About forty minutes from Bergamo, along the western shore of Lake Iseo, there is a place capable of taking the breath away of anyone who reaches it for the first time: the Bogn Bay, nestled between the municipalities of Riva di Solto and Castro, in the province of Bergamo. Its intense emerald green waters, the cliffs that fall vertically into the lake and the lush vegetation that embraces every rocky ravine have convinced photographers, travelers and nature enthusiasts to rename it “the Thailand of Lombardy”, a bold but understandable comparison for anyone who finds themselves contemplating that landscape for the first time.
The name of the place itself tells of its geographical conformation: “bögn” in Bergamo dialect indicates the characteristic inlets that open up in the rock, small cavities and caves dug by the water over the centuries, which give the bay that jagged and wild profile so different from the sandy beaches we are used to. The Bogn Bay represents the most authentic and natural part of Lake Iseo, an environment that has remained substantially intact compared to the tourist development that has affected other areas of the lake, even if its growing fame on social networks has led to an increasingly significant influx of visitors in recent years.
How to get to Bogn Bay
The ideal starting point to reach the bay is Riva di Solto, a village directly overlooking the lake, with a small port and a pleasant lakeside promenade to walk along. The town can be easily reached by car along the state road 469 which runs along the Bergamo shore of Lake Iseo; from Bergamo the journey takes about forty minutes, while from Brescia the times are similar, with a route that crosses Iseo and continues north along the lake.
Those arriving by car will find free parking in Riva di Solto in Via Porto, near the lakeside; from here the journey towards the bay begins on foot, along a path that runs along the lake shore in the direction of Lovere. The pedestrian path leads first to the Bogn beach, then through an exclusively pedestrian tunnel, at the exit of which the scenery of the bay suddenly opens up with its sheer rocks and the small characteristic beach.
As an alternative to the car, the bay is also accessible by water, with private boats or kayaks which allow you to admire the rock slabs overlooking the lake from a completely different perspective, perhaps the most evocative of all. Some operators on the lake organize SUP and kayak excursions that touch Bogn Bay as the main stop, offering the possibility of exploring the small caves and inlets directly from the water.
What to see and what to do in Baia del Bogn
The Bogn Bay looks like a natural amphitheater where the limestone rock descends steeply towards the waters of the lake, creating a landscape of rare beauty in which the green of the vegetation contrasts with the gray of the cliffs and the turquoise of the water. The most photographed point is undoubtedly the area where the stone slabs descend almost vertically to the water’s surface, offering a scenography that truly recalls certain much-dreamed-of Asian landscapes.
Bathing in the waters of the bay is the main activity for most visitors and the water of Lake Iseo, particularly clean and transparent in this stretch, gives a sensation of freshness and purity that is difficult to forget. The seabed is entirely rocky, therefore rock shoes or sturdy slippers are an essential accessory for moving comfortably in the water and on the shore; Those who arrive unprepared will still find the beauty of the place sufficient to compensate for any minor inconvenience.
The actual beach is quite small and during the afternoon it is reached by the shade of the rocky walls, so those who want to enjoy the direct sun should plan to arrive in the morning or early afternoon. In summer, on weekends and in the months of July and August, crowding reaches significant levels, with visitors settling on every available patch of rock and gravel; the best solution to live the experience in a more peaceful way is to opt for weekdays or for the midsummer season, between June and early July.
The small caves hidden along the perimeter of the bay are worth a visit by swimming or kayaking: some are large enough to allow entry with a small boat, while others open just above the water level and can only be admired from the outside. The exploration of these ravines adds an element of adventure to the visit, especially for the younger ones and for those who love nature in all its forms.
The panoramic path above the bay
Those who prefer to observe the Bogn Bay from above, away from the summer crowds, can follow a particularly panoramic circular itinerary which also starts from Riva di Solto and offers unforgettable views of the bay and the entire Lake Iseo. The route extends for approximately 8 kilometres, with an uphill difference in altitude of 490 meters and a travel time of approximately four hours, and leads to the Hermitage of San Defendente, located 670 meters above sea level, a true natural balcony overlooking the lake.
After skirting the bay at lake level, the path climbs sharply along the rocky ridge that flanks it, with a significant slope and some sections exposed to the void which are not recommended for those suffering from vertigo, while they are perfectly practicable for hikers with a minimum of training and familiarity with mountain paths. The effort of the climb is rewarded by the exceptional views of the Bogn Bay from above, with photographic perspectives impossible to obtain while remaining at lake level.
Continuing along the route you come across different and surprising environments: a stretch halfway up the slope among the trees, an equipped picnic area, an old poiat or a charcoal pile with an information panel that tells the story of the ancient forestry activities of this area, and an imposing erratic boulder that emerges from the vegetation like a natural monument left by the glaciers of the last ice age. The arrival at the Hermitage of San Defendente rewards you with an extraordinary view of the Corna Trentapassi and the entire Valcamonica; unfortunately the church is only accessible on some summer Sundays, but the churchyard and the panoramic bench still offer an ideal resting place for those who want to stop and contemplate the landscape in silence.
The descent leads back towards Riva di Solto via paths that cross via Apostoli and then descend to the lakeside with a staircase, completing the circular tour in a satisfactory manner. The route is suitable for those who love walking and want to discover the area beyond the single seaside attraction; children can accompany their parents in the initial and final part, while the more exposed stretch above the bay requires more attention.
The other beaches of Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo holds other places of great beauty along its shores, often less frequented than more celebrated lake destinations such as Garda or Como. In Vello, a hamlet of the municipality of Marone on the Brescia shore, the Baia del Sol offers a more organized relaxation environment, with clear waters and a landscape of great charm among the mountains that descend directly onto the lake.
Not far away is the beach nicknamed “Little Tahiti”, famous for the exceptional clarity of the water and the almost total absence of algae, which make it particularly inviting for swimming; the beach is free and its position between the blue sky and the mountains in the background makes it photogenic at any time of the day. These places confirm that Lake Iseo, often underestimated compared to its more famous neighbors, deserves an in-depth visit and a stay of at least a weekend to appreciate all its nuances.
Practical advice before leaving
The visit to Bogn Bay is planned taking into account some practical details that can make the difference between a memorable day and a disappointing experience. Rock shoes are essential for those who want to swim without difficulty; a small backpack with water, snacks and sunscreen is enough for half a day. Those arriving by car will find free parking in Riva di Solto in Via Porto, but on summer weekends spaces fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive by nine in the morning. The refreshment points are located in Riva di Solto, where bars and restaurants welcome visitors before and after the excursion; near the lido there is also a kiosk with the possibility of renting umbrellas and deckchairs.
