Exploring Italy’s Val Sabbia – at the foot of Cornone di Blumone

Val Sabbia, in the province of Brescia, Northern Italy, is one of the three main valleys of the region together with Val Trompia and Val Camonica. The Chiese river crosses the entire valley, breathing life into the charming Lake Idro as it winds through the varied and fascinating landscape.

Val Sabbia is an enchanting territory with unspoilt lands rich in history. Each Tour in this Collection reveals breathtaking panoramas where natural beauty blends harmoniously with the indelible signs of the past. Along the way, you can visit historical remains from the First World War, including trenches, fortifications and memorials. You’ll also have the opportunity to discover the region’s unique heritage and culture.

The valley begins in the Chiese plain and spreads across the Pre-Alps up to the alpine waters of Lake Idro. Here, the surrounding mountains become increasingly imposing, culminating in the mountains of Bagolino, where the Cornone di Blumone, the southern end of the Adamello group, dominates the panorama at an altitude of 2,800 metres (9,186 ft).

Lake Idro lies at an altitude of 368 metres (1,207 ft) and is surrounded by green mountains that rise above 1,000 metres (3,280 ft), making it one of the coolest of the large lakes in Lombardy. The dark green of the woods contrasts with the blue-green of the artificial lake, creating a wonderful environment perfect for nature lovers.

A few kilometres from the lake, in a narrow alpine valley, Bagolino offers a wide variety of sporting activities. From hiking and cycling in summer to winter sports such as downhill and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the surrounding mountains are full of opportunities for adventure. Some of the most important traditions and specialities of the Val Sabbia were born in these mountains: Bagolino Carnival, a festival of 16th-century origins famous throughout Europe, and the prized Bagòss cheese, a culinary delight typical of this area.

You’ll need a good level of fitness and some mountain experience to tackle the trails in Val Sabbia, considering the altitude range and the variety of the terrain. I recommend you complete these Tours during the warmer seasons, from June to September when the snow has melted and the refuges are open.

To reach Val Sabbia by car from Brescia, take the road towards Salò and follow the signs for Bagolino. If arriving from Verona, exit at Affi and follow the road to Gavardo and then continue to Bagolino.

If you’re using public transport, the nearest railway station is Brescia. From here, you can take a bus to Bagolino. Be sure to check timetables and availability in advance: brescia.arriva.it/en. For those who want to arrive by bike, on the other hand, there’s a cycle path from Brescia to Bagolino. You can discover the route here: greenwayvalliresilienti.it/it (in Italian).

If you wish to explore this fascinating unspoilt valley, you’ll be blown away by its immense natural assets. Some routes start from Bagolino and Valle Dorizzo, while others start from the Gaver Plain. You’ll be able to admire green pastures, majestic peaks exceeding 2,000 metres (6,500 ft) and a series of water basins with crystal-clear waters.