About
Rifugio Piani di San Lorenzo sits at 1,950m on the Piani di San Lorenzo plateau in the Orobie Alps, above the Val Seriana east of Bergamo. Reach it from Arnica village (base of the valley) via a 4-hour climb through mixed forest and alpine pasture. Most hikers approach from the south via Rifugio Nembri or from the north through the Valbondione watershed. The route is well-marked but gains 1,000m steadily.
The rifugio is a working base for traversing the high Orobie chain and accessing the wild terrain around Pizzo Tre Signori (2,645m) and the Bondione glacial lakes. The hut sleeps around 30 people in simple dormitory rooms. Half-board meals are available—expect solid mountain cooking focused on local ingredients. The kitchen provides hot water and basic supplies. The hut operates May through October, with reliable staffing July through September. Winter access is possible but depends on conditions and advance notice to the guardian.
Book through rifugi.net or contact the hut directly by phone at least 2 weeks ahead, longer in July and August. July–August weekends fill fast. The hut is managed by local volunteers and can be quiet midweek outside summer months, which suits hikers wanting solitude. Arrive early in the day if you haven't booked—the guardian will do their best to fit you in, but there are no guarantees during peak season.
The rifugio is a working base for traversing the high Orobie chain and accessing the wild terrain around Pizzo Tre Signori (2,645m) and the Bondione glacial lakes. The hut sleeps around 30 people in simple dormitory rooms. Half-board meals are available—expect solid mountain cooking focused on local ingredients. The kitchen provides hot water and basic supplies. The hut operates May through October, with reliable staffing July through September. Winter access is possible but depends on conditions and advance notice to the guardian.
Book through rifugi.net or contact the hut directly by phone at least 2 weeks ahead, longer in July and August. July–August weekends fill fast. The hut is managed by local volunteers and can be quiet midweek outside summer months, which suits hikers wanting solitude. Arrive early in the day if you haven't booked—the guardian will do their best to fit you in, but there are no guarantees during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during summer weekends; use rifugio.net or contact the hut directly via cai.it. Peak season (July-August) fills quickly, especially for groups.
Open June through September, typically closed mid-week in shoulder months; confirm directly as staffing varies by year.
From Arnica village, 4 hours uphill gaining 1,000m through forest and alpine pasture; alternative routes available via Rifugio Nembri (south) or Valbondione watershed (north).
Expect bunk beds, basic dormitory accommodation, hot meals, and water; no en-suite showers—wash facilities are minimal, as is typical for high Alpine rifugios.
Better for experienced hikers: the 4-hour, 1,000m climb is steep and sustained, and the plateau sits deep in wild terrain; families with strong legs and mountain experience can manage it.
Location
44.7266, 9.1099
HutLists Score
3.9
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Total
- 40
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Activities
Featured In
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