Lumino Ti lies on the right bank of the Moesa, between the last foothills of the Bellinzona plain and the elevations rising towards the Val Mesolcina. When planning a trip, the village offers two distinct focuses: churches and village history, and themed trails and mountain activities at higher altitudes. If you are looking for accommodation in Lumino Ti, you can plan your days around whether you would rather explore a themed trail, local church history or a challenging mountain hike.
Take the cable car up to trails and viewpoints
The Funivia Pizzo di Claro takes visitors from Lumino to Monti di Saurù, at an altitude of 1,308 metres, in twelve minutes. Drivers can leave their vehicles in an area reserved for users in Lumino and then continue on foot to the valley station. Aula nel Bosco is also located on Monti di Saurù above Lumino; it can be reached in a few minutes from the cable car stop. As access may change if cable car services change, check the Funivia’s operating status before your visit.
The Funivia Pizzo di Claro area is a starting point for Nordic walking, paragliding, walks and more challenging mountain hikes. From Monti di Saurù, hiking trails pass through historic alpine pastures and lush forests. For a particularly demanding hike, Via Alta CRIO starts in Lumino and runs north to Passo del Lucomagno. It is classified as an alpine trail of difficulty T5–T6 and is intended for experienced hikers. The route can be completed in full or in several stages.
Themed trails with different focuses
The Sentiero dei Pianeti, just under 1.5 kilometres long, leads from the SaurĂą cable car stop to Monti di Parusciana and Aula nel Bosco above Monti di SaurĂą. Ten educational panels cover the Sun and the eight planets. A panel at the Pluto site depicts the five dwarf planets. Each panel is complemented by three-dimensional celestial body models that can be illuminated with a flashlight.
Aula nel Bosco also combines nature topics with insights into past activities. There you will find information about animal tracks and tree species, as well as charcoal making and resin extraction. The facility was created for educational and recreational purposes on a non-profit basis.
The Sentiero delle Sculture offers a different focus: the trail is lined with numerous wooden works by chainsaw artists from Ticino and the Mesolcina. Illustrated panels cover the region’s wildlife and plant life and also show animal tracks. The carved figures and nature information give the trail two distinct themes that complement each other as you hike.
Trails to Capanna Brogoldone
The walk from Lumino to Capanna Brogoldone takes four and a half hours via the steep shortcut or five hours via the Sentiero delle Sculture. Check the estimated times and trail conditions again before setting out. From the hut, a natural terrace looks out over the meeting point of the ancient glacial valleys of the Moesa and Ticino. A bouldering sector has also been set up in the rocks around Capanna Brogoldone.
Capanna Brogoldone was reopened in 1998. Its two buildings were renovated while preserving the materials and distinctive structure of the former alpine farm. For an aperitif, visitors can sample platters of local cured meats and artisan cheeses there; check before your visit whether these foods are available. Osteria SaurĂą also offers food and drink at the mountain station of the Funivia Pizzo di Claro.
Churches and history in Lumino
The Church of San Mamete is a historic place of worship and a focal point for religious and community life in Lumino. A predecessor building is documented as early as 1237; in 1530, the church was rebuilt on an existing structure. The lower part of its bell tower is Romanesque. A late Gothic fresco depicting the Madonna and saints is set above the carved Castione stone portal.
The Chiesa-oratorio di Santa Maria della Visitazione is also known as the Cappella Nuova. It was extensively remodelled between 1720 and 1733; the year 1728 is still visible on the portico. In 1799, French troops first used the chapel as a hospital, followed by Austrian and then Russian troops. The two churches therefore offer different historical points of interest: San Mamete combines early building history with Romanesque and late Gothic features, while the Cappella Nuova reflects its remodelling and a varied history of use.
Get active in the village
The Pista Finlandese in Lumino runs through a lush green area and uses natural materials to provide good cushioning. It can be used for walking, running or relaxing, and is accessible to both beginners and experienced athletes. Alongside the mountain trails, it offers an opportunity to exercise and unwind in the village.
Discover more destinations: Carasso, Isone, Bellinzona, Arbedo-Castione, Gudo Ti, Sementina, Gorduno, Camorino.
Back to the main travel overview: Bellinzona.
