The Bergamo Orobie are a fascinating mountain range, separated from the main Alpine arc, in which man and nature have coexisted for millennia. Here, nature has shaped the character of the people who live there, but at the same time the hand of man has influenced the environment and the ecosystem, in a continuous dynamic balance made up of reciprocal exchanges.
Going to the mountains, in Bergamo, is such a deep-rooted and widespread practice that it is an integral part of our culture and our DNA. Having said this, it is therefore not surprising to discover that throughout the arc of the Orobie of the province of Bergamo there are numerous refuges, bulwarks of the exploration of the highlands and the tradition, including culinary tradition, of these areas.
Nothing is more pleasant, whether on a hot summer day or a crisp autumn or spring day, than hiking in the mountains and reaching one of our huts. It can be a final destination or just an intermediate step before continuing towards higher goals, but in any case the warmth of the structure (and the kitchen) and the beauty of the views admired will repay every effort made to reach it.
In this article we have listed the 10 most famous refuges in the province of Bergamo, which can be reached with a day trip. For reasons of space we had to make choices and many structures in the area were unfortunately not included. We don’t want the tenacious and passionate managers of the facilities not present in this special ranking. We will have the opportunity to recover and make up for it in the future with other articles.
- Antonio Curò Refuge
- Merelli al Coca Refuge
- Baroni al Brunone Refuge
- Twin Lakes Refuge
- Calvi Brothers Refuge
- Rifugio Longo brothers
- Albani Refuge
- Grassi Refuge
- Tagliaferri Refuge
- Benigni Refuge
1. Antonio Curò Refuge
From Valbondione, Seriana Valley
Among the most historic in the Bergamo area, opened as far back as 1886, the Antonio Curò refuge is located above Val Bondione, in the Upper Seriana Valley, at an altitude of about 1915 meters. It owes its name to Engineer Curò, then president of the CAI of Bergamo. In addition to the summer building, a high-quality hostel has recently been built. In front of the refuge stands the famous Barbellino lake, closed by the dam which, following the official release calendar, generates the famous Serio waterfalls. Finally, the Curò refuge is the gateway to numerous valuable excursions, such as Pizzo Recastello or Pizzo Strinato. The less trained can stop along the shores of the artificial lake of Barbellino or continue for less than an hour until they reach the waters of the natural one.
The classic ascent route to the Curò refuge starts from Valbondione and we have described it in a dedicated article, with a map and GPS track that can be downloaded for free.
2. Merelli al Coca Refuge
From Valbondione, in Val Seriana
The Merelli al Coca Refuge is located at an altitude of 1892 meters, above the town of Valbondione, in the upper Seriana Valley, and on the southern slopes of Pizzo Coca, from which it takes part of its name. The latter, with its 3051 meters high, is the highest peak of the Orobie. The other half of the name of the refuge derives from the well-known mountaineer Mario Merelli, who passed away in 2012, who was “at home” here.
The refuge is a must for those who decide to climb Pizzo Coca, dividing the ascent over 2 days. From its panoramic balcony you can enjoy splendid views of the valley floor and the Orobie Alps, which here include some of its highest peaks, over three thousand meters high: Pizzo Redorta, Pizzo Scais and Pizzo Coca, of course.
The classic ascent itinerary to the Coca refuge starts from Valbondione and we have described it in a dedicated article, with a map and GPS track that can be downloaded for free.
3. Baroni al Brunone Refuge
From Fiumenero, in Val Seriana
The Baroni al Brunone Refuge is located at an altitude of 2297 meters, above the town of Fiumenero, a hamlet of Val Bondione, in the upper Seriana Valley. Owned by the CAI of Bergamo, the first building dates back to 1879, although the current one was inaugurated “only” in 1894. In 1968 it was finally dedicated to the Bergamo mountain guide Antonio Baroni, from whom the refuge takes its name.
From the refuge it is possible to walk and reach some challenging and emblazoned peaks such as Pizzo Redorta or Punta di Scais, or easier excursions such as those to Cima Soliva or Pizzo del Salto.
The classic ascent route to the Brunone refuge starts from Fiumenero and we have described it in a dedicated article, with a map and GPS track that can be downloaded for free.
4. Twin Lakes Refuge
From Carona, in the Brembana Valley
The Laghi Gemelli Refuge is located at an altitude of 1968 meters, in the municipality of Branzi, in the upper Brembana Valley. Owned by the CAI of Bergamo, the first building dates back to 1900, but was destroyed during the Second World War. The current building was inaugurated in 1948. It owes its name to the artificial lake of the same name along which it stands.
From the refuge you can reach interesting peaks, such as Pizzo del Becco, Monte Cabianca, Monte Tonale or Pizzo Farno, or opt for less demanding excursions such as the tour of the lakes which includes Lake Marcio, Lake Casere, Lake Colombo and Lake Becco.
