Lake Branchino

Lake Branchino is a striking alpine body of water in the Orobian Pre-Alps, located between Val Seriana and Val Brembana, on the border between the municipalities of Ardesio and Oltre il Colle. It lies in a natural basin nestled between Corno Branchino and Corna Piana, in a particular environment because it is characterized by limestone rocks subject to karst phenomena, a rarity for Orobic lakes. Just above the western shore is Rifugio Branchino, an ideal foothold for hikers and mountain lovers.
The lake can be reached by several routes. From Valcanale (Ardesio), CAI path 220 leads to the Alpe Corte refuge and then climbs among mountain huts and pastures to the lake. From Val Brembana, starting from Roncobello, a carriage road leads to Mezzeno, where the path up to Passo Branchino begins. Finally, from Val Serina, trail 222 climbs to the Capanna 2000 hut and continues along the scenic Sentiero dei Fiori.
Lake Branchino is thus a beloved destination for the variety of trails and the wild beauty of its landscape, which offers open vistas and an atmosphere of authentic alpine quiet.