The Seriana Valley, along with the Brembana Valley, is one of the main valleys in the province of Bergamo and the Orobie Mountains. It takes its name from the Serio River, which runs through it.
Clusone, Castione della Presolana and Valbondione are the main tourist areas in the valley, and they are only about an hour from Bergamo and just under two from Milan. In these locations it is possible to combine the pleasure of being in nature, outdoor sports, culture, history and good food. The Seriana Valley is therefore an excellent destination for a long weekend or week-long summer vacation, ideal for an escape from the summer heat and an immersion in nature.
With this article, we hope to be of help to you by suggesting 5 ideas for activities that you can do during your summer vacation in the Seriana Valley and the adjacent Scalve Valley.
1. Hiking and Mountaineering
All 3000 of the Orobie Mountains are concentrated in the Seriana Valley, which also has numerous peaks over 2000 meters high. With this wide choice, the options for hiking enthusiasts are truly countless. Those with less experience can opt to reach one of the classic Coca, Curò, Tagliaferri and Albani refuges for a tasty lunch at high altitude with a view. If you feel like something more challenging, you can try to reach Pizzo Arera, an emblazoned limestone peak, or go into Val Gandino to the summit of Pizzo Formico or even to Valgoglio, to visit all 5 of its lakes.
If you are not trained or have children with strollers in tow, you can always ride the pleasant bike path that runs through the valley for 30Km, from Ranica to Clusone. Also for families, the Spirit of the Woods Trail is very suitable, starting from Colle Vareno near the Presolana Pass. For a bit of refreshment, take the trail along the cool Vertova Valley instead, among pools of crystal-clear water and bubbling waterfalls.
We have collected the 10 best hikes in the Seriana Valley in this dedicated article.
Are you a mountaineer or a lover of high mountains? Try your hand at conquering Pizzo di Coca, which at 3050 meters high is the highest in the Orobie. Alternatively, you can summit Pizzo Redorta or Scais, the other 3,000 in the Orobie. Not to be missed, the ascent to Presolana, the “queen” of the Orobie.
3. Canyoning with BergamoXP
Unfortunately, the Serio has been extensively exploited for power generation, and numerous dams, barrages, power plants and withdrawals have greatly reduced the inflow of water and compromised almost completely the possibility of practicing commercial river sports such as Rafting or Hydrospeed, which we are able to practice in the Brembana Valley instead.
Fortunately, the valley gives, at Fiumenero just before reaching Valbondione, a real gem for Canyoning. If you don’t fear heights and have good water skills, then this activity will be your ideal way to refresh your summer in the Seriana Valley. Donning a wetsuit, harness and helmet, you’ll set off with our guide for a creek adventure, with dives into crystal-clear pools, natural water slides carved into the rock and exciting rope rappels!
3. Mountain bikes and E-bikes
Numerous interesting routes wind through the Seriana Valley. Let’s start with a great classic, the route of about 35 km that runs on the Clusone plateau, passing through Rovetta, Songavazzo, Onore and Fino al Monte. Another very pleasant route suitable for everyone is the one that starts from the Presolana Pass and leads to the famous Salto degli Sposi, Colle Vareno and Monte Alto.
If you are looking for something more challenging, you can ride in Val Gandino along the slopes of Mount Farno, or climb up one of the countless variants leading to Mount Misma.
Lover of thrills and speed on two wheels? Rent your downhill bike and descend the thrilling slopes of Spiazzi di Gromo.
4. A visit to Clusone
The valley’s main municipality and a splendid village renowned for its historic center, so much so that it earned the Italian Touring Club’s Orange Flag, Clusone is definitely worth a visit.
It starts from the Clock Tower Square, a true symbol of the municipality. It is a planetary clock dating well back to 1583. Adjacent to it it is also possible to admire the town hall, dating from medieval times. Then it is up to the Oratory of the Disciplines of San Bernardino, where one of Clusone’s best-known frescoes, the famous “Dance Macabre,” is painted, as well as the “Last Judgment” and the “Triumph of Death,” all medieval representations of the theme of death. These works earned Clusone the title of “Painted City.”
Finally, before relaxing in a bar in the historic center, a visit to the 15th-century Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta to enjoy a splendid view of the entire town.
If you’re looking for a bit of quiet and cool, just outside Clusone you’ll also find its beautiful pine forest for relaxing walks in the green.
5. A visit to Gromo
Another characteristic town in the valley, Gromo has the timeless charm of medieval mountain villages. Known in the past for thriving iron mining, it too boasts membership in Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages and the Italian Touring Club’s Orange Flag.
The narrow streets and lanes weave into a charming maze of houses in which it is pleasant to get lost. In addition, it is possible to visit the Museum of White Weapons, located inside the elegant Palazzo Milesi, and trace the town’s mining history. Another distinctive element, the castle towers over the entire town, perched in a defensive position, and takes its name from the Ginami family, which held control for a long time. Today, however, a restaurant is located inside.
BergamoXP
BergamoXP is the first aquatic sports center in the province of Bergamo. We are a team of nature enthusiasts, outdoor and adventure lovers, connoisseurs of our territory and professionals specializing in the disciplines of Kayak, Canyoning, Rafting, Hydrospeed, River Trekking.
Choose BergamoXP, adventure is waiting just around the corner!
