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Branchino Lake and Valcanale: In the Heart of the Orobie Alps

Valcanale, Bergamo · Lombardia•1 day•Hiking · 1,810 m
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
Bergamo, Lombardia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+18
Branchino Lake and Valcanale: In the Heart of the Orobie Alps
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Coordinator
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Branchino Lake in the Orobie

In the heart of the Orobie Alps lies a hidden gem: Lake Branchino, a small lake with a surface area of one hectare, nestled among some of the most majestic peaks of the Orobie, overlooked by Pizzo Arera. There are several ways to reach it, and we will start from the magical Valcanale. The path alternates between sections of mule track in the woods and more open trails with breathtaking views, always with gentle slopes, until we reach the Branchino Pass, where we will enjoy the panorama of both Val Seriana and Val Brembana. To top off the day, there will also be a nice lunch in a refuge before retracing our steps down.

Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

In the heart of the Orobie Alps lies a hidden gem: Lake Branchino, a small lake with a surface area of one hectare, nestled among some of the most majestic peaks of the Orobie, overlooked by Pizzo Arera. There are several ways to reach it, and we will start from the magical Valcanale. The path alternates between sections of mule track in the woods and more open trails with breathtaking views, always with gentle slopes, until we reach the Branchino Pass, where we will enjoy the panorama of both Val Seriana and Val Brembana. To top off the day, there will also be a nice lunch in a refuge before retracing our steps down.

GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+18 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
Included in the price.
Dog friendly
Your dog can come: add them when you book.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
800 m D+ · 12 km · 6 h
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 6 h and 800 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Optional lunch in hut
✕Travel to Valcanale
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Elevation gain
800 m
Max altitude
1,810 m
Distance
12 km
Duration
6 h
Day
12 km · D+ 800 m · 6 h
Map
The stops · 12 km
Meeting point 9:30approximate
Laghetto di Valcanale, Valcanale, Ardesio, provincia di Bergamo, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
HOW TO GET THERE
09:30PARKING
Valcanale Lake
We'll leave the car in one of the parking areas at the end of the road, and from here our adventure begins!
13:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Branchino Lake Refuge
Having reached the highest point of our hike, we'll savor lunch at the Rifugio Branchino, nestled in the heart of the Orobie Alps.

How do you get to Valcanale? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Windproof
REQUIRED
Cap
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
RECOMMENDED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED

Your Coordinator

Martina T.
Martina T.
· 37 outings
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Martina, a Guiddy coordinator — though everyone calls me Lamartucci, yes, exactly that. I'm a biologist and naturalist in love with nature in all its forms: a biologist by training, an explorer by passion. I like sharing it, telling it and letting the people walking with me live it, step by step. My favourite outings? The panoramic, good and long ones, where you eat up the kilometres among smiles, breathtaking landscapes and that contagious joy only a day in nature can give you. Walking with me means enjoying the day, eating well, laughing a lot and going home with your batteries full of endorphins. And along the way there are plenty of little nature briefings on flora, fauna and the views around us. Backpack ready? Mine is. 🌞 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

Italiano
Inglese
Guiddy Coordinator
A Guiddy Coordinator: trained by us, knows the itinerary and keeps the group together from the first day to the last.

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
5.0
1 review
Itinerary5.0
Organisation5.0
Overall experience5.0
S
Salvatore P.
Outing on 11 April 2026

Fatta a metà aprile, con la neve in fusione, percorso innevato nella seconda parte. Giornata coperta all'inizio, poi è uscito il sole. Bellissimi i crochi in fiore che spuntavano tra la neve e il lago in disgelo

Your guide

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6 h with 800 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Ibex
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Message Ibex on WhatsApp
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice.
Branchino Lake and Valcanale: In the Heart of the Orobie Alps

Branchino Lake and Valcanale: In the Heart of the Orobie Alps

Valcanale, Ardesio (BG) · Lombardia
1 day · Hiking · 1,810 m
37 Guidders have already done it
Elevation gain
800 m
Max altitude
1,810 m
Distance
12 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
6 h
Guiddy points
+18
6 photos
+2 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Branchino Lake in the Orobie

In the heart of the Orobie Alps lies a hidden gem: Lake Branchino, a small lake with a surface area of one hectare, nestled among some of the most majestic peaks of the Orobie, overlooked by Pizzo Arera. There are several ways to reach it, and we will start from the magical Valcanale. The path alternates between sections of mule track in the woods and more open trails with breathtaking views, always with gentle slopes, until we reach the Branchino Pass, where we will enjoy the panorama of both Val Seriana and Val Brembana. To top off the day, there will also be a nice lunch in a refuge before retracing our steps down.

Come alone, leave with new friends

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
800 m D+ · 12 km · 6 h
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 6 h and 800 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Optional lunch in hut
✕Travel to Valcanale

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Stops · 12 km
Meeting point 9:30Laghetto di Valcanale
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
09:30PARKING
Valcanale Lake
We'll leave the car in one of the parking areas at the end of the road, and from here our adventure begins!
13:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Branchino Lake Refuge
Having reached the highest point of our hike, we'll savor lunch at the Rifugio Branchino, nestled in the heart of the Orobie Alps.

How do you get to Valcanale? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike.
Windproof
REQUIRED
Cap
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
RECOMMENDED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED

Your Coordinator

Martina T.
Martina T.
37 outings with Guiddy
Guiddy Coordinator

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Martina, a Guiddy coordinator — though everyone calls me Lamartucci, yes, exactly that. I'm a biologist and naturalist in love with nature in all its forms: a biologist by training, an explorer by passion. I like sharing it, telling it and letting the people walking with me live it, step by step. My favourite outings? The panoramic, good and long ones, where you eat up the kilometres among smiles, breathtaking landscapes and that contagious joy only a day in nature can give you. Walking with me means enjoying the day, eating well, laughing a lot and going home with your batteries full of endorphins. And along the way there are plenty of little nature briefings on flora, fauna and the views around us. Backpack ready? Mine is. 🌞 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
5.0
1 review
Itinerary5.0
Organisation5.0
Overall experience5.0
S
Salvatore P.
Outing on 11 April 2026

Fatta a metà aprile, con la neve in fusione, percorso innevato nella seconda parte. Giornata coperta all'inizio, poi è uscito il sole. Bellissimi i crochi in fiore che spuntavano tra la neve e il lago in disgelo

Your guide

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6 h with 800 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Ibex
Still unsure? Message Ibex on WhatsApp →
No date
€21.90
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed