• Active & Green

Val Trompia, where nature and ancient mines await visitors

The mountains and huts of Val Trompia have always been an irresistible attraction for all hikers wishing to discover more than 70 itineraries and landscapes of unparalleled beauty, spanning from the Adamello mountain complex to the Monte Rosa massif, and feel they can almost reach out and touch the Alps with their hands.

 

The trails around mount Guglielmo
Hikers visiting Val Trompia should not miss a climb to mount Guglielmo, a major hiking destination in the Brescia province. Many trails depart from the small villages erected on the slopes of the mountain and reach its peak. The village called Zone offers one of the most charming points of departure, with a view on natural pyramids formed by water erosion and known as the “Camini delle Fate” (Fairies’ Chimneys). These surprising natural ‘sculptures’ can be found in a nature reserve.
The trail runs gently at first, then becomes steeper, crosses the Valbures river, touches the small church of the Madonna del Disgiolo, the pasture of the Malga Aguina dairy farm and the Rifugio Almici, and reaches the final destination for a total walking time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. An alternative return path that is worth taking departs from the Palmarusso and Casentiga dairy farms, crosses the “Bosco degli Gnomi” (a “Gnomes Forest” adorned with 45 wooden statues by the artist Luigi Zatti depicting fictional forest dwellers), and reaches the point of departure.

The Anello della Val Trompia
The Anello della Val Trompia (or Val Trompia Ring) is a panoramic trail that follows the ridges bordering the valley – along a total distance of 130 km to be covered on foot or by mountain bike in 5 laps, in a charming wildlife setting with rather demanding stretches. Hikers can depart either from Marcheno or from Lodrino and walk through the Pezzeda, Portole and Sette Crocette passes to reach the San Zeno hill before going downhill towards Pontogna.

The water trail
On the slopes of mount Ario, the Irma municipality is characterised by an abundant water supply from underground aquifers and sources. Adults and children can take a walk along this thematic water trail with information panels, across natural spas, spruce forests and wetland, and reach a clearing that hosts the final interactive station, where this educational tour ends. The walk can continue on a hiking trail to safely reach the 50 m high Caldéra waterfall.

A bike ride with climbs and descents
Mount Maniva is a perfect destination for both walkers and cyclists. Placed at the intersection of many ring-shaped free riding trails, the climbs and descents of mount Maniva offer wonderful landscapes and a highly adventurous experience. Another interesting mountain-biking itinerary departs from mount Maniva, runs through the Baremone pass in the Anfo municipality, next through the Berga pass (where a very demanding descending stretch starts), and ends right after crossing the Berga river, at Ponte di Romanterra. For a unique adrenaline experience, you can opt for the trail that leads downhill towards Pezzeda, across woods and lawns. Here a chairlift facility, with a bike park access, takes bikers back to higher altitudes.


Highlights:

1. History.
The Val Trompia has a long mining history that can be discovered by visiting ancient mines. The first and largest mine in the valley is in Sant’Aloisio di Collio and the second largest, the Marzoli mine in Pezzaze, can be visited on board of a miners’ train and includes a Miners and Blacksmiths Museum called “Il mondo dei minatori e l’arte del ferro”.

2. Art. Gardone Val Trompia hosts the monastic complex of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which has been declared a National Monument in 1947 and includes the Santa Maria degli Angeli Basilica.

3. Culture. Another museum worth visiting is the Museo delle Armi (Weapons Museum) in Gardone Valtrompia, where old weapons, armatures and firearms dating back to the 1500s are kept. The museum also has a large educational room with models and movie projections showing the history of weapon manufacturing.

4. Family sports. The cycle route on the banks of the river Mella is a perfect choice for all family members to go for an easy bike ride. The route runs alternately on the two banks of the river for visitors to discover the ancient Roman aqueduct, the Villa Glisenti park, the Calchere (lime kilns) and an old blacksmithery forge, “I Magli di Sarezzo”, now turned into a museum, and arrive at the entrance of Valle Vandeno.

