Refuge Piani di San Lorenzo

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.