The Brembana Valley is one of the main valleys in the province of Bergamo and the Orobie. It takes its name from the Brembo river, which crosses it.
San Pellegrino Terme, the main municipality in the valley, is only about thirty minutes from the Orobic capital and just over an hour from Milan. The Brembana Valley, combining nature, sport, culture and history, is an excellent destination for a long weekend or a week of summer vacation.
In fact, the coolness of its woods and waterways, the green of its mountains and valleys, the historic villages rich in history and its typically alpine cuisine offer a splendid refuge to those who are fleeing the city or in search of authenticity.
As expert connoisseurs and lovers of our territory, we hope to be of help by suggesting 6 ideas for activities that you can do during your summer holiday in Val Brembana.
- Hiking and Mountaineering
- Dossena Mines and Tibetan Bridge
- Rafting, Hydrospeed, River Trekking and Canyoning with BergamoXP
- Mountain Bikes and E-Bikes
- San Pellegrino Terme
- Tasso Horn
1. Hiking and Mountaineering
With numerous peaks that exceed 2000 meters in height, there is no shortage of options for lovers of hiking and walking. From reaching one of the classic Calvi, Longo and Laghi Gemelli refuges, passing through the most challenging climbs to emblazoned peaks such as Monte Aga or Corno Stella, there are so many alternatives. We have collected the 10 best hikes in Val Brembana in this dedicated article. If you think you are not trained or you have children with strollers in tow, you can always take the cool cycle path that runs through the valley for 23 km, from Zogno to Piazza Brembana.
Looking for something more exciting? One of the classic mountaineering routes will take you to the top of Pizzo del Diavolo di Tenda, which at 2914 meters is the highest peak in the valley. Alternatively, the Via Ferrata di Santa Croce, above the town of San Pellegrino Terme, will give you a splendid view of the middle valley. Finally, the Maurizio ferrata on Monte Alben, is more demanding but very satisfying.
2. Dossena Mines and Tibetan Bridge
The village of Dossena, just above San Pellegrino Terme, boasts a mining past, dating back to Roman times. The extraction of iron first and then fluorite continued until the mid-20th century when the activity was no longer economically advantageous. However, the evident signs left by man still remain, an impressive series of tunnels and tunnels dug with the sole strength of the arms. Now they can be admired with a fascinating visit, which can be booked here.
Also in Dossena, it is also possible to cross an exciting Tibetan bridge, known as the “Bridge of the Sun”. It is a path of 505 meters in length and high at its peak 120 meters from the bottom of the valley. Put on your harness (provided at the time of booking) and walk the 1200 walkways that make it up. Admission must first be booked at the Dossena infopoint or online. It is also possible to book a visit to the mines and the Ponte del Sole in a single discounted ticket
3. Rafting, Hydrospeed, River Trekking and Canyoning with BergamoXP
The Brembo is one of the main rivers in the province of Bergamo and boasts numerous tributaries that flow through the myriad of valleys side to the Brembana Valley. With this abundance of water, it is therefore no wonder that you can enjoy numerous adventure sports during the summer!
Let’s start with Rafting, which we offer during the months of April, May and June, when the melting snow feeds the Brembo, giving it volume. An exciting descent with rubber dinghies, among its powerful rapids is ideal for nature and adventure lovers, friends or family. The activity is always carried out in maximum safety, thanks to our guides, all patented and experienced. And if you don’t have enough, you can choose to try Hydrospeed, and swim in the rapids of the river.
Unfortunately, once the snow has melted, the river drops and it is no longer possible to navigate it with rubber dinghies. But don’t despair, BergamoXP during the summer months and until the end of September quenches your desire for adventure with River Trekking and Canyoning. It involves walking and with special heavy wetsuits, gorges and streams, diving into pools of crystal clear water and sliding on natural toboggans carved into the rock by the water. Activities not for the faint of heart, but there’s no better way to refresh your summer!
4. Mountain Bikes and E-bikes
The considerations made above for hiking easily extend to two wheels as well. An infinite number of paths and paths can be traveled during the summer in Val Brembana. For the less trained, it is possible to rent an E-bike and reach one of our refuges, for a tastier lunch. Or again, families will appreciate the splendid cycle path that runs along the valley floor, next to the Brembo. Finally, downhill lovers will find a bike park dedicated to them in Piazza Torre, where it is also possible to rent bicycles.
5. A visit to San Pellegrino Terme
The beautiful town of Brembana, the “capital” of the valley, is a concentration of history and culture that is definitely worth a day visit. A renowned tourist resort until the beginning of the 20th century, it boasts numerous Art Nouveau buildings, such as the Casino and the Grand Hotel. The latter represented the culmination of luxury tourism of an era and boasts among its register illustrious personalities such as Queen Margherita, General Cadorna, Eugenio Montale and Ornella Muti.
One cannot fail to mention San Pellegrino and leave out the thermal baths now managed by QC Terme, which welcome its guests in the impressive building of the Municipal Casino. Still on the subject of water, the historic brand of bottled mineral water famous all over the world, has its sources (not only in the literal sense) here. The historic bottling factory is still located just outside the main town.
During a visit to San Pellegrino Terme, a stop at the Pasticceria-Hotel Bigio is a must, renowned for its delicious butter biscuits.
Finally, if you are tired and need to recharge your batteries in nature, you can quickly reach the Giant Bench 128, located above the village in Santa Croce (near the aforementioned ferrata), to enjoy a spectacular view of the entire valley and the plain. Or take the funicular to the summit and visit the suggestive “Dream Caves“.
6. A visit to Cornello dei Tasso
We close this roundup of proposals with another cultural destination, the historic village of Cornello dei Tasso. It is a village located above Camerata Cornello, not far from San Pellegrino Terme. In the past it represented a commercial stop and a crossroads of merchants who transported their products from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe and moved along the Via Mercatorum. Characterized by a splendid portico and the main square, it has been elected one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Finally, the town is famous for having given the lights to the Tasso family. In addition to the author of “La Gerusalemme Liberata”, the family is known for being the first in Europe to have started a commercial postal courier service, also working on behalf of the Republic of Venice and the Habsburg Empire. In Cornello dei Tasso it is possible to visit the museum dedicated to them for free, to retrace the stages and history of the Postal Service in Europe.
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!
