Schilpario: Mining History, Mountain Trails and Spruce Forest

Schilpario amid forests, trails and winter cross-country ski tracks

Schilpario lies at the entrance to a spruce forest. This setting combines experiences in nature with a remarkable concentration of cultural points of interest. When choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Schilpario, you can therefore tailor your trip to the interests that matter most to you: mining history, sacred art, regional heritage, mountain trails or winter sports.

Experience mining and understand the history of Val di Scalve

At the Parco Minerario ing. A. Bonicelli, guided tours combine a section by train with approximately one kilometre on foot accompanied by guides. The park displays historical photographs, tools used in mining and the original mine railway with mine carts and trains for visitors. In this way, you encounter the mining history of Schilpario not only in exhibitions, but also through the technical and visual evidence associated with this subject.

The Museo Etnografico di Schilpario preserves the historical and cultural heritage of Val di Scalve and conveys the historical memory of local customs. This museum has separate opening information for the winter and summer seasons. Reservations are recommended; on public holidays, you should check in advance. The Museo dei minerali e fossili also houses a collection featuring distinctive aragonites from the mines of Schilpario. Visits are available by telephone reservation.

Trails to the Laghetti delle Valli and Pizzo Camino

The Sentiero 415 connects Schilpario with the Passo del Vivione and crosses the basin of the Laghetti delle Valli. The Laghetti delle Valli along the Sentiero 415 comprise four lakes at elevations of 1,953, 1,957, 1,979 and 1,993 metres. The Sentiero 423 is the normal route for the ascent to Pizzo Camino.

Sacred art and local history

The Museo di arte sacra is located in the old San Rocco chapel next to the parish church of Schilpario. It preserves objects from the past four centuries, most of which are still used in the liturgy today. The entrance is accessible to people with disabilities. This also makes it possible to include a visit to the museum when planning a trip in which different needs within the family or travel group are a consideration.

The Chiesa di S. Antonio da Padova is a 17th-century church built on the site where Schilpario's first parish church was established in 1338. It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Winter trails through the spruce forest

The Pista degli Abeti in Schilpario is a 12-kilometre route through a spruce forest with cross-country ski tracks of varying difficulty.

More places to visit on your trip to Italy

If you would like to explore additional destinations besides Schilpario, you can then discover Sorisole, Azzano San Paolo, Barzana, Brembilla, Zandobbio, Canonica D'adda, Gandosso and Bossico.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bergamo.