Ticino walks

A superb route that crosses the famous St Gotthard Pass. You will set off from Airolo, a pretty Italian-speaking village, and arrive at the famous German-speaking resort of Andermatt. You will spend a night at the Ospizio del San Gottardo. This pass, which is very busy during the day with numerous tourists, quickly returns to calm and tranquillity in the evening.

This second stage will take you to the charming village of Andermatt. Descending from the Passo Gottardo, you will follow the Gotthardreuss to Hospental, which joins the Furkareuss to form the Reuss. You will quickly leave theItalian-speaking canton of Ticinoand enter the German-speaking canton of Uri. Andermatt is a renowned winter sports resort.

This first stage will take you to the St Gotthard Pass. The village of Airolo is located at the foot of two major Swiss passes: the Nufenen Pass and the Gottardo Passo. The climb to St Gotthard is challenging, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,000 metres over less than seven kilometres. At times, the trail follows the old St Gotthard road, which is entirely paved all the way to the pass.

Passo Giümela marks the border between the cantons of Ticino and Graubünden. From Capanna Cava, head to the farm at Alpe de Cava, continue down the gravel road to Alpe di Sceng, then Fontai. In this small hamlet, follow the signs for Ponte di Sceng, cross the Lesguïna via the bridge and climb back up to Biborgh. The path continues towards Alpe de Lesgiüna (goat farm). The trail (with cables and steps) is quite steep until Alpe de Giümela. Continue to Passo Giümela, which marks the entrance to the canton of Graubünden. Descend to Alpe de Naucal and follow the signs for Rossa. Take this road to the first houses. Behind the small chapel, the path descends directly to Rossa.Markings: White-Red-White.

The day's programme includes a climb of nearly 2,000 metres. In the village of Pollegio, follow the signs for Biasca. In the centre of Biasca, at the foot of the imposing San Carlo church, signs indicate the direction for Capanna Cava via Svall. The trail passes by a few grotti (restaurants set up in caves), then climbs fairly steeply to reach an old road. The signs are still there. The path continues through a chestnut grove and leads to Svall (a few houses and a water source). Above the chalets, the climb is still quite steep until you reach an altitude of 1,900 metres. Then the trail becomes very pleasant until you reach Forcarella di Cava. Capanna Cava is now in sight. It takes just 15 minutes to reach it.Markings: White-Red-White.

More than 2,000 metres of descent are on the agenda for the day. The trail to Passo Gagnone starts just behind the Capanna d'Efra. This is the only climb of the day. From the pass, the long descent begins, first into Val Gagnone and then to Bedra. The trail then enters the woods and overlooks the torrent. A few houses along the way in Marzoch, Gallina and Monastei allow you to check your position on the map. The path continues along the torrent to Bacino Val d'Ambra. Continue downhill to reach the village of Personico. Then follow the signs for Pollegio/Biasca to the bridge that crosses the Ticino river. Continue along the path to an underpass beneath the motorway to finally enter the village of Pollegio.Markings: GR® White-Red-White. Via Alpina Red R87.

Magnificent clear green pools in the Verzasca. At Lavertezzo, follow the path on the right bank of the Verzasca and cross the Ponte di Salti. The path climbs gently along the crystal-clear waters of the Verzasca to Ganne. Cross the Ganne bridge and follow the river on its bank to Alnasca, Gerra and finally Frasco. Just opposite the church in Frasco, you will find information about the Val d'Efra facilities. The trail, which starts with steps, is always well marked. The climb is gradual, with numerous waterfalls and green pools along the way. At Alpe dell'Efra, there are two possible routes, one leading directly to the Capanna, the other making a short detour via Lago d'Efra, which is well worth the detour. Please note that the Capanna d'Efra is unmanned: there is no catering (bring your evening meal with you).Markings: White-Red-White].

Sights: The Verzasca dam, the village of Corripo and the Ponte dei Salti. From the centre of Locarno, head for the church in Brione sul Minusio. Follow the road towards Mergoscia for 50 metres and, at a small square on the left, take the steps leading to a small chapel. Follow the signs for Viona and Monti di Lego. This small peak offers a magnificent view of Lake Maggiore. Descend towards the village of Mergoscia, where you will see Lago di Vogorno and the Verzasca Dam, made famous by the James Bond film "Golden Eye". Continue towards Corripo, where a viewpoint overlooks the Verzasca and the village of Vogorno. The trail then runs alongside the Verzasca to Lavertezzo, a popular destination thanks to its famous old Roman bridge (Ponte dei Salti).Markings: White-Red-White.

Locarno, the lowest point on the route (200 metres). From Capanna de la Cimetta, follow the path towards Alpe de Cardada and then Cardada. Take the path behind the Ristorante Colmanicchio and follow the signs for San Bernardo. Continue towards Orselina. The long path through the woods passes the 15th-century Renaissance-style convent of Madonna del Sasso, then wide steps run alongside the funicular railway and descend to the old town of Locarno. This lively town in Ticino, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, hosts the International Film Festival in the first half of August. This short stage offers the opportunity to visit the town and enjoy Lake Maggiore (swimming, boat trips, etc.).Markings: White-Red-White.

