experience in the mountains.