Winter hiking in Ticino

Though short, this stretch of the tour really makes an impression. It’s worth stopping as often as possible to admire Ticino’s beauty in all its glory.

The MTB-route on the Strada degli Alpi can certainly be defined one of the most beautiful of the whole Alto Ticino. The itinerary stretches among grassy pastures and narrow trails, between several hill countries and with an amazing view over the Bedretto valley.

Itinerary on the outskirts of Lugano sheltered from the noises of the city. You can take the funicular railway up the Monte Brè. From there you'll pass through both its woods and those of Monte Boglia. The tour takes place mainly on wide footpaths or on unpaved roads.

The descent into the Urserntal valley leads through the rugged Gotthardreusstal valley, mainly along the old trading route. Suvorov set up his quarters in Hospental in the Hotel St. Gotthard (formerly Ochsen). The route continues along the valley floor to Andermatt.

Steep climb to the Val d’Isone with views of Piano di Magadino. Only a marsh remains of the lake at Gola di Lago. On through a sea of ferns in a sparse birch forest towards Bigorio. Santa Maria Franciscan monastery like an eagle’s nest above Tesserete.

At Ponte Brolla the force of the River Maggia has cleft the rock, gouging out and polishing the gneiss. Life was hard in the Maggia Valley, the Ticino’s longest valley. Solace was provided by the church, as testified by edifices of religion and foreign governors.

An undulating route between the Isonetal valley and Gola di Lago before the Capriasca region. Nature rules here on the pass from Sopra- to Sottoceneri, where forests alternate with pastureland. Tesserete is reached along old tracks and pack-animal trails.

Spectacular ridge, border and panoramic tour with Gazzirola as the highlight. Possibilities for a break at San Lucio, where a small lake and tiny church beckon. Through a limestone landscape with unusual vegetation and on to Capanna Pairolo.

This route begins in Dagro, a typical Malvaglia Valley village on a terrace with elusive views of the valley floor and the Riviera mountains. Dagro is easy to reach from Malvaglia with the cable car or via the asphalt road that climbs the length of the valley.

In contrast to the well-viewed Botta church at Alpe Foppa, below the Monte Tamaro, the Monti di Medeglia - unknown and an insiders’ tip. Nowhere else will you get such direct views into south and north Ticino.

Discover the beauty of the verdant Alto Malcantone in the vicinity of Lugano. The vast chestnut forests are particularly memorable.

Spectacular hike along the mountain ridge between Monte Lema and Monte Tamaro with impressive panoramic views over northern Italy, Ticino and the Alps. The Alpine and rustic Capanna Tamaro is a perfect stage point.

The Monte San Giorgio, also known as the «Fossil Mountain», is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, tackled after a short boat trip. Dinosaur fossils dating back 230-240 million years can be marvelled at in a small museum in Meride.

This formerly deprived region has evolved into a holiday destination of radiant beauty. Glorious sunshine and a relaxed approach to life attract visitors from far and wide to this Italian-speaking canton south of the Gotthard.

This route is one of the five stages of the Lugano e-mountain bike tour, which starts at Ponte Tresa and ends in Morcote. The Lugano e-mountain bike tour is full of variety, leading through sweet chestnut forests, over hills and past pastures, lakes and rivers.

The stage winds in narrow bends up steep steps to the L. di Robiei reservoir, passing other lakes to reach the modern Capanna Cristallina lodge. The lodge faces the glistening ice masses of the Basodino and much crystalline rock is found in its vicinity.

After a steep climb through the Tremola, views open up to the Totenkapelle (Chapel of the Dead) and the Susten on the Gotthardpass. The pass head is «conquered» via the old trading route, just as Suvorov and his troops did after the French retreated.

The trail leads over a thickly forested mountain crest. Exceptional views of Lugano and the lake from the San Bernardo Chapel. The town is increasingly spreading up the surrounding hills. Lugano is the end of the Trans Swiss Trails - or the beginning.

The track begins on the Alpe di Neggia and leads to the Monte Gambarogno from where you enjoy an exceptional view over Lake Maggiore and the Alpine chain. Then the path leads you over the Sant'Anna Passa, with the homonymous Oratory, to Indemini.

In sunny Ticino, the trails around Lake Ritom offer challenging running off the beaten track. This particular trail takes you to a place that feels far away, but is still right here in Switzerland.

It is an easy mountainbike route in the variegated, rich landscape in the plain area of the Mendrisiotto, which is marked by the presence of the lake and the vineyards.

The Leventina has been a transit corridor since ancient times. The further south, the milder the climate. An easy ride along the waters of the Ticino, soon passing chestnut trees and vineyards. Bellinzona, called «La Turita» because of its many castles.

The second section of the Gottardo Bike route is more or less its centrepiece.

The itinerary «Valle del Salto» in Maggia leads on nice paths and represents no important differences in height. It winds into the valley passing by pastures, where you can admire paved and cobbled paths, beautiful stone stairs, sturdy retaining walls and many stone constructions.

Ascona resembles a tranquil fishing village and exudes a Mediterranean air with it's pretty streetside cafés and the romantic old town. This route shows you this small town and the wonderful Lago Maggiore lake at their best.