Valbondione

The trails vary depending on the starting point and destination. Check current trail conditions before setting out, as conditions along the routes can vary.

Hiking trails to Maslana and the Cascate del Serio

Maslana, in the municipality of Valbondione, can be reached on foot via CAI Trail 332 or CAI Trail 305. Trail 332 leads from the hamlet of Grumetti, over the Ponte della Piccinella bridge, to the Osservatorio Floro Faunistico di Maslana and onward to the Grandi Macigni area. The Cascate del Serio are visible from there. The bridge and the observatory are intermediate points along this route.

Another route to the Cascate del Serio starts on Via Curò in Valbondione. Follow the signposted CAI Trail 305 towards Rifugio Curò as far as the Grandi Macigni area; you do not need to continue the hike to the refuge. A relatively easy hike along CAI Trail 305 towards Rifugio Antonio Curò is also listed for Diga del Barbellino. It starts in Valbondione and is 6.5 km long. This gives you two specific route destinations to plan for: the Cascate del Serio and the dam.

Waterfalls and landscape

The Cascate del Serio are 315 metres high in total and consist of three cascades. The Cascate del Coca are also in Valbondione. The Cascate del Serio are visible from the Grandi Macigni.

Lago del Barbellino is an artificial reservoir above Valbondione. It lies in the former Barbellino hollow and is the largest artificial lake in the Bergamasque Orobie. Alongside the waterfall trails, visitors can also explore a reservoir and its landscape setting within the former hollow.

Cultural heritage in Bondione

The Chiesina di Santa Elisabetta is located in Contrada Bondione, in the municipality of Valbondione. It was built between 1647 and 1659 and houses an altarpiece by Domenico Carpinoni. The painting depicts the Visitation of Mary to Saint Elizabeth. The building period, location and subject of the painting give this small place of worship a specific historical and artistic connection.

The feast of Santa Elisabetta is celebrated on 31 May; in Contrada Bondione, the celebration takes place on the third Sunday in July. It includes a Mass, a procession and an outdoor lunch. The exact programme may vary from year to year, so it is worth checking the latest dates before travelling.

The Sentiero dei Carbonai e dei Poiat in the municipality of Valbondione offers another way to explore the area’s culture. At 19 marked stops, the trail explains the history of charcoal production as well as the construction and operation of the “Poiat”. The stops draw attention not only to the end product of charcoal making, but also to the design and workings of the structures used to produce it.

Cycling in Valbondione

The Pista ciclabile della Valle Seriana starts in Ranica and ends in Valbondione, 60 kilometres away. It follows the bed of the Serio River. Valbondione is therefore also a destination at the end of this cycling route. The hiking trails to Maslana and the waterfalls, as well as the cycling route, offer different kinds of activities to consider when choosing your destination.

Discover more destinations: Lizzola, Piazzatorre, Almenno San Bartolomeo, Zogno, Riva Di Solto, Bagnatica, Bergamo, Treviolo.

Return to the main travel overview: Bergamo.