An aimless walk, because the destination is the journey itself. It wanders among lakes and villages of ancient history, it rides over mountains where the gaze is lost in infinite beauty, it crosses woods, and streams and caresses the severe overhang of the cliffs that plunge into the deepest blue… A landscape in constant evolution, changing with the changing seasons.
This is a ring route of about 100 km that develops in the geographical area of the Mountain Community of the Bergamasque Lakes. It is therefore located in Lombardy, in the eastern part of the province of Bergamo. Specifically, in the Alto Sebino area, the Borlezza, Cavallina, and Camonica valleys intersect.
The route of the Cammino Tre Laghi can be considered a hybrid between a classic walk and a trek; it is very varied and alternates wide flat stretches with others of steep ascent and descent. Specifically, the route passes from the minimum altitude of Lake Iseo (185 m) to the maximum altitude of Mount Colombina (1458 m). By this range, the vegetation you will encounter will be very variable: from the olive groves on the lower slopes to the spruce and larch forests of the higher altitudes.
The thread running through this walk is water. As you walk, you will almost always have a view of one of the three lakes: either from up close by following the paths that run alongside them, or from afar by climbing to higher altitudes, where you will be able to enjoy a panoramic perspective that will provide breathtaking views and images that will remain in your heart.
Thanks to its almost complete southwest-to-south, southeast exposure, the trail guarantees ample sunshine and thus a walkability that retains its charm in all seasons!
THE THREE LAKES ON FOOT
The Three Lakes Walk develops in the geographical area of the Mountain Community of the Bergamasque Lakes. It is located in Lombardy and the eastern part of the province of Bergamo, in the Alto Sebino area, where the Borlezza, Cavallina, and Camonica valleys intersect. The variant of the Cammino Tre Laghi that can be covered on foot is a ring of about 100 km that runs almost exclusively on paths, mule tracks, or agro-silver-pastoral roads, except crossing the urban areas of the villages and a few other extra-urban stretches. The starting point is Sovere, a town divided into two villages by the deep incision of the valley made by the Borlezza stream; the start of the walk can be configured where the footbridge joins them.
On one side you start, on the other, you return. In Piazza Francesco Pergolini an ancient fountain welcomes and greets travelers: here you will find the first logos of the Cammino Tre Laghi that will accompany you on your journey. Click here to find out more!
THE THREE LAKES WALK BY BIKE
Let’s get one thing straight, the C3L by MTB is not a merry ride along the white roads of the gentle Tuscan hills. The territory of the Bergamasque lakes has always been enjoyed by cycling enthusiasts for its beautiful scenic routes and the natural settings crossed. But it is not an easy environment. Or at least not the one crossed by the Cammino Tre Laghi. There are lakes, yes, with some very pleasant stretches on the plains, but there are also mountains with higher villages resting on real natural balconies. The “uphill and downhill” elements are also frequently encountered when cycling.
In tracing the Three Lakes Walk by bicycle, we have chosen to stick as closely as possible to the original philosophy, i.e. to touch on most places of greatest natural, scenic, and cultural interest in the Bergamo lakes. It is not possible to completely retrace the route on two wheels because for some stretches there are prohibitions and for others, it would be as dangerous as it is irrational.
In some sections, we offer a second choice for those who have good technical skills and necessary athletic preparation.
Considering the average number of cyclists who decide to experience cycle touring in an environment such as ours, we have turned more towards those who ride an e-bike, which is now a large proportion of cycle tourists. Those who ride a muscular mountain bike must take into account the gradients and steep climbs of the route.
The route we describe cannot be tackled with a road bike. Someone has also covered it with a gravel bike, but only if they have a high level of physical and technical preparation.
We have structured the Three-Lakes Trail by bike in 3 stages for almost 127 km and 4500 mt of elevation gain. We have taken into account the mileage of each stage and the elevation gain, the possibility of stopping to sleep at the end of the stage, visiting something interesting, eating, and recharging the battery.
