Discovering Bergamo by Camper: Complete Guide
Important information:
This town is not one of the cities we visited during our road trip, but it will be a stop to consider in the future. This article aims to prepare our stay there and to share the information we collected about this destination.
Don’t hesitate to share your tips for this destination with us, either by email or in comments.
Introduction
Welcome, all you intrepid adventurers seeking a getaway! In this ultimate Road Trip guide to Bergamo, we’re taking you on an exhilarating journey through this charming Italian city. Whether you’re a vanlife enthusiast eager to find the perfect spot to park your camper, a history buff wanting to uncover Bergamo’s historical treasures, or simply an explorer in search of culinary delights, we’ve got all the tips and tricks for you.
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What is Bergamo – Italy?
History of Bergamo
Bergamo, this picturesque city in Italy located in Lombardy, has a fascinating history that dates back to Roman times. Founded in the 3rd century BC, Bergamo was originally a Celtic village before becoming a Roman colony under Emperor Augustus.
Over the centuries, the city has been conquered by the Lombards, the Franks, and even the Venetians, all of whom left their mark on its architecture and culture.
The highlight of Bergamo’s history was undoubtedly the Venetian rule in the 15th century. At that time, the city was divided into two distinct parts: the “Città Alta”, the fortified old town perched on a hill, and the “Città Bassa”, the more modern lower town. The “Città Alta” served as the political and cultural center of the region, boasting palaces, churches, and stunning squares. Bergamo thrived under Venetian control, becoming an important economic and artistic hub of the Italian Renaissance.
Geographical Situation
Bergamo is a beautiful city situated in northern Italy, at the foot of the Alps. Nestled between Milan and Lake Como, Bergamo offers breathtaking landscapes with its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and medieval fortress overlooking the town. Furthermore, Bergamo’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Alpine lakes, the vineyards of the Franciacorta region, or even for a shopping spree in Milan. With so much to offer, Bergamo is definitely a must-visit stop for any road trip enthusiast in Italy!
How to Get to Bergamo?
To get to Bergamo by campervan from the nearest Italian cities, here are the main routes to take:
- From Milan, you can take the A4 highway towards Venice and continue until the Bergamo exit.
- From Turin, head along the A4 highway towards Milan, and then take the Bergamo exit.
- From Verona, stick to the A4 highway towards Milan and exit at Bergamo.
Now, if you’re thinking about the road trip, it’s worth noting that traveling by campervan offers you a unique way to see the countryside, with plenty of options for spontaneous stops along the way. Just make sure your plans align with local laws regarding camper parking, especially in busy tourist spots. Enjoy the journey, and who knows, you might discover some hidden gems along the way!
To get to Bergamo from the capital of Italy, you can hop on a train. Start by taking a train to Milan from Rome’s main station. Once you’re in Milan, make your way to Milano Centrale station to catch another train heading to Bergamo. Trains run frequently between the two cities, so you won’t have to wait long.
To get to Bergamo by plane, the nearest national and international airports are:
– Milan-Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY), located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Bergamo
– Milan-Malpensa (MXP), located about 53 miles (85 kilometers) from Bergamo
– Milan-Linate (LIN), located about 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Bergamo
– Verona (VRN), located about 65 miles (105 kilometers) from Bergamo
When planning your trip, it’s handy to know your options. Milan-Bergamo is the closest, making it a popular choice. As a bonus, there are plenty of transport links making it easy to get to the city. If you’re coming from the UK or the States, flights to Milan can be quite frequent, and prices are often competitive, so keep an eye out for deals!
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During our recent getaway to Italy, we noticed that the quality of roads varies quite a bit from one region to another. In Lombardy and Piedmont, the condition of national and provincial roads leaves a lot to be desired. On the other hand, heading toward Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the road quality is noticeably better. So, travelers should definitely check the road conditions for the region they’re thinking about visiting, and take all the necessary safety precautions.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that road conditions can hugely impact your trip, especially if you’re planning to drive. Having a smooth ride can make all the difference in your overall experience—trust me, you don’t want to be stuck on bumpy roads!
