Bergamo Alps Energy

Before diving into describing spa experiences in Lombardy, I feel like this bit of context is important. I’ve often been told by my friends that I’m loud when I speak. I was even scolded for it once by a random grandma in a shopping mall abroad. A busy, loud shopping mall, of all places! Maybe that is why I feel so at home among loud Italians.

But even I, apparently a notoriously loud Balkan person, was caught off guard the first time I visited a spa in Italy. I walked in expecting soft music, calm lighting, and that classic whisper-only atmosphere you usually find in wellness centers. Instead, I was greeted by a level of chatter and clattering that sounded more like Milano Centrale at rush hour, or the roar of Cascate del Serio on opening day. I walked out with my ears ringing and a firm decision to bring my friends there one day, just so they could witness what real loudness looks like.

With Italian spa culture being practically nonexistent, the few places that do exist often feel confused, as if they are still trying to figure out what a spa is supposed to be. And nowhere is that confusion more obvious than in the rules themselves.

Spa etiquette in Italy: a health hazard

That realization hit me the moment I stepped into a sauna. In Italy, you are expected to enter the sauna wearing a bathing suit. That’s not a suggestion. It’s an actual rule. I simply cannot relax in a 90°C room with synthetic fibers clinging to my skin. It feels less like a wellness experience and more like a slow, sweaty punishment. I’m not saying we need to go fully loose about it, but at least a cotton towel wrapped around your body makes some kind of sense. It breathes. It absorbs. It doesn’t try to melt into you.

Then there’s the organizational part which deserves its own mention. Like almost everything in Italy, a spa visit requires planning. You can’t just wake up, stretch, decide “I need some sauna time today” and show up. No. Your arrival must be known, confirmed, logged, and probably blessed by the universe well ahead of time. And even then, things don’t always work the way you expect, because booking in Italy is its own sport.

When I tried to surprise my partner with a spa day, I checked the websites only to discover everything was fully booked for the upcoming days. What I didn’t know was that he had the exact same idea. The difference is that he did it the Italian way. He called, then physically went to their sales point, and somehow came back with two tickets, while I was still refreshing booking pages like a delusional optimist.

Consider this a friendly warning: never rely solely on Italian websites. Even the ones belonging to respectable chains. Italy and technology coexist, but only in a loose, long-distance relationship kind of way. If you want something, call. Or better yet, show up in person.

Spa experiences in Lombardy can be a costly hassle

And then there’s the price. Since you can’t just hop in for a quick after-work relax, the whole system is built around packages. You need to pay close attention to what your ticket actually includes, because everything depends. A full day, a half day, a five-hour entry, access to certain areas only, no access to others. What looks affordable at first often turns out to be something else entirely.

The cheapest ticket I’ve seen was around 40 euros, and that was considered a good deal. Meanwhile, in Sweden, an unlimited bathhouse entry costs less than 10 euros. In Poland, you can even pay by the minute in a public pool’s spa area. The comparison doesn’t exactly make Lombardy’s spa scene feel accessible or spontaneous.

And then there’s the information problem. One of the places officially advertised on Bergamo’s tourism website is not really a spa at all, but a medical facility offering sulphurous baths for people with specific health conditions. The kind of place your grandparents visit through social insurance. Useful, sure. Relaxing, not exactly.

Other spa websites aren’t much better. Some are only half functional. Others send you through a maze of pages filled with glossy photos and vague descriptions, but very little practical information. Eventually, you hit the same sentence every time: Please call to check availability. At that point, you start wondering why the website exists at all.

Because of all this, I haven’t tried many places. Not because I don’t want to relax, but because planning a spa day here often feels like work. Hard work. The kind that makes you think it might actually be easier to book a cheap flight to another country and spend your spa day there instead.

A few places, a few realities

Still, I braved the chaos and visited a few spots, and what follows are my unfiltered field notes rather than polished reviews.

