Arco del Bersanel
Pale di San Lucano | Agordino Dolomites
The Arco del Bersanel [Bersanèl] is a natural rock arch located in the Pale di San Lucano group (in the SOIUSA Supergroup of the Pale di San Martino), UNESCO World Natural Heritage Dolomites, in the Agordino territory, Province of Belluno, Veneto Region.
This impressive natural attraction of the Dolomites is located at the foot of Monte San Lucano (2409 meters a.s.l.), not far from Forcella Gardes and near the Boral di Lagunaz, in the Pale di San Lucano group, between the Belluno municipalities of Taibon Agordino and Cencenighe Agordino. The Arco del Bersanel is located at the start of what was once known as the Via Ferrata Miola, a via ferrata route that is no longer accessible today.
The Arco del Bersanel is one of those unexpected and highly evocative attractions that populate the less-traveled areas of the Dolomites. It is a perfectly formed dolomite arch, large and offering a spectacular view through its opening of the surrounding peaks of the Pale di San Martino. Similar in type to the famous (and relatively nearby) El Cor di San Lucano, the Arco del Bersanel is truly spectacular, both for its shape and for the beautiful view of the Val d’Angheraz, crowned by the Pale di San Martino, which can be enjoyed through the natural hole.
The fastest hiking approach to the Arco del Bersanel is from the Valle di San Lucano (in the Municipality of Taibon Agordino) following the signs for Malgonera and Forcella Gardes (CAI Trail 761 to Pont, then CAI Trail 764 up to near Forcella Gardes). Shortly before Forcella Gardes, at the foot of the final climb to the mountain pass, you cross the grassy track that leads up to the start of the former Via Ferrata Miola. The trail is unmarked and rather demanding; furthermore, the area is almost completely wild and, while wonderful, is suitable exclusively for expert hikers. Consequently, the destination is accessible to the general public only by relying on a professional guiding service (Alpine Guide, Environmental Hiking Guide, easily found locally) or by joining an excursion organized by entities such as the CAI or similar.
The Arco del Bersanel is one of the most particular and original attractions of the Pale di San Martino, and it is well worth the effort of the ascent and some sacrifice to visit it at least once in a lifetime.
📍 ATTRACTION FACT SHEET
Area: Pale di San Lucano (Taibon Agordino)
Altitude: ~1,750 m a.s.l.
Difficulty: Expert Hikers – Unmarked trail
Main Access: From Valle di San Lucano via CAI Trails 761/764 (towards Forcella Gardes)
Notes: Former Via Ferrata Miola (dismantled). Alpine Guide recommended.
Go to: Natural Attractions in Agordino
Views: 867