Val Taleggio is one of the most striking, unspoiled and scenic valleys in Lombardy. We are located in the province of Bergamo, at an altitude of 1,000 meters, in the heart of the Orobic Pre-Alps.
Still a little-known destination, Val Taleggio holds many things to see, savoring the mountains of yesteryear, genuine and traditional, such that it is also called "the little Switzerland of Bergamo" because of the views and meadows that are very reminiscent of those in Switzerland.
How to get there
Getting to Val Taleggio is very easy: 3 main routes, each different and with unique views:
- From Val Brembana - San Giovanni in Bianco you reach Sottochiesa.
- From the Brembilla Valley you reach Peghera.
- From Valsassina on provincial road 63 Prealpina Orobica, you reach Vedeseta via the Culmine di San Pietro
What to see
There are indeed many things to see in Val Taleggio. This valley offers a wide range of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. The landscapes vary from forests, to alpine meadows, to wild mountain peaks .
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Gorge
We begin our visit from the beautiful Orrido, carved by the Enna stream, which is about 3 km long. The Orrido begins near the village of Roncaglia and ends at Sottochiesa. The route follows the route of the road built between 1902 and 1910 and is very impressive to do on foot or by bike.
Along the way, you will be surrounded by impressive rock walls and a rushing river. The gorge is most fascinating in spring, when the snow on the mountains melts and the river is full of water, creating spectacular waterfalls and crystal-clear pools.
Calculate 1 hour and 30 minutes to finish the route.
Clave Cave
Among the goodies to see in Val Taleggio is the Grotta delle Clave, which can be visited on special occasions with expert guides. One enters the cavity through a short bottleneck and has access to a large room decorated with unusual concretions where an evocative stream flows at the bottom.
Cornello dei Tasso
On the border with Val Brembana, you cannot miss the beautiful village of Cornello dei Tasso, on the list of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, a very typical village with old stone houses where time seems to stand still. The alleys offer beautiful views and the arcade at the entrance is really impressive.
Oneta
Very close to Cornello dei Tasso, here is Oneta, another beautiful village surrounded by greenery where tradition identifies the birthplace of Harlequin. A few old houses, some restored respecting the original structure, help give the hamlet an atmosphere of yesteryear. It can be reached by car or by trail through the woods from Cornello dei Tasso.
Shrine of St. Bartholomew in Vedeseta
Certainly one of the things to see in Val Taleggio. This shrine has always been at the center of numerous disputes. The first concerns the primacy as the oldest church in the entire valley.
The second, however, whether it belonged to the territory of the "Milanese" or the "Venetians." In the final partition of the valley, St. Bartholomew ended up in the Serenissima of Venice, but remained the property of the parish of Vedeseta, which remained Ambrosian until 1995. The boundary marker still stands today.
Enna River sources
Among the best-known walks to do in Val Taleggio, we recommend the one that leads to the sources of the Enna River, an easy route with minimal elevation gain on a path, mostly flat, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.
You can start from the center of Vedeseta or from the bridge below the Lavina. Eventually you reach the small karst cave where the Enna originates, where you can also admire very small, recently formed limestone concretions.
Excursion to the Gherardi hut
Among the various refuges, here is the Gherardi refuge, an ideal place for an undemanding hike and for this reason it is particularly suitable for families. It is easily reached from Pizzino by following trail 120 lasting about an hour.
The trail immediately enters the forest, then comes out, between meadows and pastures, at the height of a hut and turns right reaching the refuge.
Piani di Artavaggio
The Piani di Artavaggio, splendid panoramic plateaus, can always be reached from Pizzino with an easy walk suitable for everyone. On arrival you can stop at one of the many refuges and taste traditional dishes such as pizzoccheri, polenta taragna and homemade cakes.
Ecomuseum of Typical Houses
Very nice local development project aimed at enhancing local traditions with the purpose of safeguarding the architectural heritage of rural huts with piöde roofs, and gastronomic heritage of dairy art, especially Taleggio and Strachitunt. Seven thematic itineraries have been created in the area enhancing nature, characteristic architecture and typical products.
Cheese
Therefore, you cannot leave Val Taleggio without tasting the famous cheese. The effort in keeping the traditions of this Lombardy valley alive has made it possible to obtain PDO for Strachitunt and to keep in production prestigious raw milk cheeses, such as raw milk Taleggio Dop, which has also spread to neighboring valleys.
Don't miss a visit to one of the many dairies in the area, admire the beautiful views of the villages and valley, and have a tasting where you can sample all the cheeses.
The best way to end your day in Val Taleggio with gusto.
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