QC Terme San Pellegrino: A “Luxurious” Nut House

The photos promised luxury and serenity, warm pools, soft lighting, and quiet people sipping prosecco in fluffy robes. Reality? A white-robed stampede. The aperitivo room was overcrowded, echoing with chatter to the point where you could not even hear your own thoughts. It looked like a stylish mental institution and sounded like a cafeteria.

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They even give everyone plastic flip-flops, which is fine in theory, until you realize you are surrounded by hundreds of people, each producing that sharp slap-slap-slap sound on marble floors. Multiply that by a thousand feet and you have a rhythm section straight from a nightmare.

If you want a bit of a relaxing experience, skip Saturdays entirely. Go in the evening instead, when the crowds thin out. But if your goal is to gossip and laugh with friends, the louder the better, QC Terme is your place. Nobody will even notice you being noisy.

Miramonti: A Breath of Quiet Air

In this smaller mountain hotel and spa, there were not as many fancy rooms or themed saunas, but what it lacked in variety it made up for in calmness.

We soaked in the outdoor pool while snow dusted the trees around us. No crowds, no chaos, just peace. Lunch was delicious, and even though we were still in bathrobes, this time it actually felt luxurious, not like part of an experiment in collective overstimulation.

Piajo Spa

Then there is the Piajo Spa near Bergamo. It is heavy on ads, yet strangely absent from real conversations. Possibly because the prices alone are enough to make people quietly look away and pretend it does not exist. It’ll be one of my next spa experiences in Lombardy, maybe.

Making peace with Lombardy’s spa chaos

So yes, spa experiences in Lombardy are a mixed bag. Some places feel like a stylish chaos experiment, while others offer pockets of peace that make you wonder why you even bother with the crowds elsewhere. Prices can be steep, rules can be baffling, and booking can be its own adventure.

At the end of the day, Italy’s spa culture might be quirky, confusing, and sometimes chaotic, but surviving the madness makes the calm moments feel that much sweeter. It also explains why I’m fully on board with my Northern European friend’s plan to build a sauna at home. Honestly, it might be the most relaxing idea of all.

If you’re anything like me, the name San Pellegrino probably just brings to mind that sleek green bottle of fizzy water, the kind restaurants serve when they’re trying to be just a little too fancy. I had no clue it was actually named after a real town. So when I learned there’s an actual place called San Pellegrino Terme, tucked into a narrow stretch of the Brembana Valley, I did a full double take. But I realized that’s a theme around here: naming things after the places they come from. Looking at you, town of Gorgonzola! But that’s a different story for another time.

Let’s get back to this tiny town that attracts visitors all year round, and honestly, I still can’t figure out why. I mean, I come here just for the chill. Literally and mentally. The town is nestled so tightly between the peaks that the sun barely gets a proper shot at it. Because of that, the temperature is always a few degrees cooler than in the surrounding areas.

So what’s there to do and see in San Pellegrino Terme?

The view that steals the show in the town center is the Grand Hotel. It looks like something out of a film, all Belle Époque elegance and faded grandeur. Once upon a time, it was full of cutting-edge luxury, but it’s been closed for over 40 years. They’re finally restoring it, with plans to reopen as a fancy resort around 2030! Until then, we all can just admire it from the outside and imagine what it used to be like.

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Directly across from it, a bit up on the slope, is the Casinò Municipale. It’s no longer a casino, but now part of QC Terme. It acts as the welcome area for the spa, but it’s also possible to visit the building through a guided tour once a month where they actually talk about the history and architecture. I have to say that I saw the inside because I was headed for a spa day, but even then it was the kind of place where someone like me, who usually just says “ooh, fancy ceiling,” walked in and said, “Okay wow, this is something.”

There’s also a small funicular here, but to be honest, I’ve never bothered going up. There’s just not much waiting at the top. No café, no proper viewing spot, not even a vending machine to sip something while taking in the view. So I usually skip it and go for more rewarding activities like gelato, pizza, or a good soak at the spa.

