Rifugio Longo and Lago del Diavolo: from Carona up Val Sasso

A lake with a name that gives you pause

A hike into the heart of the Bergamo Orobie, starting from Carona and reaching Rifugio Longo through the splendid Val Sasso: wide views and untouched nature, in one of the least travelled valleys of Val Brembana.

The hut is dedicated to the brothers Giuseppe and Innocente Longo, who died on the Matterhorn in August 1934, and stands in the upper Valle del Sasso, about a hundred metres below Lago del Diavolo. The lake's name — the Devil's Lake — comes from the dark colour of its water and the tales shepherds passed down about this basin closed in by rock.

It is 16 kilometres and 900 metres of ascent: from the hut it takes only a few minutes to look out over the lake, with the surrounding peaks reflected in the water. The return follows the same route.

Why come

• Lago del Diavolo, its dark water set among the rocks
• Rifugio Longo and the story of the two brothers lost on the Matterhorn
• Val Sasso, quiet even in August
• untouched alpine surroundings two hours from Bergamo

Who it suits

This is an intermediate but long hike: 16 kilometres and 900 metres of ascent in six hours, on marked trails with no technical difficulty. You need to be used to full days. Bring boots, plenty of water and a windproof jacket.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's walk up to Lago del Diavolo.