The best traffic-free bike rides around Esine

🏔️ Monte Altissimo — Identity and location Monte Altissimo is the highest peak of the short mountain range that separates Bassa Val Camonica and Valle di Scalve. It is known for two very different slopes: North slope (Borno): gentle, wooded, with ski slopes and mountain huts. South slope (Erbanno–Gorzone): steep, rocky, with significant elevation changes. This dual nature is also confirmed by the hiking itineraries documented online . 🚶‍♂️ The main documented itineraries Online sources show several routes, including: 1) From Croce di Salven – Path 6 (classic loop) Passes through Pozze di Val Sorda, Rifugio Lorenzini, Malga Guccione. A very popular loop itinerary, with a gentle and scenic ascent. Data confirmed by hikr.org (loop with ascent from Croce di Salven) . 2) From Borno – Via Mine e Segable A longer and scenic itinerary, with passages over woods, mountain huts, and ridges. Documented in detail on Wikiloc, with a complete description of path 112 → 151 → 155 . 3) From Erbanno – Path 155 Steep and challenging ascent, with sections on rocky outcrops. Direct connection to the final ridge of the Altissimo. 🏞️ Environment and notable points Sources confirm the places you have already visited: Pozze di Val Sorda: damp and bright clearings. Rifugio Colonnello Ferruccio Lorenzini: in the Pratolungo basin, at 1478 m. Malga Guccione: a passing point before the final ascent. Borno ski slopes: often used for descent on winter loops.

🏔️ Monte Altissimo (Val Camonica) — Identity and main characteristics Monte Altissimo is a mountain in the Bergamo Prealps, 1703 m high, located between the lower Val Camonica and the lower Val di Scalve. It is the highest peak in the mountain group that separates these two valleys and overlooks the Borno plateau. Two very different sides Southern side: steep, rocky, almost devoid of vegetation, with a difference in altitude of about 1500 m from the Oglio valley floor. Northern side: gentle slope towards Borno, covered with fir trees and dotted with mountain huts, chalets and ski slopes of the Borno Ski Area. 🚶‍♂️ Hiking — The main itineraries Monte Altissimo is very popular with hikers thanks to the good network of trails (difficulty E). Here are the best-known and documented routes. 1) From Erbanno – Trail 197 or 155 A steep and challenging itinerary, with a significant difference in altitude. Trail 197: Start: Erbanno (Darfo Boario Terme) Passes through: small church of San Valentino (690 m), Malga Mine, junction with trail 194 From the cross: spectacular view of the lower Val Camonica and Lake Iseo Summit reachable in 15 minutes from the final junction Trail 155 (more direct and strenuous): Difference in altitude: about 1460 m Steep sections, some chains on a slightly exposed traverse Remarkable panorama over the meadows of the “Segable” Arrival at the Monte Altissimo refuge and the ski lifts 2) From Gorzone – Trail 154 A wilder route on the south side, with a long and tough climb. 3) From Borno – North side (ski slope areas) A gentler and more panoramic itinerary, often chosen for loop tours that include refuges, mountain huts and small churches (as in your story). 🏞️ What makes Monte Altissimo special Sharp contrast between the two sides: one severe and rocky, the other gentle and wooded. Wide panoramas of the lower Val Camonica, Lake Iseo and Presolana. Network of mountain huts and chalets still active in summer. Presence of the Monte Altissimo refuge at the summit, also reached by ski lifts. Possibility of very varied loops, combining woods, slopes, ridges and small isolated churches.

This pedestrian and cycle bridge allows you to safely cross the Oglio River while enjoying the view.

This complex, also known as the Sanctuary of the Annunciation, is located in a splendid panoramic position overlooking the valley and is a site of great historical, artistic, and spiritual interest. Founded in the 15th century, the Sanctuary is a notable example of Lombard late Gothic architecture. The convent is run by the Capuchin Friars and is particularly linked to the figure of Blessed Innocenzo da Berzo, whose cell-museum is open to visitors.

Here you'll find a group of engraved monoliths (engraved stone blocks) dating back to the Copper Age (about 4,500 years ago, or the 3rd millennium BC). These stelae were part of an important ceremonial and megalithic site, where rituals were held. They are characterized by engravings depicting celestial symbols, animals, weapons (such as Remedello-type daggers), and stylized human faces, sometimes with decorative elements such as pendants and collars. The original stelae have been removed for conservation reasons and are on display at the MUPRE (National Museum of Prehistory of Valle Camonica) in Capo di Ponte. Reproductions are visible here.

Nice, historic, relaxing...a beautiful ride along the Oglio cycle path.

Stone bridge with nice views around. The river was brown due to heavy rain some hours earlier.

To reach Montecchio di Darfo, starting from Boario, you cross the so-called "Roman bridge." It is a scenic 24-meter, single-span bridge, built from blocks of granite and Simona stone in 1686, over the remains of an older bridge that connected the medieval castle on Monticolo to the opposite bank of the river. It has been recognized as a national monument.