Chasing chill along the Brembo path

But okay, eating and chilling aren’t the only things you can do here. There are actually loads of walking and cycling paths in the area, if you’re in the mood to move a little. My favorite? No surprise, it’s the easiest one. Just a long, lazy walk along the Brembo river.

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Anyway, back to the path. The route I like to take is actually part of the Val Brembana bike path that spans from Zogno all the way up to Piazza Brembana. It switches back and forth between riverside stretches and old railway tracks, with sections that go through tunnels carved directly into the rock. Most importantly, it’s super flat and totally easy. Perfect for those days when you’re not in the mood for a full-on hike but still want to be out in the fresh air.

And a small local tip: if you turn toward Ambria, you’ll pass right by the San Pellegrino water factory and distribution center. You can’t miss it, it’s massive. But keep an eye out for a little pipe on the side of the path that’s constantly pouring out fresh water. That’s the water, straight from the source, completely free.

A Quick Dose of Charm

All in all, San Pellegrino Terme has this quiet, old-school charm. The kind that feels nice for a short visit, but probably not more than that. There’s only so much strolling and sparkling water one can do. Still, it’s a solid jumping-off point if you’re planning to explore more of the Brembana Valley, which I fully recommend. I share stories and tips like that in the newsletter above. Just the kind of things I’d text a friend before their trip.

I’ll let you find out for yourself what bottled water actually shows up on the tables here. Let’s just say… things aren’t always as bubbly as they seem.

I visited the Cascate del Serio (translation: Serio Falls) for the first time last summer. It’s not the kind of waterfall you casually come across while exploring. The falls only appear five times a year, when the dam is opened on a fixed schedule. Because it’s such a rare event, everyone wants to see it, which means heavy traffic heading into Valbondione on opening days. Not every trail in the Bergamo Alps comes with this kind of crowd. Some, like the Selvino hike, offer a much more peaceful day out – and you can even get there without a car.

So why is this waterfall so rarely visible in the first place?

Cascate del Serio is Italy’s tallest waterfall, with a drop of 315 meters across three stages. Unlike most waterfalls, they don’t flow year-round. They only come to life on specific dates, when the Barbellino dam is opened. The dam was built in the 1930s as part of a hydroelectric project, designed to regulate the flow of the Serio River while protecting the surrounding environment and managing water reserves.

The municipality announces the opening dates in advance, usually between June and October. Each release lasts about 30 minutes, during which the dry cliff face is transformed into a thundering wall of water. Thousands of visitors gather to witness it, filling the hiking trails and lookout points with quiet excitement.

This rare schedule is partly about conservation, but it also adds to the experience. The waterfalls are not always there to see. They appear only briefly, when human infrastructure and natural forces align. That fleeting quality is what makes them special. You don’t just see a waterfall. You wait for it, and that changes everything.

Getting There Just in Time

As mentioned, thousands of people head to Valbondione for these rare openings, so traffic is to be expected. We hadn’t allowed quite enough time for the drive, and by the time we arrived, parking was already tight. The municipality organizes parking for the event, but since we were among the last, we ended up at the very beginning of the village. That meant walking through the entire place just to reach the trailhead, which added more time than we had anticipated.

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We followed the CAI 305 route, listed as the easiest option, but it didn’t feel all that straightforward. Maybe it was the crowd – lots of other people were also running late, and everyone was rushing to find a viewpoint. At one point, we missed a turnoff and ended up off track. That small mistake cost us more time and definitely added to the stress.

We were already hurrying downhill toward the Grandi Macigni area when a loud siren echoed through the valley. It was the signal that the dam was about to open. That sound kicked us into a full sprint. Fortunately, we arrived just in time. We found a spot among the crowd already gathered, all of us facing the cliffs with a kind of shared anticipation.

