The Piani di Artavaggio, are a true paradise for lovers of nature and trekking excursions to be made three the peaks of the Bergamo Pre-Alps.
As with any self-respecting hike, there are several refuges on the Piani di Artavaggio where you can take a break during a hike, taste traditional dishes or simply rest on the panoramic outdoor terraces.
With today's blog post we are going to discover the refuges present at Piani di Artavaggio, how to reach them, altitude and the hikes you can do.
Put on your backpack and boots we're off!
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1. Nicola Shelter
Rifugio Nicola is probably the best known and most frequented refuge for hikers hiking on the Piani di Artavaggio.
Managed by the same family for several generations, it is located at an altitude of 1,480 meters and is distinguished by its pyramidal architecture, inspired by the adjacent mountain, the Sodadura, a peak that can be reached in about 30 minutes from the refuge with an altitude of 2,014 meters.
Getting to the Nicola hut is very easy: with a walk of only 30 to 40 minutes from the arrival of the Moggio-Artavaggio cable car, on foot from Moggio on trail 124 in 2 hours and 15 minutes, or starting from Piani di Bobbio in 1 hour and 15 minutes, following the Stradini trail (expert trail).
There are currently 9 rooms for a total of 24 beds, while the restaurant also offers a self-service area for a total of 150 customers.
You can't leave without ordering one of the hut's best dishes: pizzoccheri, polenta taragna, venison salmì, baked shank, or truffled mushrooms. There is no shortage of desserts, such as berry pie, pear and chocolate cake, walnut cake, and grandmother's pie.
2. Sassi Castelli Refuge
Rifugio Sassi Castelli is another jewel of the Piani di Artavaggio. Built in 1926 by its members and rebuilt in 1946 after a fire suffered in a Nazi-Fascist reprisal, it is located 1,647 meters above sea level.
The refuge can be reached on foot via several routes from Moggio, Val Taleggio, and the Bobbio Plains, or directly by cable car from Moggio when the cable car is in operation.
The cuisine follows local recipes; don't miss the polenta and cheese dish, braised beef, and grandmother's cake.
One of the strengths of Rifugio Sassi Castelli is the variety of hiking trails that start here. You can opt for a leisurely stroll in the surrounding area or take on more demanding challenges, such as hiking to the summit of Sodadura or Cima di Piazzo.
For overnight stays, the hut can provide hospitality in cozy 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-bed rooms with shared bathrooms.
3. Casari Refuge
Another historic refuge on the Piani di Artavaggio is the Casari refuge. Located at an altitude of 1,600 meters, this refuge offers not only spectacular views, but also an extraordinary selection of local cheeses. It is the ideal place to enjoy a delicious plate of polenta and alpine cheese after a tiring day of hiking.
Cheese is an integral part of the gastronomic culture of the Bergamasque Pre-Alps, and at Rifugio Casari you can enjoy some of the best in the area. The cakes and the view from the dining room are also excellent!
Getting to the refuge is very easy: by cable car from Moggio, or on foot from Moggio on trail 24 in about 1 hour 40 minutes and from Culmina San Pietro in about 2 hours to the refuge. The hut has 7 comfortable bedrooms with 2, 4, 5 and 9 beds.
4. Refuge Baita della Luna
Rifugio Baita della Luna is a romantic retreat located at an elevation of 1,700 meters. The name itself suggests an evening under the stars, and it is an ideal place for a romantic dinner or a stop during a night hike. The lodge has 10 beds.
In winter, the refuge organizes night hikes with snowmobile rentals and a typical dinner at Baita Della Luna, while, in summer, it organizes quad bike excursions on a route that winds between paved and dirt roads.
Restaurant in typical alpine style, all in wood, where you can order excellent dishes such as pizzocheri, polenta and roe deer and homemade desserts. The refuge can be reached from Moggio by cable car to Artavaggio or via trail No. 24 about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
5. Cazzaniga Refuge
Last but not least, Rifugio Cazzaniga is a cozy refuge located on a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 1,890 meters. It offers panoramic views stretching from the Orobie to the Apennines to the Alps with the eastern slope of the Grigne in the foreground. The Rhaetian Alps and Pizzo dei 3 Signori can also be seen from nearby. It can be reached on foot from Piani di Artavaggio in about 45 minutes with an elevation gain of 300 meters.
This refuge is an ideal starting point for hikes to Cima della Rosetta or Monte Resegone, as well as being perfect for resting in the midst of unspoiled nature.
Rifugio Cazzaniga is known for its home cooking. You can enjoy dishes cooked with fresh local ingredients, such as porcini mushrooms, polenta and game meat.
You can also sleep here, there are 24 beds divided into 5 rooms all with bunk beds as in the tradition of refuges.
From the refuge you can climb to the peak of "Sodadura" with its characteristic pyramidal shape, the summit of Piazzo and the Zucco Campelli group with its various peaks.
Thanks to these 5 refuges, you can combine wonderful hikes to the Piani di Artavaggio with gourmet stops and super scenic breaks!
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