The best road cycling routes around Lodrino

On a guided tour, you can learn about the art of wine production at Cantina Settemaggio in Giornico. In the family-run business, skills and knowledge are passed down from generation to generation. More information can be found here: https://www.bellinzonaevalli.ch/de/commons/details/Cantina-Settemaggio/153942.html.

Leave your bike at the Dazio Grande and with a short detour in a few minutes you will be at the Gole del Piottino, an incredible canyon with walls tens of meters high

At 2,478 meters above sea level, the Nufenen Pass (Nufenenpass in German) connects the Goms Valley in the upper Valais with the Bedretto Valley in the upper Ticino. From Airolo, the climb is approximately 22 kilometers (average gradient 5.6%), while from Ulrichen it is shorter but more challenging: 14 kilometers at an average gradient of approximately 7.9%.

St. Gotthard Pass The Gotthard Pass divides waterways and connects various cultural and linguistic areas. Its significance as an "Alpine transversal" began at the beginning of the 13th century with the construction of the legendary Devil's Bridge in the Schöllenen Gorge. For many centuries, trade caravans (trading cattle and cheese for grain, wine, rice, and salt), mercenaries, messengers, and even entire armies crossed the pass. Between 1818 and 1836, the canton of Uri, with the help of other cantons, expanded the pass road, thus achieving its predominance among Swiss Alpine passes. The Gotthard Pass has significantly shaped the economy and culture of Central Switzerland for centuries. Until the opening of the Gotthard Railway in 1882, the Gotthard Pass was also used in winter. Dozens of roadmen and shovel workers were employed for this purpose. In 1922, the post bus replaced the stagecoach, and with the introduction of gasoline duties in 1923, the expansion of the pass roads began, continuing to this day. The old pass road on the south side, the Tremola between the top of the pass and Airolo, is still preserved and passable. This stretch of road recalls more tranquil journeys over the Gotthard that occurred not so long ago. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Gotthard Pass was "condensed" into a myth, a symbol of Switzerland's independence, unity, and identity. Text / Source: Interest Group for Alpine Passes IAP, PO Box 11, 6491 Realp https://alpen-paesse.ch/de/alpenpaesse/gotthardpass

The Ponte dei Salti is a medieval stone bridge with two arches over the emerald-green waters of the Verzasca River near Lavertezzo in Ticino. It was built in the 17th century and is considered a regionally important cultural asset. The arches have spans of approximately 14 meters. In 1868, part of the bridge was damaged by flooding (particularly an abutment on the right bank), causing one arch to collapse. It was later rebuilt in 1960. The Ponte dei Salti is not only a popular photo subject but also a swimming and diving spot. Some people jump from the bridgehead into the cold, clear water – although the current and deep pools pose dangers, especially at high water levels.

A historical landmark!

Giornico's geographical position, at the foot of the Biaschina gorge and at the beginning of the Ticino valley's alluvial plain, has made this location a fundamental place for centuries for activities related to transit along the Saint Gotthard route. In front of you, below, are the two arched or donkey-back bridges that give access to the island on the Ticino river. On the right side of the Valley stand out: the Parish Church of San Michele, the Church of San Nicola (or San Nicolao) and, on the hill, the Church of Santa Maria del Castello.

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