Monte San Giorgio: a sea of memories

Overview

Distance 12 km
Duration 3 h 45 min
Ascent 551 m

Nápověda

Intro

Even though Monte San Giorgio was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, the mountain itself and the area around it remain unchanged. Fossils up to 240 million years old – often in perfect condition – are concealed in this mountain. Some of the most important finds can be admired in the Fossil Museum in Meride.

Description

Meride - Spinirolo - Crocifisso - Serpiano - Alpe di Brusino - Pianascio - Pissarda - Albertina - Meride

An informative nature hike explains the complex geo-paleontological history of Monte San Giorgio, an area recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
This circular trail of moderate difficulty passes near to the Fossil Museum. On the Swiss side, the circular trail is 12.3 kilometres long, with access from Brusino Arsizio, Riva San Vitale and Meride. On the Italian side, the trail is connected to the Swiss route and is accessible from Besano, Porto Ceresio and Viggiù. The route is dotted with around 20 information boards, which tell visitors the story of the events that took place over a period of 350 million years, making the mountain one of the most important places in the world for fossil finds.

Places to eat and drink: Capolago, Riva S. Vitale, Meride, Serpiano, Alpe di Brusino. Accommodation: Capolago, Riva S. Vitale, Serpiano. Miscellaneous: Church of Santa Croce in Riva S. Vitale, Fossil Museum in Meride

* Committed

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location	Meride
Destination	Meride
Elevation level - Direction	Before alps, Round trip
Altitude (meter above sea level)	483 m n. m.
Ascent	551 m
Descent	551 m
Distance	12 km
Duration	3 h 45 min
Technical requirements	Easy
Physical requirements	Medium
Season	March - November
Theme	With panoramic views
Category	Active, Adventure, Nature
Suitable for children with age	6 - 9 years, 10 - 13 years, 14+ Years