Welcome
Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve, established in 1984, is a wetland of glacial origin. The Reserve is located between Iseo Lake and the morainic amphitheatre of Franciacorta, and it protects an area of 360 hectares of Provaglio D’Iseo, Corte Franca and Iseo municipalities.
The natural environment, of great naturalistic value, is the result of peat extraction which modified profoundly the landscape, creating a complex environment able to guarantee the survival of numerous species.
The Nature Reserve is a Wetland of International Importance according to the Ramsar Convention and it is part of the European Union network of protected areas of Natura 2000 as a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area.
Protected areas can be considered as open-air museum, fragile places under special protection, reserved for flora and fauna, where each of us can enjoy the natural beauties behaving like a discrete and respectful guest of the natural heritage that surrounds us.
The Torbiere are a unique landscape within the context of Po plain, position that makes them particularly valuable as most of the wetlands have been drained in favour of agriculture and man-made structures, destroying on the richest ecosystems in the world.
The Nature Reserve creates an “island effect” within the very urbanised surrounding area. It hosts an extraordinary biodiversity: 15 natural habitats, characterized by the presence of more than 400 species of flora, which represent home and shelter for amphibians, reptiles and insects; more than 70 species of nesting birds – the most eye-catching part of the Reserve – to which we must add the summering, wintering and migratory species that here finds a precious temporary rest area during their long journeys.
Places where you can buy your entrance ticket
Tickets are available at the official entrances – Iseo (near the sports field) – Provaglio D’Iseo (near the San Pietro in Lamosa Monastery) – Corte Franca (near Via Segaboli).
Routes
Within the area of the Reserve there is a network of routes accessible from the official entrances (1, 2, 3, 4 see the map) upon the payment of the ticket entrance and the respect of the rules bellow.
North – central route (north loop)
Starting/ending point: Iseo Visitors’ Centre
Length: 6,5 km
The presence of water, common reed, meadows and wetland forests allows you to admire all the uniqueness of the place. A must-see along the route is the Birdwatching Tower accessible by a short detour, trough a path that was used during the peat excavation period. The walk will allow you to enjoy the view surrounded by silence.
South-central route (south loop)
Starting/ending point: Monastery of San Pietro in Lamosa
Length: 5 km
A loop path that can be started both, following the path on the right or on the left of San Pietro in Lamosa Monastery. The route will allow you to walk across wooden walkways enjoying panoramic vies and birdwatching stations. The special features of the route are the basins where clay was extracted, characterized by an emerald-green colour which will give you the chance to enjoy the reflection of the surrounding nature especially beautiful in autumn.
North – south route (external loop)
Starting /ending point: Any of the official entrances
Length: 8 km
It is the route that walks you all around the area of the Nature Reserve. It is the only path available during the nesting period (March – July) when the central path is closed.
Rules
- Leave your dog at home – pets are perceived as potential predators;
- Walk – the routes are exclusively pedestrian. Bikes are not allowed;
- Only wings, no drones – flying at a low altitude they make noise and may disturb the fauna;
- Enjoy the silence – listen and let yourself be guided by the sound of nature, avoiding loud noises;
- Respect nature – in order to not disturb the fauna, picnics are not allowed
- Are you a group? – Does your group have more than 8 people? You must contact an official Reserve guide from our website