Claudia’s guidebook
Sightseeing
The Natural Reserve “Torbiere del Sebino” is considered a priority area for biodiversity in the Po Valley in Lombardy. This is due to the variety of habitats and species, aquatic-marsh, fine or community interest in the area, rare or endangered in Lombardy and in Italy. Footpath: Distance : 4 Km approximately; Journey time: 2 – 3 hours.
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Natuurreservaat Sebino
5 Via EuropaThe Natural Reserve “Torbiere del Sebino” is considered a priority area for biodiversity in the Po Valley in Lombardy. This is due to the variety of habitats and species, aquatic-marsh, fine or community interest in the area, rare or endangered in Lombardy and in Italy. Footpath: Distance : 4 Km approximately; Journey time: 2 – 3 hours.
Bogon in Riva di Solto
It is a natural inlet of Lake Iseo that surprises with its beauty.
Starting from the village of Riva di Solto, go along the lakefront in a north-easterly direction, towards Castro.
At one point, the beautiful lakefront ends and you continue on an old road now closed to traffic. From the town centre it takes about 15-20 minutes walk (about 1.3 km).
Keep in mind that, once you arrive at the Orrido del Bogn, it is not possible to continue by walk as it would be necessary to take the narrow road leading to Castro, which is too dangerous as it is used by cars and motorcycles.
In Riva di Solto there is a beach overlooking Lake Iseo. This is the Bogn beach, near the ravine of the same name.
It begins exactly where the Riva di Solto lakefront ends.
Riva di Solto itself is a beautiful little town from Medieval origin and it certainly is worth a visit.
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Riva di Solto
Bogon in Riva di Solto
It is a natural inlet of Lake Iseo that surprises with its beauty.
Starting from the village of Riva di Solto, go along the lakefront in a north-easterly direction, towards Castro.
At one point, the beautiful lakefront ends and you continue on an old road now closed to traffic. From the town centre it takes about 15-20 minutes walk (about 1.3 km).
Keep in mind that, once you arrive at the Orrido del Bogn, it is not possible to continue by walk as it would be necessary to take the narrow road leading to Castro, which is too dangerous as it is used by cars and motorcycles.
In Riva di Solto there is a beach overlooking Lake Iseo. This is the Bogn beach, near the ravine of the same name.
It begins exactly where the Riva di Solto lakefront ends.
Riva di Solto itself is a beautiful little town from Medieval origin and it certainly is worth a visit.
Trekking
This trail is found in the Valley of Gaina in Monticelli Brusati, a ring shaped nature trail of particular interest. It is characterised by the presence of a small canyon eroded away by the river that flows in the area and a series of small waterfalls.
Starting location:
Once in the center of Monticelli Brusati you leave the car in one of the four parking areas and walk along Via Foina, paying attention to the traffic and passing the homonymous village. Continue on the asphalted road until the crossroads with via Colombaia where the road changes its name and becomes via Gaina. The route starts from the hamlet of Gaina, where a trail sign in white and pink with the words SC leads you along a road, asphalted at first then turning into a dirt track, to the stunning river.
Path details
– Difficulty: beginner
– Itinerary: 2:00 h
– Route height difference: 200m
– Max altitude: 538m
– Length: 5km
Ultimo Parcheggio Sentiero delle Cascate
38 Via FoinaThis trail is found in the Valley of Gaina in Monticelli Brusati, a ring shaped nature trail of particular interest. It is characterised by the presence of a small canyon eroded away by the river that flows in the area and a series of small waterfalls.
Starting location:
Once in the center of Monticelli Brusati you leave the car in one of the four parking areas and walk along Via Foina, paying attention to the traffic and passing the homonymous village. Continue on the asphalted road until the crossroads with via Colombaia where the road changes its name and becomes via Gaina. The route starts from the hamlet of Gaina, where a trail sign in white and pink with the words SC leads you along a road, asphalted at first then turning into a dirt track, to the stunning river.
Path details
– Difficulty: beginner
– Itinerary: 2:00 h
– Route height difference: 200m
– Max altitude: 538m
– Length: 5km
The Antica Strada Valeriana (CAI path 291), of unspecified origin, was the only route to Valle Camonica for many millennia. Fully revamped and reinstated for tourism purposes, the route is today a harmonious encounter between landscape, art and history.