The Waterfall’s Powerful and Brief Appearance

The waterfall didn’t appear all at once. At first, there was a sudden rush of dirt, dust, and loose rocks tumbling over the edge. This initial surge was pushed out by the immense water pressure building behind the dam, clearing away anything that had collected since the last opening. Watching this raw, unfiltered power carve its own path down the cliff was strangely satisfying.

Then, almost as if on cue, the water shifted from muddy and chaotic to clear and powerful. The flow became steady and pure, spilling down the cliff face with relentless force. For the next 30 minutes, we stood completely still, absorbed in the spectacle of thousands of cubic meters of water plunging 315 meters in three dramatic drops. The sheer scale was overwhelming, and the roar of the water filled the valley with a deep, resonant sound that seemed to vibrate through the ground itself.

I hadn’t expected to be so captivated, but the combination of size, sound, and movement held everyone’s attention. Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the cascade stopped. The roar faded, the valley fell silent, and the cliff once again appeared dry and still, almost as if nothing had happened. 

Looking Ahead to the Cascate del Serio Nighttime Opening

This year, I’m planning to return for one of the Cascate del Serio’s rare nighttime openings. The next one is scheduled for the 12th of July 2025, from 22:00 to 22:30. Unlike the daytime event, the waterfall is lit from below by spotlights, creating a very different mood. From what I’ve heard, it changes the whole experience. Same waterfall, but with a more mysterious energy. I can only imagine that the sound of the water becomes even more intense when it is the only thing breaking the stillness of the night.

Seeing the falls at night feels more like a one-off experience than a typical visit. This is a waterfall that does not flow most of the year, only appearing on rare, scheduled dates. Add the setting of a night hike, and it turns into something entirely different. It is not just a scenic stop, it is a short moment when nature steps into the spotlight.

We’re planning to head up earlier this time, partly to avoid the last-minute stress we experienced before, and partly to bring a simple evening picnic and enjoy the views before the show begins.

If you would like to come along, feel free to get in touch. Or, if you prefer discovering new ideas at your own pace, you can sign up for the newsletter and I’ll send updates from time to time about quiet spots and easy trails in the Bergamo Alps.

The first time I was taken to Rifugio Parafulmine, which sits just below the ridge at 1,535 meters above sea level on the slopes of Monte Farno, I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know how long the hike would take or what kind of terrain we’d be walking on. I just went along with the plan. We were short on time that day, so choosing this hike was a no-brainer for my local friends. Apparently, it’s one of those routes that doesn’t require hours of effort but still delivers that unmistakable mountain feeling.

What I also didn’t expect was how far up we’d drive before even starting. The road twisted higher and higher, and I started feeling a bit nervous. I’ve ended up hiking in spots before where I was totally unprepared, and for a moment, I thought this would be another one of those times. But to my great relief, the car did most of the climbing for the day. What was left was a short, steady incline on foot. Then, suddenly, wide open fields. It felt like standing in a valley, even though we were high in the mountains. That contrast really stuck with me.

Getting to the Trailhead

There are a few ways to reach Rifugio Parafulmine, and each one offers its own kind of experience. We, of course, took the shorter but harder route. Because, you know, locals and their idea of “easy” paths.

We drove for about 35 minutes from Bergamo and started from the Monte Farno parking area, which sits fairly high up already. This route takes about an hour and a half, not counting the time spent eating and drinking at the rifugio itself. While it’s not long, it does feel like a bit of a workout, especially at the start. The first section is fairly steep, so you’ll definitely feel it in your legs. But the payoff comes quickly. Once you get through that initial push, the trail starts to level out, and you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Since that was the only path I knew, it became my default. I’d always take it again, and I’d even suggest it to friends, without really thinking there might be an easier option. But apparently, the most popular route actually starts from Gandino. It takes a bit longer, about two hours, but it’s more gradual and winds steadily through forested paths before opening up to the same incredible views. I haven’t tried that one yet, but it’s definitely on my list for next time.

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Reaching the Rifugio Parafulmine

Once that initial incline is behind you, the trail levels out and leads through open meadows with short grass, low shrubs, and the occasional tree. The area feels wide and exposed, with cowbells echoing near and far. The main road is easy to follow until you reach Baita Cornei. From there, after you’ve had your coffee or a different kind of short drink, you can choose from several smaller paths that either intersect with or run alongside the main one. Getting lost is almost impossible thanks to the open terrain and clear visibility, so it’s a safe place to explore if you’re in the mood for a little detour.

The final winding stretch up to the rifugio along the main path feels surprisingly easy. That may be because you know there’s food waiting at the end. My favorite part is a plate of homemade lasagna, a glass of something refreshing or warming depending on the weather, and a seat on the terrace with wide open views all around.

But if you’d like a bit of a challenge, there’s also a much steeper shortcut you can take straight up the slope. A local friend of mine, who is twice my age, once suggested it to me. She climbed it without hesitation and tried to convince me to give it a go too. I respectfully declined, without a shred of shame, and continued my slow but very manageable ascent toward the rifugio.

And to give you an idea of exactly how convenient this place is, even I, who don’t know that many people in the region yet, ran into a friend up there!

The Experience: Warm Meals, Stunning Views, and Cozy Vibes

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What makes Rifugio Parafulmine special isn’t just the ease of the hike or the views from the top. It’s how comfortably it fits into a day, without feeling like you’ve missed out on anything. It felt like the perfect balance, short enough to squeeze into a tight schedule, yet still offering that satisfying sense of getting away from everything. You know that feeling, when you’re not far from home, but the air is cooler, the sounds are quieter, and everything just slows down a bit.

The trail isn’t too demanding, the food is always comforting, and the atmosphere is low-key and welcoming. You don’t have to overthink it. You can just decide to go, and be there within a couple of hours. That simplicity is part of its charm.

Sometimes, shorter hikes can feel like a compromise, like you’re cutting corners. But this trail doesn’t feel that way, much like the one to Monte Isola. It’s quick, yes, but it still gives me that sense of escape I look for in the mountains.

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Thinking of Heading Up There?

Curious about Parafulmine or not sure which trail to take? I’m always happy to swap route ideas or share the little details that don’t show up on maps. If you’re planning a visit and want a second opinion, or just someone to reassure you that yes, lasagna at the top is a solid life choice, feel free to reach out. And if you like low-key hikes, mountain stories, or finding new spots that don’t feel overcrowded, I share more of those from time to time in the newsletter above. No fluff, just the kind of stuff I’d tell a friend who’s thinking of heading out.

Have you ever heard of Monte Isola? You’ve probably seen it if you’ve visited lake Iseo, but I have to admit that it took me a couple of trips before I realized there was actually an inhabited island right in the middle of the lake, complete with small villages, winding paths, and people who live there year-round. It’s easy to miss at first glance, especially if you’re focused on the lake views or the surrounding mountains as it almost blends in, like an extension of the hills around it. What makes it even more surprising is that it holds the title of the largest lake island in Europe. Yet despite that impressive claim, it doesn’t feel grand or overwhelming. Instead, it’s one of those places where time seems to move slower, inviting you to take a deep breath and enjoy the quiet, simple rhythm of island life.

Monte Isola (literal translation: Mountain Island!) might only cover about 4.5 square kilometers, but it packs a lot of charm into that small space, along with around 1,700 residents who are lucky enough to call this peaceful island home. It rises rather dramatically out of lake Iseo, like a green mountain that forgot it was supposed to stay underwater. At the very top, 600 meters above the lake, sits the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola, a peaceful perch with a front-row seat to the lake below. 

A Quick Ferry Ride to a Slower World

Ferries to Monte Isola run regularly from towns all around lake Iseo. The most convenient (or better yet, the shortest) crossing is from the small town of Sulzano. The ride takes just a few minutes, barely enough time to snap a photo before you’re already stepping onto the island. And yet, despite the short trip, it feels like you’ve landed in a completely different world. The pace slows, the noise fades, and suddenly you’re in a place where life moves one step at a time, and usually on foot.

