Top 20 Mountain Passes around Darfo Boario Terme

Mount Altissimo is a mountain in the Bergamo Prealps, 1703 m high, located between the lower Val Camonica and the lower Val di Scalve. It is the highest peak of the mountain group that separates these two valleys and overlooks the Borno plateau. Two very different slopes Southern slope: steep, rocky, almost devoid of vegetation, with a difference in altitude of about 1500 m from the Oglio valley floor. Northern slope: gentle slope towards Borno, covered with fir trees and dotted with mountain huts, chalets and ski slopes of the Borno Ski Area. 🚶‍♂️ Hiking — The main itineraries Mount Altissimo is very popular with hikers thanks to the good network of trails (difficulty E). Here are the best-known and documented routes. 1) From Erbanno – Trail 197 or 155 A steep and challenging itinerary, with a significant difference in altitude. Trail 197: Start: Erbanno (Darfo Boario Terme) Passes through: small church of San Valentino (690 m), Malga Mine, junction with trail 194 From the cross: spectacular view of the lower Val Camonica and Lake Iseo Summit reachable in 15 minutes from the final junction Trail 155 (more direct and strenuous): Difference in altitude: about 1460 m Steep sections, some chains on a slightly exposed traverse Remarkable panorama of the meadows of "Segable" Arrival at the Monte Altissimo refuge and the ski lifts 2) From Gorzone – Trail 154 A wilder route on the south side, with a long and tough climb. 3) From Borno – North slope (ski slope areas) A gentler and more panoramic itinerary, often chosen for loop tours that include refuges, mountain huts and small churches (as in your story). 🏞️ What makes Mount Altissimo special Sharp contrast between the two slopes: one severe and rocky, the other gentle and wooded. Wide panoramas of the lower Val Camonica, Lake Iseo and Presolana. Network of mountain huts and chalets still active in summer. Presence of the Monte Altissimo refuge at the summit, also reached by ski lifts. Possibility of varied loop tours, combining woods, slopes, ridges and small isolated churches.

wonderful view of the valley below

I've done it twice in the same lap, first from Desso, then after climbing Monte Pora. They're completely different. From Desso, it's long and always in double digits, with significant peaks, so take it with a pinch of salt; the other is rideable. Seeing is believing. 🚴‍♀️

Passo degli Agnelli is located at 1950 meters above sea level, under the steep walls of the southern slope of Presolana. It is a spectacular panoramic point, easily reachable from Rifugio Rino Olmo. The hike to the pass offers splendid views of the surrounding mountains and can be part of a circular tour that includes Valle dei Mulini, Passo Olone and Rifugio Olmo. The trail crosses scree and woods, offering an immersive experience in the nature of the Bergamo Orobie

Nice climb with fantastic views.

Crossed on the way back from Pizzo Corzene.

A panoramic pass to say the least, the views of the Presolana massif, Valzurio and Castione are incredible. Simply unmissable. The path to reach it is easy from a technical point of view, but physically demanding (or rather it's not really two steps). It can be reached from both Valzurio and Castione. In winter it is easy to spot chamois.

This is the Passo delle Sette Crocette! An ancient road between the upper Val Trompia and Val Grigna, with a dry stone wall and seven iron crosses. A 1688 cippus adds to the historic charm. Legends tell of witchcraft and mountain piety linked to tragic events. A fascinating place steeped in history and mystery.