The trip is extraordinarily stunning because it is always accompanied by views of Lake Iseo and the surrounding mountains. It is made of a succession of country roads and trails, dirt tracks and paved roads with little traffic, sometimes outlined by stone walls. The Antica Strada Valeriana is also cited as the ‘Route of Spiritual Devotion’. The presence of churches, shrines, monasteries and chapels is in fact quite extraordinary; they were used in the past to provide assistance and refreshment to travellers and pilgrims, and today contribute to determine the historical importance of the itinerary. Given the length of the route, it is recommended to walk certain stretches and use the navigation service or the regional railway line to reach the various locations.
DETAILS
Difficulty: Advanced
Duration: 9 h
Distance: 24,3 km
Elevation gain: +1135m
Starting point: Pilzone d'Iseo
Arrival point: Pisogne
Trail number: 291
Via Antica Valeriana
Via Antica ValerianaThe Antica Strada Valeriana (CAI path 291), of unspecified origin, was the only route to Valle Camonica for many millennia. Fully revamped and reinstated for tourism purposes, the route is today a harmonious encounter between landscape, art and history.
The trip is extraordinarily stunning because it is always accompanied by views of Lake Iseo and the surrounding mountains. It is made of a succession of country roads and trails, dirt tracks and paved roads with little traffic, sometimes outlined by stone walls. The Antica Strada Valeriana is also cited as the ‘Route of Spiritual Devotion’. The presence of churches, shrines, monasteries and chapels is in fact quite extraordinary; they were used in the past to provide assistance and refreshment to travellers and pilgrims, and today contribute to determine the historical importance of the itinerary. Given the length of the route, it is recommended to walk certain stretches and use the navigation service or the regional railway line to reach the various locations.
DETAILS
Difficulty: Advanced
Duration: 9 h
Distance: 24,3 km
Elevation gain: +1135m
Starting point: Pilzone d'Iseo
Arrival point: Pisogne
Trail number: 291
Big Benches
The “Big benches” are giant benches from where it is possible to join a wonderful view on Lake Iseo. The installations are realised within the “Big Bench Community Project” (BBCP) by the American artist/designer Chris Bangle.
The Big Bench can be reached by car via the SP79, coming from Sarnico or Grone. Once reached the church of San Fermo, located on the pass, just follow the signs that will take you to Piazzale Virgo Fidelis, where you can park your car. The Big Bench is located behind the Bar Pizzeria al Colle, where you can stamp your pass.
Grone
The Big Bench can be reached by car via the SP79, coming from Sarnico or Grone. Once reached the church of San Fermo, located on the pass, just follow the signs that will take you to Piazzale Virgo Fidelis, where you can park your car. The Big Bench is located behind the Bar Pizzeria al Colle, where you can stamp your pass.
The green Big Bench can be reached starting from Piazza Basilio Cittadini in Pilzone (Via Volontari del Sangue-Via San Tommaso) following to the right the signs for the Antica Strada Valeriana, direction Monticelli Brusati. The path is steep, carved into the rock, paved with large and smooth porphyry and sandstone stones, suitable for good walkers. Free parking area near the cemetery in Pilzone d’Iseo. Trekking shoes are recommended.
Trail suitable for everyone (beginner level) 1.5 km long, 30-45 minutes
Starting point: Pilzone d'Iseo's Cemetery
Arrival point: Località San Fermo, Pilzone d'Iseo
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Pilzone
The green Big Bench can be reached starting from Piazza Basilio Cittadini in Pilzone (Via Volontari del Sangue-Via San Tommaso) following to the right the signs for the Antica Strada Valeriana, direction Monticelli Brusati. The path is steep, carved into the rock, paved with large and smooth porphyry and sandstone stones, suitable for good walkers. Free parking area near the cemetery in Pilzone d’Iseo. Trekking shoes are recommended.
Trail suitable for everyone (beginner level) 1.5 km long, 30-45 minutes
Starting point: Pilzone d'Iseo's Cemetery
Arrival point: Località San Fermo, Pilzone d'Iseo
FONTENO/RIVA DI SOLTO
From Fonteno the bench can be reached starting from Piazza Ongaro Parroci in Fonteno. Starting from the square, go up from via Campello towards the town hall, take via Papa Giovanni XXIII on the right up to the start of the old connection road that led to Solto Collina.
The route is marked by special signs and is suitable for everyone (duration: 30 min).
Throughout the tourist season, it will be possible to park at the sports field in Fonteno on Sundays and public holidays.
Starting point: Piazza Ongaro Parroci, Fonteno
Arrival point: Riva di Solto - Fonteno Big Bench
From Riva di Solto, at the crossroads between via Ronchi and via Papa Giovanni XXIII, near car park number 3. Take the CAI path 567 or CM1, called “Zangol” by locals, which passes through the Valley of San Rocco. Climbing the mule track you will arrive at the hamlet called Zangolo, where at a junction (where there is a votive shrine) you take the left and continue on path 567. After arriving on a paved road, go down 20 meters and take the new entrance to the path that climbs up to Xino village.