Climate: When to Visit Bergamo by Motorhome?
| Month | Average Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Weather | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°/5° | 53mm | ❄️ | Very unfavorable |
| February | 2°/6° | 50mm | ❄️ | Very unfavorable |
| March | 3°/8° | 53mm | 🌧️ | Very unfavorable |
| April | 5°/11° | 39mm | 🌦️ | Very unfavorable |
| May | 8°/14° | 53mm | 🌦️ | Slightly unfavorable |
| June | 11°/16° | 62mm | 🌦️ | Slightly unfavorable |
| July | 13°/18° | 79mm | 🌦️ | Slightly unfavorable |
| August | 11°/17° | 78mm | 🌦️ | Favorable |
| September | 9°/16° | 58mm | 🌦️ | Slightly unfavorable |
| October | 7°/12° | 60mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| November | 5°/8° | 52mm | 🌧️ | Very unfavorable |
| December | 2°/5° | 52mm | ❄️ | Very unfavorable |
If we could give you one piece of advice, it would be to visit this city in the spring or fall. The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, perfect for exploring the treasures of Bergamo. The flowers are in full bloom and the vibrant colors of autumn leaves add a beautiful touch to this picturesque town. So, take advantage of these seasons to stroll through the charming streets, visit the museums, and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views.
Must-See Spots for Vans and Motorhomes in Bergamo
Here’s a list of useful points of interest for your stay in your van around Bergamo.
Where to Stay in Bergamo with a Camper Van?
- 📍Camper Parking Area – City of a Thousand – Bergamo: Via F. Corridoni, 123, 24124 Bergamo BG, Italy • Rating: 4.4 • Coordinates (45.71310039999999, 9.7019453)
- 📍Camping la Tartufaia: Via Nazionale, 2519, 24060 Ranzanico Lago BG, Italy • Rating: 4.3 • Coordinates (45.7881366, 9.946945399999999)
- 📍Eurovil: Via S. Giorgio, 2, 24122 Bergamo BG, Italy • Rating: N/A • Coordinates (45.6891725, 9.668973399999999)
- 📍Camping Clusone Pineta: Via Val Flesch, 14, 24023 Clusone BG, Italy • Rating: 4 • Coordinates (45.8758845, 9.9311454)
- 📍Camping Zambla: Via Santella, 370, 24013 Zambla Alta BG, Italy • Rating: 4.4 • Coordinates (45.891225, 9.799074)
Where to find laundromats in a van in Bergamo?
-📍Self-Service Laundry Speed Queen: Via Giovanni Pascoli, 5, 24121 Bergamo BG, Italy • Rating: 4.7 • Coordinates (45.6942359 – 9.6741972)
-📍Self-Service Laundry La Serenella 2: Via Vittorio Gasparini, 19/A, 24125 Bergamo BG, Italy • Rating: 4.6 • Coordinates (45.6860753 – 9.6901497)
-📍SELF Laundry Lastido: Via Giovanni Carnovali, 39a, 24126 Bergamo BG, Italy • Rating: 2.4 • Coordinates (45.6848093 – 9.6665569)
Where to Repair Your Van in Bergamo?
- 📍Camper Parking Area – City of a Thousand – Bergamo: Via F. Corridoni, 123, 24124 Bergamo BG, Italy • Rating: 4.4 • Coordinates (45.71310039999999 – 9.7019453)
- 📍Camper Parking Area & Lot | Bergamo Center: Via dello Statuto, 33, 24128 Bergamo BG, Italy • Rating: 4.4 • Coordinates (45.7004116 – 9.6515433)
- 📍Camper Service Area – Seriate: Via Guglielmo Marconi, 2B, 24068 Seriate BG, Italy • Rating: 4 • Coordinates (45.6788564 – 9.729601899999999)
Where to Park for Free in Bergamo with Your RV?
- 📍Free Parking: 42 Via Pietro Rovelli, 24125 Bergamo BG, Italy • Rating: 4.7 • Coordinates (45.6890599 – 9.6950708)
- 📍Parking Spot: Viale Curie Pietro e Maria, 24129 Bergamo BG, Italy • Rating: 3.6 • Coordinates (45.6910768 – 9.6401699)
- 📍Parking Area: Via Wolfgang Goethe, 24128 Bergamo BG, Italy • Rating: N/A • Coordinates (45.690601 – 9.648595199999999)
Despite the size of the city, you can still find campgrounds, laundromats, and service areas, which is a really important point! It’s not always easy to have a good time in a place like this if the facilities aren’t available.
So, as you venture through the hustle and bustle of urban life, having these options can make your stay much more enjoyable. You don’t want to be caught without a place to wash your clothes or a comfy spot to pitch your tent, right?
Plus, when traveling, it’s those little conveniences that really matter. You can relax knowing you have everything you need close at hand. So keep an eye out for those handy spots!
Where and What to Eat in Bergamo?
Here’s a list of traditional, typical restaurants in the city of Bergamo, along with specialties to order that will help you dive into the local gastronomy.
