The Alpe Baranca Refuge is located in the basin of the same name, in an enchanting setting. This is where the Via Alpina and the GTA, the Great Crossing of the Alps pass. In summer you can see herds of cows grazing, as well as chamois, ibex and marmots.
Fragment of our hiking experience: GTA / La Gazza – Lago Baranca & Villa Lancia – Coll d'Egua m 2239 – Carcoforo
"A tough, narrow donkey path helps us in the direction of the meadows. Flower stems turn in the direction of the sun. They color and smell the meadows while marmots cheer us on with a flute concert during our difficult ascent.
At Cascata Baranca, 574 meters higher, we get a refreshing shower. Overheated feet get a cooling effect from the cold mountain water.
The Lago Baranca, located at 1824 meters, is deserted. Alpe Selle and Albergo Baranca are nevertheless historic locations. For centuries, high-level trade was 'literally' conducted here by various valley dwellers. This is an exceptional geographical point where three valleys converge. Arriving at the shores of the lake, hungry and bloodthirsty mosquitoes attack us in large swarms. Insect spray does not help much. The ruins of Villa Lancia from 1908 are our only point of reference in this unequal struggle. The message is strongly stimulated and move on quickly.
The Villa Aprilia or Villa Lancia has not survived the test of time. The grandeur of yesteryear has fallen into disrepair due to war, fire, many storms and snow avalanches. Yet it is worth getting acquainted with the past glory. Was this the 'secret place' of car manufacturer Vincenzo Lancia, far away from the busy world and with three escape routes 😊? What brash stories have taken place here? A moment for us to look back in the shadow of time. In the old tea corner it is wonderful to muse about wild parties, crazy and perhaps daring swimming in the lower lake. Unfortunately, we cannot linger in the spirit of times gone by and look back to the present. With a beautiful memory of an old postcard 'in sepia' we leave the Belle époque of the Lancia and Colle Baranca family 1839 meters. (More historical information in highlight: Villa Lancia - Aprilia 1908). "