From the square you have to go straight on, passing by the old water tanks, then on a steep road you will end up on the main road that leads to Fonteno’s square, 500 meters away. From there you can continue with the trail indicated above, marked with special signs.
This trail is more demanding and has a duration of 1h 30 min. The itinerary is 8 km long and has a difference in altitude of 427 m.
Starting point: via Ronchi-Via Papa Giovanni XXIII - Riva di Solto
Arrival point: Riva di Solto - Fonteno Big Bench
Fonteno
FONTENO/RIVA DI SOLTO
From Fonteno the bench can be reached starting from Piazza Ongaro Parroci in Fonteno. Starting from the square, go up from via Campello towards the town hall, take via Papa Giovanni XXIII on the right up to the start of the old connection road that led to Solto Collina.
The route is marked by special signs and is suitable for everyone (duration: 30 min).
Throughout the tourist season, it will be possible to park at the sports field in Fonteno on Sundays and public holidays.
Starting point: Piazza Ongaro Parroci, Fonteno
Arrival point: Riva di Solto - Fonteno Big Bench
From Riva di Solto, at the crossroads between via Ronchi and via Papa Giovanni XXIII, near car park number 3. Take the CAI path 567 or CM1, called “Zangol” by locals, which passes through the Valley of San Rocco. Climbing the mule track you will arrive at the hamlet called Zangolo, where at a junction (where there is a votive shrine) you take the left and continue on path 567. After arriving on a paved road, go down 20 meters and take the new entrance to the path that climbs up to Xino village.
From the square you have to go straight on, passing by the old water tanks, then on a steep road you will end up on the main road that leads to Fonteno’s square, 500 meters away. From there you can continue with the trail indicated above, marked with special signs.
This trail is more demanding and has a duration of 1h 30 min. The itinerary is 8 km long and has a difference in altitude of 427 m.
Starting point: via Ronchi-Via Papa Giovanni XXIII - Riva di Solto
Arrival point: Riva di Solto - Fonteno Big Bench
Starting from Sale Marasino centre, follow the signs for Maspiano. Once reached the church of San Giacomo, leave it on your right and continue on the road following the orange signs for the “Panchina Gigante”. Underpass the highway SP 510 and continue on the road until you reach a crossroads with a path into the woods. From there it is possible to reach the Big Bench in 10 minutes.
The path is suitable for everyone and is indicated by special signs “Panchina Gigante”, 2.8 km, about 1-hour walking.
It is possible to park the car in the free parking space next to the roundabout on via Provinciale/via Chiusure.
Starting point: Via Chiusure, Sale Marasino
Arrival point: Sale Marasino Big Bench
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Sale Marasino
Starting from Sale Marasino centre, follow the signs for Maspiano. Once reached the church of San Giacomo, leave it on your right and continue on the road following the orange signs for the “Panchina Gigante”. Underpass the highway SP 510 and continue on the road until you reach a crossroads with a path into the woods. From there it is possible to reach the Big Bench in 10 minutes.
The path is suitable for everyone and is indicated by special signs “Panchina Gigante”, 2.8 km, about 1-hour walking.
It is possible to park the car in the free parking space next to the roundabout on via Provinciale/via Chiusure.
Starting point: Via Chiusure, Sale Marasino
Arrival point: Sale Marasino Big Bench
City/town information
Paratico overlooks the south-west shore of lake Iseo. A characteristic border bridge separates it, and at the same time, joins it to Sarnico, to the point that it seems like a single place to visitors. Its a good position in relation to the main roads, makes it an excellent starting point from which to visit the lake and Franciacorta.
SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTIONS
The remains of the ancient Castle and the Lantieri Tower from the medieval period are still preserved. The tower is open to the public. The Neo-Gothic style building of Oselanda, home to contemporary art exhibitions, is located in the Municipal Park area, from where it is possible to enjoy a splendid lake view. Very lively during the summer with parties, events and shows, the park offers a large playground for children. An interesting permanent exhibition of stone sculptures called “Viale dei volti”, which is only a part of the numerous sculptures resulting from the Biennial Exhibition of Art and Culture of the Paratico Sandstone “Sculpting in the Square” which adorn the village.