Why on foot? Because there are no cars. None. Ok, just a local minibus, a few small service vehicles, and plenty of mopeds. The main road loops around the island, connecting a handful of small villages, and it’s easy to walk or bike without constantly checking over your shoulder for traffic. That said, it’s still Italy so do keep a half an eye out for the occasional Vespa kamikaze.

On the island, you’ll find a few restaurants, gelato spots, and shops selling olive oil and handmade fishing nets. Nothing flashy, nothing trying too hard – just the kind of place where you can sit down for a coffee and somehow stay for an hour, watching the lake do its thing.

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Around the Island in 3 to 4 Hours (Give or Take a Snack Break)

Hiking around Monte Isola is a perfect way to take in the island’s charm without breaking a sweat (unless you’re the overachiever type who actually wants to hike up the mountain). The trail that loops around the island is about 9 kilometers long, making it a manageable walk for most people, with just a few spots where your calves might gently remind you they exist. The route mostly hugs the shoreline, offering stunning views of lake Iseo, and it’s easy to follow. Along the way, you’ll also catch glimpses of the smaller surrounding islands, like the tiny San Paolo or Loreto islands, who sit just off the coast looking like something straight out of a fairy tale. The full loop takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace, and how often you stop to admire the view (which will probably be often – speaking from experience).

This island has a long history of traditional crafts, especially net-making and fishing, which might explain why being there feels oddly like visiting a seaside village, minus the actual sea. Or maybe that’s just me. I had the same feeling when visiting Selvino. At least here you’ll see fishing boats bobbing near the shore and locals repairing nets like they’ve been doing for generations.

As you stroll, you’ll pass through several small villages, each with its own relaxed character. Near one of them, there’s even a cat sanctuary. If you’re a cat person like me, prepare to be completely ignored by the feline residents. They’re so well looked after, they’ll barely glance your way. But bring a few treats, and you might earn a distant slow blink or even a rare cuddle.

Monte Isola: Come for the Views, Stay for the Oil (and Maybe a House)

Living by a lake already feels like living on a different planet, but imagine living on an island in the middle of that lake. That’s not just another planet, that’s a whole different dimension. No wonder that after my first visit I couldn’t stop talking or thinking about it. I even started floating the idea of getting a weekend house there – looked up options, prices and all.

Also, don’t forget your wallet, and a backpack. The island’s hills are covered in olive trees, basking in the sun and producing some seriously good olive oil. Not the kind you nervously drizzle on salad but the kind you want to sip straight from the bottle. I met people hiking down the hills with five-liter canisters in their bags! When the olive oil is good enough to haul uphill and downhill like sacred cargo, you know it’s the real deal.

Need a Nudge, or a Route?

Thinking about visiting? Let me know how it goes – or if you’re still deciding, feel free to  get in touch. I’m always happy to share tips, practical info, or just help you justify hauling five liters of olive oil home. And if slow adventures like this are your thing, I sometimes share more quiet routes and favorite local spots through my newsletter above – nothing spammy, just the occasional note with something worth wandering for.

If there’s a way to do a hike without a car I’ll take it, especially when it’s as accessible and rewarding as the Selvino hike. Starting right from the center of Bergamo, you can hop on a tram and be on the trail in no time, no traffic or parking worries involved. The hike itself is surprisingly gentle, making it perfect for days when you want to stretch your legs but not push yourself too hard. It’s scenic, peaceful, and connects you to the landscape from the moment you leave the city, a great reminder that not every mountain day needs a car.

Why Selvino?

