Bivouac Penne Nere

Bivacco Penne Nere sits at 1,430m in the Prealps above Lombardy's Val Brembana, roughly 2.5 hours on foot from Branzi or 3 hours from Carona. The approach follows established hiking trails through mixed forest and meadow—straightforward terrain but steep in sections. Most parties approach from the south via Rifugio Calvi or from the north via the Brembana valley floor.

This is a staffed bivouac with basic mountain shelter. It sleeps around 30 in dormitory beds and offers simple meals and hot drinks. Water comes from a spring nearby. The hut operates year-round but staff presence and meal availability are limited outside summer months (June–September). Winter ascents are possible but require mountain experience and proper equipment; verify conditions before departing.

The bivouac functions primarily as a shelter for walkers moving between valleys or mountaineers accessing scrambles and winter routes in the upper Brembana range. It's not a destination hut but a practical staging point. Book ahead during peak summer weekends by phone or through the managing Alpine club. Expect it to be busy on Saturdays and Sundays from July through August. Winter visits require advance contact to confirm staffing.