Picture yourself standing at the base of a majestic behemoth, towering above the surrounding landscape, its icy peaks glistening under the warm rays of the sun. Welcome to the Fellaria Glacier hike, an adventure that promises to take you on a thrilling journey through nature’s frozen masterpiece. Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable expedition that blends breathtaking beauty with a touch of adrenaline.
What is the Fellaria Glacier?
The Fellaria Glacier is a stunning natural wonder located in the Bernina Range of the Italian Alps. This massive glacier is a sight to behold, with its towering ice formations and pristine snowfields. But the Fellaria Glacier is not just a beautiful sight – it’s also a fascinating geological phenomenon that offers insight into the Earth’s history and the impact of climate change.
The glacier is situated near the town of Lanzada, in the province of Sondrio in the Lombardy region of Italy. The glacier covers an area of approximately 3 square kilometers and reaches a height of over 3,000 meters above sea level. The glacier is fed by the surrounding snowfields and icefalls, and is constantly changing due to the forces of nature.
The Fellaria Glacier is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, who come from all over the world to experience its beauty and grandeur. But the glacier is also a fragile ecosystem that requires careful management and protection.
How is climate change affecting the Fellaria Glacier?
Certainly, the impact of climate change on the Fellaria Glacier is significant and has been a topic of concern among scientists and environmentalists. As global temperatures continue to rise, glaciers around the world are melting at an alarming rate, and the Fellaria Glacier is no exception. The melting of the glacier not only affects the landscape and environment but also has broader implications for the planet.
The Fellaria Glacier has been shrinking at an average rate of about 30 meters per year over the past few decades. This rapid melting is due to a combination of factors, including rising temperatures, reduced snowfall, and increased solar radiation. As the glacier melts, it not only changes the appearance of the landscape but also affects the surrounding ecosystem, including plant and animal life that rely on the glacier for water and other resources.
How to get to the starting point of the hike?
The hike to the Fellaria Glacier starts at “Diga di Alpe Gera“, the upper of two man-made dams in the valley, built for electricity-production purposes. There is a wide parking area below the upper dam and you can drive your own car all the way up. The parking is subject to
The road is public and there are no tolls. Below is the location of the parking and you can’t drive any further than that:
If you don’t have a car, the only option available is to hire a cab or rent an e-bike from the nearby towns of Tornadri, Lanzada or Chiesa in Valmalenco. You can reach these towns from Sonrio by public transport hopping on the bus A37 operated by STPS. The bus leaves many times every day, allowing visitors to do this hike even as a day trip from Sondrio, without sleeping in the valley.
Please note that the last stop of this bus is the town of Tornadri, some 14km away from Diga di Alpe Gera.
Hiking Fellaria Glacier: detailed guide
Although there are several hiking routes near Alpe Fellaria, the most popular one is the “Sentiero glaciologico Luigi Marson”, which leads to the Eastern branch of the Fellaria Glacier, with the scenic glaciar lake that only formed a few decades ago.
The hike to the Fellaria Glacier is relatively long and it will take you at least half a day at a good pace to complete. It is often considered a full-day hike, as you’ll most likely want to spend some time up at the glacier on top of hiking.
HIKE INFO
Distance [km]
Duration [h]
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The hike described in this blog post begins at Diga di Alpe Gera, passes through Rifugio Bignami (a mountain hut where you can eat, rest and even sleep) and reaces the Glaciar Lake of Fellaria Est, indicated as “C” on every map.
You can hike further towards points “A” and “B”, or even make a round trip around the Gera Lake on the way back if you like, but those
Starting point: Diga di Alpe Gera 📌
The hike starts at Diga di Alpe Gera, where you will find a wide parking for cars and campervans. This is the upper of the two dams, with the lower one named “Diga Campo Moro”.
The parking is a paid parking and the daily fee is 6€ for the first day, 2€/day for the following days. The parking is free of charge during all weekdays from 01/10 to 31/05. In case you want to stay less time, the hourly fee is 1€/h. You can pay at an automatic machine at the parking itself, which accepts coins as well as credit cards, but not banknotes.
From the parking lot, start walking in the direction of the dam and follow the trail. The way up the dam is only 10-15 minutes by walk, on a quite steep terrain. As soon as you reach the bottom of the dam, walk on the pathway which leads on top of it.
First section: from Diga di Alpe Gera to Rifugio Bignami
Rifugio Bignami is a mountain hut located roughly half-way between the dam and the glacier. The rifugio offers an opportunity to rest, eat and even sleep up in the mountains.
Even though the hike isn’t the shortest, you can already see Rifugio Bignami and the glacier from the Dam of Alpe Gera.
