Val Cerviera: the secret tarns above the Barbellino

Beyond Rifugio Curò, where almost nobody goes

Val Cerviera is a wild corner of the Bergamo Orobie: alpine tarns, waterfalls echoing in the silence and nature left as it was. It is the right place for anyone who has already seen the Barbellino and wants to go further.

The trail starts from Valbondione and climbs to Rifugio Antonio Curò along Lago del Barbellino, with glimpses of peaks like Pizzo Coca and the Recastello. Beyond the hut the route follows the lakeshore to the Val Cerviera waterfall, with some steeper sections.

Higher up the alpine tarns await: still water, quiet and mountains reflected in it. It is 20 kilometres and 1,350 metres of ascent over eight hours, and you feel every metre — but few can say they have been there.

Why come

• the Val Cerviera tarns, unknown to most
• the waterfall echoing in the silence of the valley
• Rifugio Curò and Lago del Barbellino along the way
• Pizzo Coca and the Recastello always in view

Who it suits

This is a hard hike: 20 kilometres and 1,350 metres of ascent in eight hours, with steeper sections beyond the hut. Good fitness and a sure step are needed. Parking in Valbondione costs 3 euros with a scratch ticket.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's climb into Val Cerviera.