Selvino is a charming little hill town tucked right between the Seriana and Brembana valleys, like it couldn’t decide which side it liked better. It feels like the unofficial gateway to the Bergamo Alps – close enough to nature to feel wild, but polished enough to still find a clean toilet and a good brioche. It’s a popular weekend escape, and for good reason: panoramic views, crisp mountain air, and that cozy small-town vibe that basically forces you to relax. To me, it’s always felt like one of those seaside towns – just, you know, without the sea. People are strolling around, gelato in hand, as if the Alps are their beach.

Historically, Selvino was a crossroads, and today it’s still connected by a web of trails. One of those paths, unexpectedly chill and pleasantly scenic, starts in Albino. When I first heard about it, I didn’t believe it. I’ve driven up to Selvino often enough to know the altitude isn’t messing around, especially via the twisty, rally-worthy road from Nembro that could give a rollercoaster a complex. So the idea of an easy walk up? I thought it was a myth. But no, it’s real, it’s scenic, and it won’t leave you gasping for air halfway through.

Selvino hike by Trail 550

The starting point for this hike is Bergamo railway station, which is well connected to Milano with frequent trains running daily, even hourly. Just next to it is the TEB station “Bergamo FS”, where you can catch the T1 tram. It’s technically a regional train, but everyone calls it a tram – don’t ask. The T1 runs every 15–20 minutes, and the ride to Albino, the final stop, takes about half an hour.

From the Albino tram station, head through the town toward the Albino–Selvino cable car station. There are a few different routes you can take, but I usually walk through the town center. It’s a good excuse to grab a coffee and a brioche, and it makes the walk a bit more enjoyable. It’s around 1.8 km, or roughly 30 minutes on foot.

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Reaching Selvino

As you approach Selvino, you’ll arrive on Via Albino, a quiet road that gently winds its way into the heart of town. Just keep heading uphill and you’ll pop out right onto the main pedestrian area near a local bakery that always feels like a well-placed reward after the climb. Definitely stop in for something sweet, you’ve earned it!

The full stretch from the Albino–Selvino cable car station to the town center is under 5 km, making it a great little hike that doesn’t ask too much of you, even when combined with all the walking needed to reach the starting point.

Once you’re in Selvino, it’s all about how you want to spend your time. Personally, I like to find a sunny terrace, order an Aperol Spritz, and sit there doing absolutely nothing, just watching the slow rhythm of people strolling by. But there are plenty of other options, too.

You could extend your hike with trails to Aviatico or Perello, both nearby and offering great experiences. If you’re into history or abandoned places, consider planning a visit to Colonia Siesopoli, though you’ll want to check in advance as visits are scheduled.

There’s also a small adventure park for families, and a few scenic spots just outside town with benches where you can simply sit and enjoy the mountain air. Or, of course, you can just wander, eat, drink, and take it all in. It’s Selvino, you don’t need an agenda.

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Getting Back

You’ve made it to the top, enjoyed the views, maybe had a spritz or a sweet treat and now it’s time to wrap up your Selvino hike. The simplest way back is to retrace your steps: follow trail 550 down to Albino and catch the T1 tram to Bergamo. The descent is gentle and shaded, and with gravity on your side, it’s a relaxing finish to the day.

If you’d prefer a bit of variety, consider taking a different route down through Nembro, another town served by the same tram line. The route’s a touch longer, but it’s a good way to see something new without going too far out of the way.

For something even easier (and much more scenic) you can hop on the Albino–Selvino cable car. It glides above the trees, offering sweeping valley views and a relatively peaceful ride back down. I say “relatively” because I have a small panic attack every time the cabin passes a support pole. It creates a brief moment that feels like a free fall. It’s hard to explain the sensation, but trust me, you’ll know it when it happens.

Whichever route you take, the return journey is just as car-free and smooth as the start. One of the best parts of the Selvino hike is how it connects nature with public transport, letting you enjoy the mountains without the hassle of traffic or parking.

Like This Trail? There’s Plenty More

If the Selvino hike sounds like your kind of day out, subscribe to the newsletter for more walks and hikes around the Bergamo Alps. From relaxed strolls to more challenging climbs, there’s something for every pace.