A postglacial landslide below Pizzet dammed the valley and formed Lagh de Cama. The Val Cama–Val Leggia–Val Grono nature reserve encompasses 26 different forest communities. The forest reserve covers 15 square kilometres, from 450 metres above sea level to the tree line at 2,200 metres. The Val Cama area is also connected to one of Switzerland’s largest forest reserves. Nature and local history offer different ways to enjoy a stay in Cama: mountain trails and a lake sit alongside grotti, churches and Norantola Castle.
Forest Reserve and Mountain Lake
Val Cama is accessible only on foot. In Ogreda, there is a car park at the edge of the forest, at the start of the Val Cama trail. The route through the forest reserve starts in Ogreda and reaches Lagh de Cama, at an altitude of 1,200 metres, after a demanding climb. From the car park, the steep ascent to Lagh da Cama takes about three hours. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
Descriptions of other trails highlight different features. The walk from Cama to Laghetto di Cama takes about two and a half hours. In the warmer months, the lake is accessible on foot, and you can swim there after the climb. Laghetto di Cama lies in a vast mountain amphitheatre surrounded by high peaks. Trail-running enthusiasts can also take a route with a challenging flight of steps from Cama to Provesc. From there, it climbs more gently to Alp di Besarden and the lake in Val Cama.
PostBus services to Cama run hourly from Bellinzona and Thusis, where they connect with train services. This makes it possible to plan your journey by public transport; in Val Cama itself, you travel on foot.
Grotti, Cheese and Mountain Culture
The Grotti di Cama settlement lies in a chestnut forest and consists of 46 grotti. These natural cellars have been used since ancient times to store food, with air currents flowing through fissures in the rock. The settlement features five building types and is considered an example of vernacular architecture created without formal architectural planning. All the grotti were rescued within five years and restored using the original building techniques.
Guided tours are offered in the historic centre by the Fondazione Cultura e Territorio di Cama. Three grotti are open to the public as restaurants; check opening hours before visiting. The grotti thus bring together architectural history and local food culture, while their former use as cellars should not be confused with today’s restaurant offerings.
Grey Goats, Rhaetian Grey Cattle, Engadine sheep and other old, endangered livestock breeds graze at Alp de Lagh. The alp is known for its goat’s milk cheese, which is aged in a natural stone cellar. Its rustic terrace overlooking Lake Cama serves coffee, homemade cake and cheese platters. Offerings may be seasonal or change, so check before visiting.
The Via dei Crotti provides another link to the area’s cultural history: it connects the Cama valley with Val Bodengo, which continues to Gordona. From the 19th century onwards, the route was used more or less continuously for smuggling across the border between Italy and Switzerland. A renovated trail between Gallina and Besarden also passes former charcoal kilns. Remains of charcoal-burning or hearth sites are still visible there.
Churches and Norantola Castle
In the heart of Cama stands the Baroque parish church of San Maurizio, first mentioned in historical documents in 1219. It has been altered several times over the years, including through the construction of the choir and the extension of the nave. The Church of San Luzio was consecrated in 1633. Features documented there include a square choir with a groin vault, painted panels from a late Gothic altar dating to 1510, and stucco work from 1660.
The medieval Norantola Castle dates from before the 12th century and is located within the municipality of Cama. Its ruins can be reached on foot or by car. Works carried out between 1989 and 1996 consolidated the fortifications. Check access conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Selma, Lostallo, Roveredo, San Vittore Gr, San Bernardino, Verdabbio, Rossa Gr, Santa Maria In Calanca.
For the regional travel overview: Moesa.
