Bivacco Margherita Bedin (often just called Bivacco Bedin) is situated in the Pale di San Lucano, in the Italian Dolomites province of Belluno. Often called the most beautiful bivacco in the Dolomites, it offers almost 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Bivacco Bedin sits at an elevation of 2210 metres in a meadow area full of wildflowers. Just a 3 hour drive from Venice or Verona, and a 4 hour drive from Milan, this area is easily reachable from Italy’s northern cities.
Where is Bivacco Bedin
Bivacco Bedin is situated in the Pale di San Lucano, in the Italian Dolomites. Just a 3 hour drive from Venice, Vicenza, or Verona, and a 4 hour drive from Milan, this area is easily reachable from Italy’s northern cities by car. Public transport options here are very limited, and whilst possible, it is likely to take you many hours to reach the start of the hike.
If you don’t have your own vehicle to drive, or you are on holiday, we recommend hiring a car in Italy to see as much of this incredible area as possible. There are ample free car parks in this area and having your own car gives you the freedom to see what you want, when you want in the Italian Dolomites.
Renting your own car when traveling gives you the freedom to discover the country at your own pace, and it’s often cheaper too! When travelling we always use DiscoverCars.com. They check all the local companies and find you the best car at the cheapest price! Check out DiscoverCars.com here.
How to reach Bivacco Bedin
The starting point for the trek to Bivacco Bedin is the small town of Pradimezzo. There is designated street parking for the hike to Bivacco Bedin in the village; just follow the “P” signs to find the correct place. Pradimezzo is situated just a 5-10 minute drive from the town of Cencenighe Agordino which has accommodations, restaurants and some supermarkets for supplies. The hike is around 7 kilometres long and should take most people around 4-5 hours to complete with 1400 metres of vertical elevation.
From Pradimezzo
From the car park in Pradimezzo, the route to Bivacco Bedin is clearly signposted. The route number for this hike is 765 so you can check each signpost you come across on the route to make sure you are headed in the right direction.
After around an hour of hiking you will come across the first landmark, which is a small “lean-to” style shack where you can stop and hydrate. Just after this point the path starts to go downhill and crosses a small stream (another good place to refill your water bottles!). From the stream the path continues up in elevation until you reach the abandoned Malga Ambrosogn. This part of the hike looks like something out of a fairytale with open meadows full of wildflowers surrounded by birch forest!
From Malga Ambrosogn, the path becomes even steeper until you reach a final stream crossing and arrive at a second abandoned Malga. This one has running water during some months of the year, and is the final place to refill water bottles before the final ascent to Bivacco Bedin.
The final ascent to Bivacco Bedin is steep and quite exposed in places. The forest disappears and gives way to a rocky path leading up to the top of the pass. After around an hour of climbing you will reach the top of the pass, with incredible views of the cliffs surrounding it. From here, the path is relatively flat and leads you around the edge of the mountains to Bivacco Bedin.
Travel insurance is a must for any holiday abroad, especially when doing extreme activities. Although problems rarely occur, it is better to be covered in case they do. We use SafetyWing and recommend it to anyone travelling the world. Check out SafteyWing here.
From Col di Prato
The only alternative route to reach Bivacco Bedin is from Col di Prato. This route is considerably longer and with more vertical ascent, so is considered very challenging. With 9 kilometers of distance and over 1800 meters of vertical ascent, a high level of fitness is required. This route takes you past Malga Malgonera before joining with the other route at the abandoned malga on route 765. You can view this route including a map here on Komoot.
What to expect from Bivacco Bedin
Bivacco Bedin is relatively large and sleeps 9 people comfortably. There are mattresses and blankets, and even moka pots for making coffee! Bivacco Bedin also has an emergency rain water collection tank should you need any water whilst there, just make sure to boil it first before drinking.
Note: Bivacco Bedin is very popular with Italians, especially during the weekends. As such, it is often full quite early in the day, so if you intend to sleep there make sure you allow enough time to arrive early, with enough time to head back if there are no more beds free. You can also bring a tent and sleep next to the bivacco if it is already full when you arrive.
Where to find water at Bivacco Bedin
Around a 20 minute walk from Bivacco Bedin is a water source you can use for drinking. Along the last flat part of the hike at the top of the pass, there is a small water source coming out from the rocks. We visited in late June, and the water was there but flowing very slowly. During July or August this may not be an option. Worst case scenario you should fill up water before the final ascent from the second Malga, or boil water from the rain water collection tank.
Note: We didn’t feel the need to filter the water before drinking as we were very high up the mountains, and there was not likely to be anything further upstream contaminating the water. If in doubt, use a water filter or boil the water first before drinking to be safe.
Where to stay in Pale di San Lucano
For those wishing to just visit Bivacco Bedin, and not sleep there, there are a number of accomodation options in the Pale di San Lucano area to choose from.
All of our recommendations below have a score of over 9/10 on Booking.com and most come with breakfast and dinner included!
Hotels in Pale di San Lucano View all
When to visit Bivacco Bedin: The best time of year
✅ Hiking to Bivacco Bedin should be possible between the months of May to October. The ideal months are during the italian summer and autumn, but these tend to be the busiest times of year and a bed is not guaranteed. Be aware that during the hotter months the water supplies may also be unreliable.
❌ The winter months of November to March mean constant snow up on the mountains. Whilst getting to the Bivacco on the shoulders of winter (November or March) may be possible, it should only be done with the proper equipment. Due to snow and ice covering the ground, the path may at times be difficult to follow. Don’t take any unnecessary risks!
Need to know! Your FAQs about Bivacco Bedin answered
What altitude is Bivacco Bedin at?
Bivacco Minazio sits at an altitude of 2210 metres (7250 feet) above sea level.
What is the easiest way to reach Bivacco Bedin?
The only real route to reach Bivacco Bedin is via the town of Pradimezzo. This route takes around 4 – 5 hours, with a distance of 7 kilometers and 1400 metres of vertical ascent.
Where can I park for free near Bivacco Bedin?
There is ample free parking next in Pradimezzo at the start of the hike.
Can I find water at Bivacco Bedin?
There is a small stream about 20 minutes walk from Bivacco Bedin. This can be found if you follow the path back from the Bivacco until you see the wet rocks on your right. During summer months there may be very little water here. Alternatively you can use the emergency rain water tank at the Bivacco.
Is the hike to Bivacco Bedin difficult?
The hike to Bivacco Bedin is one of the longer and more difficult hikes in the area. The vertical elevation and distance covered make it a long and strenuous hike. Because of this we would only recommend you undertake it if you are sure of your level of fitness!
What to do next?
If you are interested in bivouacs, take a look at our guide on Bivacco Minazio, the pearl of the Pale di San Martino!
Leave a Reply