ATTRACTIONS AND RECREATION
Parco delle erbe danzanti – In a beautiful and relaxing walk through the scents and colours of the innovative landscape intervention on the lake front Chiatte, it is possible to have fun recognising flowers and plants. Here visitors will be able to find evidence of industrial archaeology in the ancient piers where the barges used to dock. This is the place where wagons loaded with goods arrived from the northern villages on the lake, to be then transferred to the Paratico-Palazzolo railway line, now a tourist railway. The old rails leading to the station are still visible in the flooring.
Taxodi Park – Near the old station is the Taxodi Park or “bald cypress trees”, tall trees of American origin, whose branches provide safe shelter for nesting to several birds, including herons.
Boat tours – On the shore there are also boats for hire or it is possible to take part in relaxing boat cruises starting from the nearby Sarnico harbour, to discover the lake and its islands.
Cycle-tourist routes – Paratico is the end-point of the Brescia-Paratico route that crosses Franciacorta and reaches the city of Brescia (30 km). There is another route reaching Palazzolo along the Parco dell’Oglio (20 km). It is also possible to take a tour around the lake (65 km).
Paratico
Paratico overlooks the south-west shore of lake Iseo. A characteristic border bridge separates it, and at the same time, joins it to Sarnico, to the point that it seems like a single place to visitors. Its a good position in relation to the main roads, makes it an excellent starting point from which to visit the lake and Franciacorta.
SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTIONS
The remains of the ancient Castle and the Lantieri Tower from the medieval period are still preserved. The tower is open to the public. The Neo-Gothic style building of Oselanda, home to contemporary art exhibitions, is located in the Municipal Park area, from where it is possible to enjoy a splendid lake view. Very lively during the summer with parties, events and shows, the park offers a large playground for children. An interesting permanent exhibition of stone sculptures called “Viale dei volti”, which is only a part of the numerous sculptures resulting from the Biennial Exhibition of Art and Culture of the Paratico Sandstone “Sculpting in the Square” which adorn the village.
ATTRACTIONS AND RECREATION
Parco delle erbe danzanti – In a beautiful and relaxing walk through the scents and colours of the innovative landscape intervention on the lake front Chiatte, it is possible to have fun recognising flowers and plants. Here visitors will be able to find evidence of industrial archaeology in the ancient piers where the barges used to dock. This is the place where wagons loaded with goods arrived from the northern villages on the lake, to be then transferred to the Paratico-Palazzolo railway line, now a tourist railway. The old rails leading to the station are still visible in the flooring.
Taxodi Park – Near the old station is the Taxodi Park or “bald cypress trees”, tall trees of American origin, whose branches provide safe shelter for nesting to several birds, including herons.
Boat tours – On the shore there are also boats for hire or it is possible to take part in relaxing boat cruises starting from the nearby Sarnico harbour, to discover the lake and its islands.
Cycle-tourist routes – Paratico is the end-point of the Brescia-Paratico route that crosses Franciacorta and reaches the city of Brescia (30 km). There is another route reaching Palazzolo along the Parco dell’Oglio (20 km). It is also possible to take a tour around the lake (65 km).
Food scene
Agriturismo Cascina Oglio serves traditional dishes from North Italy, their food is absolutely delicious!
Open Thu-Fri-Sat 8pm to 12am; Sun 12pm to 4pm
Booking required
Cascina Oglio
Via FosioAgriturismo Cascina Oglio serves traditional dishes from North Italy, their food is absolutely delicious!
Open Thu-Fri-Sat 8pm to 12am; Sun 12pm to 4pm
Booking required
Delicious traditional food, here you can also taste the local freshwater fish from Iseo lake.
Closed on Tue and Wed evening.
Booking required
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Ristorante Al Guelfo
34 Via IV NovembreDelicious traditional food, here you can also taste the local freshwater fish from Iseo lake.
Closed on Tue and Wed evening.
Booking required
Osteria ai Nidrì
2 Via ColomberaAmazing local-Sebino food and great selection of wine.
Open 10am-12am every day
The Restaurant Cucina San Francesco is located in a XVI century monastery (converted into hotel), here food is great and the atmosphere is magic.
It is necessary to book for your table.
Cappuccini Resort
54 Via CappucciniThe Restaurant Cucina San Francesco is located in a XVI century monastery (converted into hotel), here food is great and the atmosphere is magic.
It is necessary to book for your table.
Creative menu, great food with attention to details.
Closes on Tuesdays.
Booking required
Dinner Al Numero 24, Sarnico
24 Piazza Venti SettembreCreative menu, great food with attention to details.
Closes on Tuesdays.
Booking required
Pata Negra Bistrot e Ristorante