Laghi Arbergh
Table of contents
The Arbergh Valley (roughly translating to the high meadows) is a particularly interesting place to hike because you’ll walk past many different landscapes in a few kilometers, dominated by limestone, sandstone, beech forests, lush meadows, and more. This high biodiversity allows visitors to observe many endemic plants.
Route Description for Laghi Arbergh
To reach the path from the parking lot, walk towards the hamlet. Once you’re in the village of Palanfrè go right and continue along the road past the buildings. The path will climb up the valley. After about 5 minutes the road turns, and curves to the right: don’t follow it. In front of you a somewhat smaller trail continues to the Laghi Arbergh.
The trail passes through the woods and onto some pastures and shrubs until you reach Fontana Piamian. Then it climbs into the narrow valley and curves to the left, passing the dry streambed and climbing through some beech trees.
After 15-20 minutes you’ll come across another grassy area bellow the Lausea Cliff. After admiring the size of the cliff, you can continue along the valley.
After the cliff, the trail will make two bends and then up you go, out of the valley, on a steep trail.
After another 15-20 minutes you’ll reach a crossroads: the left, goes to the Lago Arbergh, and the right goes to the Lagni del Frisson. The direction isn’t so important because it is a loop. We prefer to go left.
Going left you get to the Lago Villazzo first. Then, going up the steep trail you’ll enter a wood of mugo pines. After about 20-25 minutes you’ll come upon a valley between some grasslands. You’ll see the hollow of the Lago Arbergh. (2,039 m).
Now you will continue your loop going right, following the orange or red and white signals. The trail is a bit difficult because there are some big rocks to work around but it isn’t a very long journey to Lago Frisson.
Once you’ve enjoyed the views at your second alpine lake, keep going right until you reach the crossroad you started this little loop at. Take the path back down the way you came.
Insider Hints for Laghi Arbergh
- From the Lago Arbergh you can reach the Passo di Ciotto Mien at 2,378 m. This has a short, and dangerous section and is not recommended except for experienced scramblers. From the pass you can go to Limone Piemonte and the Colle di Tenda.
- If you’re into climbing you can get to the Chiamossero peaks from here (2,422 m).
- From the Lago Frisson you can reach the Passo della Mena (2,201 m) that overlooks the Gesso valley.
- You can stay in Palanfrè if you like. We recommend the Locanda L’Arbergh. Its rooms are simple, but their meat and cheese boards are amazing.
Getting to the Laghi Arbergh Trailhead
Find Vernante, and when you do go right at the traffic light. After 9km you’ll reach the hamlet of Palanfrè (1,380 m). You can park the car here in a lot.
Route Information
When to do:
June to end of October
Backcountry Campsites:
Yes, in Limone Piemonte
Toilets:
Yes, in Palanfrè
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Laghi Arbergh Elevation Graph
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