La Cimetta: a superb viewpoint over Lake Maggiore. From the old village of Gordevio, go to the church of Gordevio and follow the signs for Pii. In Pii, the chalets of Piano and Pianosto are signposted. From Piano, directions to Cimetta and Avegno are indicated. The imposing relay transmitter antenna is already visible well before Alpe de Vegnasca. Near Capanna de la Cimetta, a platform with an orientation table offers a magnificent panorama.Markings: White-Red-White.

Descent to Val Maggia. The Maggia flows into Lake Maggiore between Ascona and Locarno. From Capanna Alzasca, follow the direction of Cevio. At Corte di Fondo, take the path on the right that descends to Cascata del Soladino and then Val Maggia. The trail continues on the right bank of the Maggia and passes through Lodano and Moghegno opposite the village of Maggia. On leaving Moghegno, cross the Maggia and continue on the left bank through Ronchini and finally Gordevio.Markings: White-Red-White.

At the edge of the village, follow the path towards Cerentino. Descend to the village of Cerentino, then follow the road to Cevio for about 2.7 km. As a guide, about 2 km along, in a 180° bend, a sign indicates a path to Niva, and about 700 m further on, on the right, at a bus stop, the path to Capanna Alzasca begins. The path is shaded (chestnut, oak, hazel and other deciduous trees), but the climb is quite steep up to Alpe Orsalii. The climb to Bocchetta di Cansgei is more pleasant and well marked. The bochetta offers a magnificent view of Lago Alzasca. Descend to the sheepfold (Cortic di Cima) and follow the signs for Capanna Alzasaca. From the capanna, Lago Alzasca is about 20 minutes away. Lago Alzasca is considered the most beautiful natural lake in Ticino.Markings: White-Red-White.

A magnificent hike in Val Bavona, dotted with typical stone houses. Park at the beautiful spot called Ritorto. Follow the small forest path along the Bavona for about 1 km before arriving at the very picturesque and authentic village of Foroglio, which you cross in the direction of Calneggia. You then climb very quickly up the 100 metres of the waterfall via a path consisting of numerous stone steps. You will then arrive in Val Calneggia, where you will pass a few small stone houses and cross a small bridge. The hike then follows the stream to the alpine village of Calneggia, surrounded by a cirque. Return by the same route, accompanied by the sound of the crystal-clear stream. Magnificent!

Hike starting from Aldesago, near the Airbnb apartments, towards and around Monte Bré with several breathtaking views of Lugano and its lakes. Short hike with a nice elevation gain.

This fifth stage will take you to the shores of Lake Lugano in Italy, to the small village of San Mamete. You can even swim in the lake at the Albergo Stella del Italia. This route offers several panoramic viewpoints, particularly from the "Denti della Vecchia" massif, where the lake plays hide and seek with the teeth. In Castello, from the Oratory of San Martino, you can enjoy a splendid view of the lake.

During this fourth stage, Lake Lugano will only be visible from a distance. From Monte Gazzirola to Bocchetta di San Bernardo, you will follow the ridge and border between Ticino, Switzerland, and Italy. At lunchtime, you will probably be in San Lucio, a great place to take a break. You can choose between the Italian refuge and the Swiss hut. You will also have a cultural moment with the San Lucio Chapel, a former 15th-century Romanesque oratory.

This third stage offers several more viewpoints over the lakes. On this route, you move away from Lake Maggiore and closer to Lake Lugano. At Davrosio, you will recognise Monte Tamaro and Menéra with its antenna. At the Motto della Croce viewpoint, looking south, Lake Lugano is clearly recognisable by the peak that towers above it: Monte San Salvator. A glance to the west allows you to catch a last glimpse of Lake Maggiore.

During this second stage, you will climb the majestic Monte Tamaro. From the summit, heading west to north, you will discover the Monte Rosa massif in the distance, as well as both ends of Lake Maggiore. To the south, Lake Lugano comes into view. At Capanna Tamaro, you can admire the magnificent ridge stretching from Monte Tamaro to Menèra, topped by a huge antenna.

A magnificent route through the Swiss canton of Ticino and the Italian province of Lombardy. Over the course of eight days, you will discover three lakes and three different atmospheres. You will climb several peaks overlooking these lakes. The ridges you will walk along often form the geographical border between Switzerland and Italy.

This first stage begins on the left bank of Lake Maggiore, shortly after the Ticino River flows into the lake. From Vira to Alpe di Neggia, gradually gaining altitude, you will discover the towns of Locarno and Ascona, separated by the Maggia River delta. In the distance, you will see the imposing dam on the Verzasca River, made famous by the James Bond film "Goldeneye". At Alpe di Neggia, far from the hustle and bustle of the lake, you will appreciate this very relaxing place.