Canton Ticino, in Switzerland, with its 2,000 km², offers a wide range of cycling routes. From mountain biking to road cycling, from relaxing rides to downhill trails. Mountain bike enthusiasts will find 650 km of trails and single tracks of all levels, mainly concentrated in the Lugano area, combined with 20 ski lifts equipped for bike transport.
The Canton Ticino Cycling Network
The cycling network of Canton Ticino totals 175 km and is largely integrated into Switzerland’s north-south axis: from Airolo, at the foot of the Gotthard, to Chiasso, on the Italian border. Two branches complete the wide offer: one that runs from Bellinzona across the Magadino plain to Locarno and Ascona, and the other towards Misox (Italian-speaking Grisons) up to Mesocco. The cycle paths are well-developed and signposted, mostly on scenic roads. With special cycling maps, you can discover these lesser-known parts of Ticino in a very pleasant way.
Some of the main attractions along the Airolo-Chiasso cycle path include the Dazio Grande and the Piottino Gorge. Enriching the heritage are the UNESCO castles in Bellinzona, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso in Locarno, the Brissago Islands, and the church of S. Maria degli Angeli (designed by Mario Botta) on Monte Tamaro. Nature lovers will enjoy Monte San Salvatore in Lugano, the Scherrer Botanical Park in Morcote, and Monte Generoso in Capolago.
Cycling Itineraries in Canton Ticino
An easy yet highly varied itinerary is the Valle Maggia route, from Bellinzona to Cavergno. Leaving Bellinzona and its towers behind, you cross the garden of Canton Ticino, the Piano di Magadino. Following the lakeside, you reach the lively town of Locarno, and a bit further, Ascona, calm and charming. The next stage winds through forests, vineyards, bridges, and typical villages, mostly following the Maggia river. It is worth stopping at one of the many traditional grotti or visiting the village of Avegno with its characteristic stone houses.
The Blenio Valley Tour
Equally spectacular is the Blenio Valley tour leading from Biasca to Disentis via the Lukmanier Pass. From the starting point, you climb towards the Blenio Valley, crossing a landscape of long-standing agricultural tradition and high naturalistic, historical, and cultural interest.
Passing through the villages of Malvaglia, Semione, and Ludiano, you continue towards the countryside of Motto. From there, the route climbs towards the slope leading to Cancorì, located in the sunny Nara amphitheater which offers breathtaking views of majestic peaks. From here, the descent begins along the mountain switchbacks leading to Marolta and then climbs again towards Olivone. The final stage leads to the Lukmanier Pass, marking the border with the Grisons.
For the Brave Ones
The bravest can challenge themselves with the ascent to the San Gottardo Pass via the old Tremola road, with 37 switchbacks and a 900-meter elevation gain, starting from Airolo or Bellinzona. Once at the top, it is worth visiting the National Museum, which tells the story of the construction of the mountain crossings, and the San Gottardo Chapel, built between 1160 and 1176. From Giubiasco, you can follow the trail of the historic popular race “Giubiasco-Carena” in the Morobbia Valley, where traces of iron and mining sites active until the mid-1800s can still be found.
One of the most beautiful singletrails in Ticino is the Lugano Bike, which offers cyclists a thrilling experience and stunning views! It requires strong legs, but this route, from Lugano to Ponte Tresa, is highly rewarding. The full tour measures 120 kilometers, winds along the ridge around Val Colla, crosses the hilly Malcantone forests, and continues towards the majestic Monte Tamaro.
The biker’s menu also includes climbs to Monte Bar and Monte Brè, while the summit of Monte Lema can be reached effortlessly by cable car. The route, marked by red signposts with the number 66, can be divided into four stages and mostly runs on singletracks and dirt roads.
Ticino for Everyone
Ticino is, of course, not only a destination for cycling lovers but also offers countless experiences ranging from gastronomy to hiking and a wide range of cultural attractions. In the morning you can walk on a glacier and in the afternoon enjoy an ice cream under a lakeside palm tree. Explore quiet valleys and a few hours later chat with locals at a lively market. Stroll through the centuries in a medieval castle and, just a few steps away, admire modern architecture.
Italian lifestyle, Swiss precision in every detail. In short: there is no region as rich in variety as Ticino.
