Five lakes of Valgoglio: the Orobie loop

Five stretches of water in a single loop

A spectacular hike in the Bergamo Orobie, a short drive from Bergamo: alpine lakes, wild views and restoring silence. The five lakes of Valgoglio loop is one of those routes that combine effort and beauty in the right measure.

From the car park we climb on tarmac and then gravel, at a firm gradient: this is where almost all the height gain happens, with about two hours of climbing up to the Baite ENEL, where the loop proper begins.

Then the show starts, between grass, stone and glacial basins from 1,950 to 2,150 metres: Lago Sucotto, small and silent; Lago Cernello, the greenest; Lago Nero, deep and ringed by dark scree; Lago Campelli, spacious and ideal for lunch; and finally Lago d'Aviasco, the largest, with its dam and viewpoints. Fifteen kilometres and a thousand metres of ascent.

Why come

• five alpine lakes, each different from the next, in one loop
• glacial basins between 1,950 and 2,150 metres
• the dam of Lago d'Aviasco and its viewpoints
• a full loop, never retracing your steps

Who it suits

This is an intermediate but demanding hike: a thousand metres of ascent concentrated mostly in the first two hours, then high-altitude ground of grass and stone. Trained legs are needed. Parking costs 5 euros for the day, paid on site, and is not included.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's walk the five lakes.