The hike from Piazzo to Rifugio Gremei, in the heart of the Upper Brembana Valley, offers an evocative route through lush forests and breathtaking views.
Starting in the picturesque village of Piazzo, this route combines the challenge of climbs with the tranquility of alpine pastures, culminating in the welcoming Rifugio Gremei.
Piazzatorre, easily reached from Bergamo by B50 bus or by car by parking at the ski lifts, is the ideal starting point for this mountain adventure.
The start of the trail is from Piazzo, located at an altitude of 1,105 meters.
From here, take trail number 121, which is on the left between the ice rink and the chairlift to Gremei.
The country road climbs along the forest with a series of steep switchbacks, following the course of the Piazzatorre stream to a falsopiano.
Once past the stream, the route continues with an ascent of more moderate gradients, leading up to the Torcola Vaga cheese factory at 1,486 meters above sea level.
Here, the landscape transforms into a fairy-tale setting, surrounded by pastures and sparse fir trees, with a few huts bearing witness to the once frequent summer pastoral activity.
Just beyond the casera, leave the field road to climb left up the green pastures above until you reach the saddle of the Corna dei Bagoli, one of the most scenic stages of the trail.
From the Baita Alta, take trail 119 to the right, which leads to the ridgeline.
This part of the trail is the peak of the effort, but it also offers the best views, allowing you to admire the valley below from every angle.
After reaching the apex of Corna dei Bagoli at the fifth kilometer, the more trained can easily continue to the nearby summit of Mount Torcola Soliva, headed by the former Torcole refuge, a privileged vantage point over much of the Brembana Valley.
Otherwise, continue along the route and turn sharply to the right as you descend in the direction of Rifugio Gremei.Located at an altitude of 1,550 meters, near the ski lifts, the refuge is a popular meeting point for both mountain enthusiasts and casual walkers.
Here you can relax in the solarium and enjoy a good typical dish, making the experience even more rewarding after the exertion of the hike.
For the return, pass below the arrival station of the Gremei 1 chairlift.
After about 400 meters into the woods, the trail rejoins the Torcola Vaga cheese factory, offering you a route you already know from the outward journey.
Alternatively, you can opt for a relaxing descent with the chairlift, which allows you to admire the beautiful natural scenery of the area from above.
This route, between challenging climbs and scenic descents, offers you a complete and rewarding hiking experience immersed in the natural beauty of the Upper Brembana Valley.