The classic ascent route to the Laghi Gemelli refuge starts from Carona and we have described it in a dedicated article, with a map and GPS track that can be downloaded for free.
5. Calvi Brothers Refuge
From Carona, in the Brembana Valley
The Calvi Refuge is located at an altitude of 2015 meters, in the municipality of Carona, in the upper Brembana Valley. Owned by the CAI of Bergamo, the first building dates back to 1935, but was entirely rebuilt and then inaugurated in 1984. It owes its name to the 4 Calvi brothers: Attilio, Santino and Giannino, who died during the First World War, and Natale, who died in a mountain accident in 1920.
From the refuge you can make interesting excursions that lead to the sources of the Brembo or the Poris lakes. the most trained can conquer the summit of Pizzo del Diavolo di Tenda or Pizzo Poris, Mount Cabianca, Madonnino or Grabiasca.
The classic ascent route to the Calvi refuge starts from Carona and we have described it in a dedicated article, with a map and GPS track that can be downloaded for free.
6. Longo Brothers Refuge
From Carona, in the Brembana Valley
The Longo Refuge is located at an altitude of 2026 meters, in the municipality of Carona, in the upper Brembana Valley. Owned by the CAI of Bergamo, the building dates back to 1923, but was renovated and subject to modernization and expansion in 1985 and 1999. The refuge was named after the brothers Giuseppe and Innocente Longo, who died during the ascent of the Matterhorn in 1934.
From the refuge you can reach Mount Cigola or Mount Aga, a great classic of the Orobie. Given its secluded position, it is also possible to spot ibex and marmots.
The classic ascent route to the Longo refuge starts from Carona and we have described it in a dedicated article, with a map and GPS track that can be downloaded for free.
7. Albani Refuge
From Colere, in Val di Scalve
The Albani Refuge is located at an altitude of 1939 meters, in the municipality of Colere, in Val di Scalve. Owned by the CAI of Bergamo, the building was inaugurated in 1967, and took the place of the previous Trieste hut, the remains of which are still visible at the ancient mining site now abandoned. The refuge is dedicated to Luigi Albani, the first mountaineer to climb the north face of the Presolana.
From the refuge you can enjoy a fantastic view of the north face of the Presolana. The Albani is the access to the mountaineering routes that run along the peaks of the Presolana, the Porta ferrata and a base for those who undertake the circumnavigation of the Regina, a fascinating two-day trek. From here you can also descend into the wild Valzurio.
The classic ascent route to the Albani refuge starts from Colere and we have described it in a dedicated article, with a map and GPS track that can be downloaded for free.
8. Grassi Refuge
From Valtorta, in Val Brembana
The Grassi Refuge is located at an altitude of 1987 meters, in the municipality of Valtorta, in the upper Brembana Valley. Owned by the SEL (Lecco Hikers Society), the original building dates back to 1921, built by the SEL itself to commemorate its fallen during the First World War. Following its destruction during World War II by the Germans, it was rebuilt in 1946 and then expanded and modernized in 1960 and 1998.
The refuge is located along the ridge of Pizzo Tre Signori, on the border of the provinces of Bergamo, Lecco and Sondrio. It is also located near the pass and pasture of Camisolo, an area still used today for summer pastures and cheese production. Furthermore, since the Middle Ages, this area has been widely exploited for mining and, although it has since fallen into disuse, the evident signs still remain.
The classic ascent route to the Grassi refuge from the Bergamo side starts from Valtorta and we have described it in a dedicated article, with a map and GPS track that can be downloaded for free.
9. Tagliaferri Refuge
From Schilpario, in Val di Scalve
The Tagliaferri Refuge is located at an altitude of 2,328 meters, in the municipality of Schilpario, in Val di Scalve. Owned by the CAI of Bergamo, the building dates back to 1985, the year of its inauguration. The refuge is the highest in the Bergamo Orobie, located at the Venano pass in the Vò valley.
From the refuge it is possible to reach the Vivione pass or the Belviso pass and lake.
The classic ascent route to the Tagliaferri refuge starts from Schilpario and we have described it in a dedicated article, with a map and GPS track that can be downloaded for free.
10. Benigni Refuge
From Cusio, in the Brembana Valley
The Benigni Refuge is located at an altitude of 2,222 meters, in the municipality of Cusio, in Val Brembana. Owned by the CAI of Val Brembana, the building dates back to 1984, the year of its inauguration. The refuge is located in Val Salmurano, along the watershed between the provinces of Bergamo and Sondrio.
Near the refuge there is Lake Piazzotti, and it is also possible to reach the homonymous Pizzo Piazzotti, Pizzo Trona, Pizzo Tre Signori or Mount Valletto.
The classic ascent route to the Benigni refuge on the side of the province of Bergamo starts from Cusio and we have described it in a dedicated article, with a map and GPS track that can be downloaded for free.
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