5. Food and wine. We also recommend the Colli dei Longobardi wine tour to visit local wineries producing Botticino and Capriano del Colle, two local wines bearing the D.O.C. (controlled designation of origin) quality label. The itinerary starts from the Pusterla del Castello di Brescia vineyard, the largest “urban vineyard” in Europe.

-

Ph Ig: g.raffy

On the same topic

Where to keep cool in Lombardy

If you are looking to cool down a little in the summer heat, here are a few suggestions.
  • Active & Green
Where to keep cool in Lombardy

Excursions to Zelo Buon Persico

An itinerary to discover the canals and natural beauty of Lodigiano
  • Active & Green
Excursions to Zelo Buon Persico

Il caloggio

Visit the WWF Oasis Il Caloggio in the town of Bollate and you will be amazed by the rich and rare biodiversity present.
  • Active & Green
Il Caloggio

Mountains with ancient history: Valle Camonica

  • Active & Green
Montagne di storia antica: la Valle Camonica

Lombardy: spring has come to town

Spring flowers bloom on the balconies, terraces, window sills and in the gardens of Lombardy's towns and villages 
  • Active & Green
Lombardia: la primavera arriva in città

Sports in Monza

Outdoor activities in the heart of Brianza
  • Active & Green
Sport a Monza

Cycling from Aprica to Val Belviso

  • Active & Green
Cycling from Aprica to Val Belviso

Monumental trees in Lombardy

The art of knowing trees in Lombardy
  • Active & Green
Alberi monumentali in Lombardia

Hiking with kids in Lombardy - Trails for tourists and athletes

Hiking is an excellent way to enjoy exercise, and Lombardy has some amazing trails for kids and adults to explore in winter. Find out more.
  • Active & Green
Hiking with kids in Lombardy - Trails for tourists and athletes

It's harvest time in Lombardy 

In the vineyards and cellars of Lombardy, you can take part in the ancient rituals of grape harvesting and pressing and get to know the land where some of the region's best wines are produced
  • Active & Green
È tempo di vendemmia in Lombardia 

10 Good Reasons to Visit Sondrio

  • Active & Green
10 idee per visitare la Valtellina

Bergamo Valle Imagna, a jewel just waiting to be discovered

A tiny natural jewel that still today preserves all the spirit of life in the mountains and the good flavours of food
  • Active & Green
Bergamo Valle Imagna, un tesoro tutto da scoprire

Where to harvest chestnuts in Lombardy

Forests, hills, panoramic viewpoints and plays of light: discover where and when to collect chestnuts in Lombardy, as well as other useful tips
  • Active & Green
La raccolta delle castagne - Parco Regionale del Campo dei Fiori (VA)

Skiing in Teglio

Sport and fun for all the family, in a ski heaven with a gorgeous view on the Alps.
  • Active & Green
Skiing in Teglio

Spring in Lombardy

Spring has arrived ... all to discover the beauties of Lombardy!
  • Active & Green
Spring in Lombardy: where to go and what to do

Picnics in Lombardy

8 easy picnic places in Lombardy: On the beaches of our lakes, in the cool of the woods, or in the company of dinosaurs!
  • Active & Green
panorama sondrio

Lake Iseo

Visit Lake Iseo between art and nature.
  • Active & Green
Lake Iseo

Ferrata del Torrione Porro

It is a moderate difficulty ferrata that develops in Valmalenco.
  • Active & Green
Ferrata del Torrione Porro

A green week in Valtellina

Escape to the mountains just a two-hour drive from Milan for a rural retreat with trekking, typical pizzoccheri pasta and towns that are absolute hidden gems
  • Active & Green
A green week in Valtellina

Bergamo three small natural jewels: Val Vertova, Val Sedornia and Val Sanguigno

Off the beaten tourist track, but close to the Valle Seriana, there are three small valleys, just waiting to be discovered, either on foot or mountain bike
  • Active & Green
Bergamo tre piccoli gioielli naturali: Val Vertova, Val Sedornia e Val Sanguigno