The path runs all the way around the lake, creating a loop. To reach the Rifugio and the Glacier you could go either way, but the shortest path is going left, keeping the lake to your right.
The first part of the hike is relatively easy, as the path is mostly flat. However, keep an eye out for any rock that may fall. The trail passes on the side of Mount Sasso Moro, with some exposed sections. The last part leading to the Rifugio is more challenging, as the path becomes steeper.
Along the way, you will encounter several lookout points that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the glacier lake below. The last part of the hike is the most scenic, as the views open up as you gain altitude
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: At some point along this section, the rifugio will align perfectly with the glacier behind. Use a good telephoto lens and enjoy the shots!
Charge your batteries at Rifugio Bignami
After a 3.8-kilometer hike from the parking lot, the Rifugio Bignami is the perfect spot to recharge your batteries and enjoy some well-deserved refreshments. This mountain hut is renowned for its cakes, but it’s also a great place to sample local delicacies on your way back.
We highly recommend the local “crostata” (4.5 euros) for breakfast and “pizzoccheri” (12 euros) for lunch. You’ll also find beers, hot wine, and water on the menu.
Keep in mind that due to its remote location, it’s not always possible to pay with card. The rifugio was accepting cards the day we visited, but it’s always a good idea to bring cash just in case.
Second section: Hike towards Fellaria Est Glacier
From Rifugio Bignami, continue your hike following the signs to Sentiero Glaciologico L. Marson. Keep an eye out for the A, B, and C paths, but trust us, C is the one you want. Why? Because it leads you straight to a stunning glacier and a nearby lake that will take your breath away.
Now, fair warning—the path ahead may get a bit rough. You’ll encounter a few sections with big rocks and stones along the way, but don’t worry, it’s all part of the adventure. Just stay focused and follow the well-marked trail. The best part? The views are absolutely incredible throughout the entire hike. With each step, the glacier reveals itself a little more, adding to the awe-inspiring experience.
One of the highlights of this section is a picturesque little bridge that allows you to cross the glacial river stemming from the western branch of the glacier. During our visit in July 2023, we were genuinely impressed by the sheer amount of water flowing beneath it—a stark reminder of the rapid melting happening within these massive glaciers.
Right after crossing that bridge, get ready to face the ultimate challenge: the last steep stretch of the hike. I won’t lie, it’s a tough one. But trust us, the reward awaiting you is absolutely worth every bit of effort! So dig deep, summon your determination, and push through. You’re almost there!
It’s hard to describe the feelings of seeing this stunning scenery unveal behind the last hill, especially if you haven’t seen many glaciers before.
Once you finally reach the lake, take enough time to explore both sides, and sit by the shore while admiring the view. For us, the Lake at Fellaria Glacier made up the best spot to have lunch.
TIP: be careful when standing in close proximity of the lake. Some large pieces of ice may detach from the glacier creating dangerous waves.
The break at the Fellaria lake was truly mesmerizing. We ended up spending just over two at the lake, before retracing our steps on our way back. If you still have energies and want to explore more places, consider exploring the detours to viewpoints on the other branch of the glacier by checking out trails B and A.
Expect the way down to take about the same time as the way up.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Fellaria Glacier is during the summer months, when the snow melts and the trails are easier to navigate. This typically happens during the month of June, with July and August being the best months to visit it.
During this time, the weather is also milder, making the hike much more pleasant.
Sleeping near Fellaria Glacier
If you’re interested in staying overnight in the area of the Fellaria Glacier, you could opt to sleep at Rifugio Bignami.
The mountain hut usually opens its doors in June, and stays open until mid-september. Outside of this time – and depending on weather conditions – Rifugio Bignami opens on specific dates, which you can check on their website.
Alternatively, it is also possible to stay at Rifugio Marinelli Bombardieri. This mountain hut is located at 2800m, much higher than Rifugio Bignami and out of the main trail to the Fellaria Glacier.
However, with a stunning location and great reviews, Rifugio Marinelli Bombardieri could make a perfect spot to sleep during a multi-day hike. Here is their official website.
Best tips for hiking Glacier Fellaria
- Wear sturdy hiking boots. They are essential to navigate the rocky trail.
- Bring enough water with you. There is only one bar on the way and it’s not worth paying for water.
- Pack boot spikes for snow-covered sections if you’re visiting early in the summer.
- Ensure you are fully prepared to face any unforeseen shifts in weather conditions. Always bring layers and a waterproof jacket, even on a sunny day.
- Do not walk on the glacier unless you are an expert. Walking on ice demands a unique set of skills and awareness to navigate safely.
