When it comes to scenic and legendary tours, Italy never ceases to amaze. That’s how we discovered the Passo della Presolana area in the Bergamo region, a piece of heaven for lovers of nature and fascinating stories. In this article, I will share my experience and give you useful tips for exploring these wonderful places.
Pas Presolana, Salto degli Sposi and Colle Vareno are hidden gems in the Bergamaschi mountains, perfect for those who want to discover the natural beauty and mystery of these places full of legend and tradition. As I did, any traveller who wants to feel the pulse of authentic Italy will find these places an ideal getaway.
Presolana Pass – Gateway to the Bergamaschi Mountains
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How to get to Presolana Pass, Castione della Presolana locality
To reach the Presolana Pass, an important access point for exploring the beautiful mountain scenery of Lombardy in Italy, there are several ways to get there, depending on where you are going and your personal transport preferences:
If you leave Milan:
- By car: The most direct and flexible option is to travel by car. The drive takes about two hours, and the main route follows the A4/E64 motorway to Bergamo, then continues on the SS42. Follow the signs to Clusone and then to Castione della Presolana.
- By bus: There are bus lines from Milan to various towns near the Presolana Pass. You usually have to change in Bergamo or Clusone. Check the timetables of local transport companies for the latest information.
- By train and bus: You can take a train from Milan to Bergamo, and from there take a local bus to the Presolana Pass. This option combines the convenience of the train with the flexibility of the bus.
If you leave Bergamo:
- By car: From Bergamo, the journey by car takes about an hour. Follow the SS42 north towards Clusone, then towards Castione della Presolana.
- By bus: Buses are available from Bergamo directly to the Presolana Pass. Check timetables and availability on the websites of local transport operators.
Where can you park to explore the Presolana Pass?
Around the Presolana Pass and in adjacent villages such as Castione della Presolana, there are special parking areas. These are often located at the base of hiking trails or near the main tourist attractions. The car parks are usually well signposted and offer easy access to the starting points for various outdoor activities.
- Parking at hotels and other accommodation: If you are staying in the area, most hotels and guesthouses offer parking facilities for guests. This is a convenient way to leave your car safely during your stay.
- Public car parks in nearby towns and villages: In the larger towns nearby, such as Clusone or Bergamo, you will find public car parks where you can leave your car and then continue your journey by public transport or taxi to the Presolana Pass. This can be a good option if you prefer not to drive on mountain roads.
- Roadside parking: On certain stretches of road near the Presolana Pass, it is permitted to park on the side of the road where traffic signs allow. However, it is important to make sure you are not blocking traffic and that you follow local parking rules.
Discovering Passo della Presolana
Passo della Presolana is a spectacular mountain pass, situated at an altitude of 1,297 metres. It is an ideal starting point for many hiking trails and offers panoramic views of the Bergamaschi mountains.
What to do at Presolana Pass
The Presolana Pass, located at the intersection of the Seriana Valley, the Borlezza Valley and the Scalve Valley, is an emblematic place in the world of winter sports. Known as the first ski resort in the Bergamo valleys, the area began to be explored by skiers as early as the 1930s with the installation of the first cableway facilities.
Today, the pass has five cableways and three ski slopes for a total of 15 km of alpine slopes. The Presolana Pass is also a hotspot for cycling enthusiasts, having become a recurring stage in the Tour of Italy since 1938 and a popular place for training on its challenging serpentines.
The pass is a great place for hiking. The trails are well marked and offer panoramic views of the valley.
Salto degli Sposi – Legend and nature
One of the most intriguing places we visited is Salto degli Sposi, a legendary scenic spot. According to local lore, a young couple in love, forced apart by social differences, chose to jump off this cliff together, preferring to be together in death rather than apart in life. Today the site offers an impressive view over the valley.
Salto degli Sposi (the bride and groom’s leap) legend
It is said that in the late 1800s, Maximilian Prihoda, a famous musician, came to visit relatives near the Presolana Pass and was so fascinated that he moved in with his wife Anna Stareat, a famous painter, in 1871.
The two young men integrated perfectly into Dorga and were well known in the valley. Everyone knew them as “the husbands”. It is said that one evening, under a violent storm, the two husbands, dressed in festive clothes, went to Belvedere and, for reasons as yet unknown, threw themselves into the ravine. Their bodies were found in the morning by the forester Bortolo Dovina, and since then Belvedere has been known as the “Bridegrooms’ Leap”.
Trail from Salto degli Sposi to Colle Vareno
From Salto degli Sposi, we followed a marked trail through a splendid coniferous forest to Colle Vareno. The route, of medium difficulty, is ideal for a day of exploration, offering spectacular views and fresh mountain air.
What you can do and see in Colle Vareno
Once in Colle Vareno, you can admire spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The region also offers opportunities to picnic or even explore other lesser-known trails.
At Colle Vareno, travellers can admire the panorama of the valley and surrounding mountains. The area offers picnic facilities and is a perfect place to relax after a day of hiking. It is also an excellent spot to observe the flora and fauna specific to the Bergamaschi mountains.
Tips for travellers
- Equipment: Make sure you have appropriate hiking shoes and clothes suitable for the temperature changes.
- Hydration: Always carry enough water, especially on long hikes.
- Planning: Check the weather forecast before you go on your hike and find out about trail conditions.
These places are an oasis of peace and beauty, an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and a gateway to Italy’s storied past. Every step in these lands is a tribute to history and nature, a pilgrimage in search of authentic beauty.