Bergamo Restaurants
- 🍽️ Ristorante la Tana • Rating: 4.4 • A traditional restaurant offering authentic Italian dishes in a cozy and warm setting.
- 🍽️ Trattoria Parietti • Rating: 4.6 • A family-run place serving traditional Italian dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
- 🍽️ La Fricca • Rating: 4.4 • A friendly restaurant offering typical Italian cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options.
- 🍽️ La Ciotola Restaurant • Rating: 4.3 • An elegant spot with a wide selection of Italian dishes and quality wines.
- 🍽️ Piero e Lella Ristorante • Rating: 4.4 • A family-friendly restaurant serving homemade traditional Italian dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.
Bergamo Specialties
Now that you’ve picked a restaurant, here’s a glimpse at the traditional dishes offered in this region. Don’t miss out on the famous casoncelli, fresh pasta stuffed with meat, vegetables, and cheese. Savor polenta taragna, a creamy polenta served with sausages and cheese. Make sure to try the delightful scarpinocc, ravioli filled with meat and vegetables. And to finish off, enjoy the scrumptious torta Donizetti, a ricotta and almond tart. Bon appétit!
Among these restaurants, we dined at Trattoria Parietti and had an amazing time there. The food was delicious, featuring fresh and local ingredients. The atmosphere was warm and family-friendly, and the service was excellent. I highly recommend this restaurant for an authentic dining experience in Bergamo.
Travel Budget for a Road Trip to Bergamo
The currency used in Italy is the Euro (EUR). The cost of living in Italy is about 5% higher than in France, and the local purchasing power is roughly 3% lower. When traveling, plan for a budget of at least 100 € per day per person (approximately $105 or £85).
- Meal in a mid-range restaurant: 33 € (£28.50, $37.50)
- Fast food menu: 8.8 € (£7.60, $10.00)
- Local beer (50 cl draft): 5 € (£4.25, $5.50)
- Single public transport ticket: 1.5 € (£1.30, $1.60)
- Taxi (per km): 1.5 € (£1.30, $1.60)
- Unleaded gasoline (1 litre): 1.9 € (£1.65, $2.05)
- Specific information about hotels in Bergamo is not provided.
- Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or equivalent): 73 € (approximately £63, $87)
- Summer dress from a major retailer (Zara, H&M, etc.): 31 € (approximately £27, $37)
- Information on sports shoes is not provided.
Hey there, budget travelers! If you’re venturing to Bergamo, you’ll want to keep an eye on your spending. For a meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to shell out around 33 € (approximately £28.50, $37.50). But, if you’re feeling peckish and want to save some euros, a fast food menu is only about 8.8 € (£7.60, $10.00). After your meal, enjoy a refreshing local beer for about 5 € (£4.25, $5.50).
Now, getting around is budget-friendly too. A single public transport ticket costs 1.5 € (£1.30, $1.60), and taxis run at the same rate per km. As for fuel, be prepared to pay about 1.9 € (£1.65, $2.05) per litre if you’re driving. While we don’t have hotel prices, remember to prioritize your budget! Whether you’re dining or commuting, there’s a way to explore Bergamo without breaking the bank. Enjoy your adventure!
What Activities to Do in Bergamo?
Here’s a list of activities we recommend for you to enjoy in Bergamo, tailored to your tastes and preferences:
– Strolling hand in hand through the lovely old town of Bergamo
– Enjoying a ride on the funicular to take in the panoramic views of the city
– Having a romantic dinner at one of the city’s charming restaurants
– Check out the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica to admire its stunning baroque architecture.
– Explore the San Vigilio Castle for breathtaking views over Bergamo.
– Discover the exhibitions at the Accademia Carrara Museum.
– Go for a hike in the Parco dei Colli di Bergamo to enjoy the stunning natural surroundings
– Try your hand at water sports on nearby Lake Iseo
– Rent a bike and explore the areas around Bergamo on two wheels
– Join the Donizetti Festival, an annual event dedicated to opera
– Experience the San Michele Festival, a traditional celebration with parades and fireworks
– Enjoy the Bergamo Christmas Market during the holiday season
Conclusion: Why Visit or Return to Bergamo?
In summary, Bergamo is a city that will undoubtedly captivate you with its intriguing history, charming architecture, and vibrant culture. Nestled at the base of the Alps and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Bergamo provides an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable road trip. Discover the local culinary specialties, wander through the medieval streets, visit the museums, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Whether you’re seeking romance, culture, adventure, or entertainment, Bergamo has something for everyone. So, make sure you don’t miss this must-see destination on your next trip to Italy!
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