The best waterfall hikes and walks around Lago del Barbellino artificiale

A passage that may frighten the less experienced but is safe and without major difficulties

Merelli Refuge at Coca: a rugged and fascinating place in the Orobie Alps The Mario Merelli Refuge at Coca, at 1,891 meters, is one of the most iconic spots in the Coca Valley. Dedicated to the Bergamo mountaineer Mario Merelli, it retains his spirit: essential, authentic, deeply rooted in the mountains. Its location is what immediately strikes you: a natural balcony leading to the basin of the Orobie Giants, dominated by Pizzo Coca, Redorta, Scais, and Porola, a cluster of peaks that creates an imposing and almost solemn amphitheater. The ascent from Valbondione The classic access starts from Valbondione, near the village of Grumetti. The trail climbs steeply from the start, gaining altitude with regular switchbacks. It's a route that many describe as steep but safe, challenging enough to give you a sense of the mountain without ever becoming technical or exposed. Once out of the forest, the valley opens up and the dark walls of the Coca appear; The final, more challenging stretch leads to the refuge, which suddenly appears on a panoramic hill. The effort is always rewarded: those who arrive speak of its astonishing beauty and a setting that remains in their hearts. A refuge that tells a story The Merelli is a base for climbing Pizzo Coca and for crossings to the Brunone and Curò refuges, but it is also a place of memory. Inside, you can feel the legacy of Mario Merelli, and the atmosphere is that of the refuges of old: simple, welcoming, and sincere. It is a refuge that is not reached by chance: it is reached with commitment, and perhaps for this very reason, it leaves a profound impression.

under the Enel well I accidentally noticed this beautiful design carved on stone

ruins of the old cableway

The Dossi hydroelectric tower is part of the historic ENEL Valbondione power plant, built in the 1920s and fed by a system of penstocks descending from 1,810 m to 850 m above sea level. It is an example of Alpine engineering integrated into the Orobic landscape. Here is a detailed overview: 🏗️ Characteristics of the Dossi power plant Location: Dossi hamlet, in the municipality of Valbondione (Upper Seriana Valley, Bergamo). Water intake altitude: 1,810 m, with penstocks descending to the engine room at 850 m. Water sources: Water from the Barbellino and Valmorta dams, as well as the streams of the Foga and Coca Valleys. Architectural structure: Stone building with large lattice windows, wrought-iron lamps, and a roof inspired by the pediment of a Greek temple. ⚡ Energy Innovation BESS4HYDRO Project: Starting in 2026, the power plant will be the first in Europe to integrate a 4 MW lithium battery with 2 hours of storage, making it a programmable reservoir hydroelectric plant with rapid response capabilities. Installed power: 44 MW, playing a strategic role in the energy transition. 🥾 Hiking Link The water tower (ENEL well) is visible along the CAI 331 trail that leads from Valbondione up towards the Foga Valley and Lake Avert. It is a point of reference for hikers and industrial archaeology enthusiasts. 📜 Historical and Landscape Value Built in the 1920s, the power plant represents a blend of engineering and Alpine landscape. The pipeline system and water tower are testament to the hydraulic management of the Bergamo Orobie.

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The ENEL well in the Foga Valley is a historic stone tower located at approximately 1,800 meters above sea level, along the trail that leads from Valbondione to Lake Avert. It is part of the penstock that feeds the Dossi hydroelectric power plant. Here is a detailed description of the site and access: 🏗️ What is the ENEL well? Structure: Old, well-preserved stone tower. Function: Collects water from the streams of the Foga Valley and the nearby Coca Valley, channeling it into the penstock. Hydraulic system: The horizontal penstock crosses the valley and descends towards the Dossi power plant, also visible from the trail. 🥾 How to get there CAI trail 331: starts from the SAB garage in Valbondione (870 m), passes through the woods, and passes the Salvasecca farmhouse. Well elevation: approximately 1,800 m, just above Salvasecca. Duration: approximately 2–3 hours of ascent, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 m. Difficulty: Hiking (E), with steep but well-marked sections. 🌄 Environmental context The well is located in the heart of the Foga Valley, a steep and wild valley that descends from the slopes of Pizzo Redorta. It is a landmark along the route to Lake Avert (2,310 m), and is often used as a stopover for longer hikes.

Lake Avert is located at 2,310 meters above sea level above Valbondione, nestled in a wild and scenic setting along the Sentiero delle Orobie. It is a fascinating hiking destination, accessible via a challenging yet spectacular route. Here's a detailed summary to help you plan your visit: 📍 Location and characteristics Elevation: 2,310 m above sea level Area: Valle della Foga, western slope of Valbondione. Type: Alpine lake of glacial origin, small but picturesque, surrounded by pastures and reddish rocks. 🥾 Recommended itinerary Starting point: Valbondione, near the bus parking lots. Trails: CAI 331 to the ENEL well (1,800 m), then CAI 334 to the lake. Elevation gain: approximately 1,400 m. Duration: 3–5 hours uphill, depending on pace and conditions. Difficulty: Hiking (E), but requires good fitness due to the steepness and length. 🌄 Possible continuations Ol Simàl (2,712 m): highest point of the Orobie Trail, reachable beyond the lake via trails through pastures and scree. Cima d’Avert (2,616 m): more challenging hike, with unmarked sections and an unmarked southern ridge. 🏞️ Environmental context The lake opens onto a panoramic plain, with views of Redorta and Lizzola. The environment is wild and uncrowded, ideal for those seeking tranquility and immersion in nature. The ENEL well along the trail is a historic stone tower, a testament to local hydraulic engineering. 🔄 Circular route Some hikers opt for a circular route, but the descent can be tiring if you're tired. Alternatively, you can return the same way.