activities in leventina
The Leventina Valley is a region full of activities during both the summer and winter seasons. Thanks to its mountains and wonderful nature, outdoor activities are the strengths of the Valley and every year they attract trekking and walking enthusiasts from all over the world.
The Bella Oschesina team has selected some of the most beautiful activities not far from Osco and accessible by public transport via Postbus or rail.
The Leventina's Strada Alta trekking
The Strada Alta della Valle Leventina is one of the most classic excursions in the Canton of Ticino. The route winds for 45km along the north-eastern flank of the valley from Airolo to Biasca and is divided into three stages to be covered in as many days: Airolo-Osco, Osco-Anzonico and Anzonico-Biasca. The scenic and gentle route is suitable for everyone and allows you to discover the Leventina from top to bottom: from villages with characteristic wooden architecture to small churches perched on the mountainside. The Strada Alta is a true cross-section of the culture and history of the Leventina Valley and a testimony of its past as the main transit route between northern and southern Europe. Along the Strada Alta, 12 villages listed by the Federal Inventory of Swiss Settlements of National Importance (ISOS) are crossed: a true open air museum!
Ritom and Cadagno lakes in Val Piora
Val Piora is one of the most precious treasures of the Leventina: a side valley with unique and protected alpine landscapes. The valley is home to three beautiful lakes: Ritom, Cadagno and Tom. While the first is the result of the construction of the Ritom dam for the production of hydroelectric energy, the second is a unique ecosystem. In fact, Lake Cadagno hosts a scientific research station of the universities of Zurich, Geneva and Lugano: the Piora Alpine Biology Center. Val Piora can be reached with one of the steepest funiculars in the world, starting from Ambrì: an impressive 87.8% gradient! We recommend the lakes trail tour: what views and fantastic photos! For the lunch break you can stop at the modern Cadagno hut.
Lake Tremorgio and the Campolungo path
The Tremorgio region with the Tremorgio and Leìt lakes has unique natural and landscape characteristics, in particular the geological profile in the Campolungo area which makes this region unique. Lake Tremorgio can be easily reached thanks to the cableway that starts from Rodi-Fiesso and takes you in a few minutes from 950 meters-above-sea-level to 1,850 meters-above-sea-level. We recommend the trek to the Leìt hut via the Campolungo geotouristic path. Both at the Tremorgio hut and at the Leìt hut it is possible to have lunch with typical dishes. On beautiful sunny days the profile of the mountains and the clouds are reflected on the surface of Lake Tremorgio: a fantastic panorama. If you don't fear the cold we recommend a swim in the Leìt lake!
Chièra lakes
The Chièra lakes are small jewels set in the mountains above the village of Osco. The lakes can be reached on foot directly from the Casa Bella Oschesina in about 4 hours of a medium-difficulty excursion. If necessary, it is possible to take the Postbus line 119 from Faido Stazione to Predèlp (last stop) and from there the excursion lasts 2 and a half hours and is feasible for most hikers. Near Predèlp there is the Agriturismo alla Meta with typical dishes and local cold cuts. Also in Predèlp you can find one of the panoramic swings of Swing the World for a unique and spectacular photo.
Giornico and Leventina Museum
Giornico is the medieval capital of the Leventina Valley, where the ancient stewards (governors) resided representing the sovereign canton of Uri to which Leventina belonged. Casa Stanga (in the photo), after hosting the stewards for centuries, today hosts the Leventina Museum where it is possible to admire the stunningly decorated building and find out more about the long and troubled history of the valley.
Giornico also hosts very picturesque corners, like the two ancient bridges that connect the two banks of the river with a small island in the center. On the islet you can find the Grotto due Ponti restaurant: a unique place to enjoy an excellent lunch in a very special setting.
The Tremola Road and Gotthard Pass
The Gotthard Pass needs no introduction, however there are many corners to explore on one of the most important Swiss mountains. More than a naturalistic paradise, the Gotthard is a paradise of technique and engineering: from the ancient Tremola road (in the photo), to the numerous military bunkers that can be visited. We recommend the Gotthard National Museum and the Hospice at the top of the pass, for those who want to stay above ground, and the Sasso Gottardo bunker-museum, for those who prefer to stay underground. We also absolutely recommend that you continue towards Andermatt and visit Hospental and Andermatt itself. Not to be missed is the legendary Devil's Bridge in the Schöllenen Gorge with the monument to General Suworow.
Faido and the Piumogna waterfall
Faido is the head town of the Leventina Valley as well as the regional service center. In Faido you can find food shops, bars and restaurants as well as the nearest railway station to reach Osco. One of the main attractions of Faido is the picturesque Piumogna waterfall. Piumogna is the river that takes its name from the side valley of the same name above the village of Dalpe. Next to the waterfall there is also a large playground, ideal for entertaining children and in summer equipped with bathrooms and a small bar. The Faido-Pianaselva cable car also departs in the same area, allowing you to reach the Pianaselva farm equipped with a public heated swimming pool and a horse stable for horseback riding.
Bouldering in Chironico
Chironico is a delightful medieval village in the Leventina Valley with a rich historical and architectural heritage including the particular Torre dei Pedrini and the ancient church of Sant'Ambrogio. However, Chironico is famous for its wide and renowned bouldering routes: more than 2'100 passages divided into 36 sectors: a paradise for bouldering enthusiasts. The Ticino Boulder project has developed a beautiful and complete guide on bouldering in Chironico and its climbing routes. The territory of Chironico is also rich in small villages and hamlets such as Gribbio with the delightful Osteria Ul Ciurlin and the eco-village of Ces. From Chironico you can reach the Chironico lake in about 4 hours of trekking.
Sobrio and the "Music Village"
Sobrio is one of the most picturesque and well-preserved villages in Leventina with traditional wooden architecture. Sobrio also hosts a renowned cultural project: the Music Village and its Sobrio Festival. For several months during the summer season Sobrio transforms itself into an open-air music campus with an academy for highly talented young musicians looking for a quiet and thoughtful place to develop projects and build relationships with other musicians. Every year the Sobrio Festival presents a wide agenda of concerts by the musicians involved in the project and presents the "E. Tschaikowsky" award.
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Brochure "Estate in Leventina 2022" (IT / DE):
Brochure "Strada Alta Leventina" (IT / DE):