Explore Blenio on foot and choose between easy valley-floor trails and a high plateau accessible only on foot. The Greina plateau lies at over 2,200 metres and stretches for almost six kilometres in length and one kilometre in width. Because of its geological and natural features, the Piano della Greina is considered a landscape of national importance. On the Greina Route, a 600-metre detour leads to the 40-metre-high Arco della Greina, which you can walk through.
Hikes for different abilities
One specific high-altitude hike leads to Lago Retico in Val di Campo. The mountain lake lies at 2,373 metres in the municipality of Blenio. The hike starts at the car park near Alpe Predasca and continues past Capanna Bovarina to the lake. The route involves an elevation gain of 634 metres and takes about three hours. Access and trail conditions may vary by season; check them before setting out.
Historic trails also combine outdoor activity with insights into the region’s history. Historic Trail No. 4 runs from Acquarossa to Olivone, mostly following the lower trail along the left bank of the Brenno. Over 11 kilometres, it passes through small villages, hamlets and significant historic structures. The shorter historic circular trail from Negrentino is 4.5 kilometres long and takes about one hour and 55 minutes in total. Along the way are old churches and chapels with sculptures and artistic frescoes. The two routes therefore differ both in length and in their cultural focus.
Churches, museums and history
In Dangio, the history of the old church of Santo Stefano dates back to the 12th century; after a fire, it was rebuilt in 1732. Its Romanesque bell tower has five tiers, clearly separated by a notched frieze. In Campo Blenio, the church of Saints Maurice and Agatha was first mentioned in 1225. Its features include a late Romanesque bell tower and numerous frescoes attributed to the Tarilli family.
Serravalle Castle also offers several layers of history. The first documented settlement on its site dates back to the end of the 9th century. The present-day castle was built by the people of Milan around 1220–1230 and systematically destroyed in 1402. The church of Santa Maria del Castello stands in the outer courtyard: it has been documented in writing since the early 14th century, while its current layout dates from the 16th century.
The Museo Cà da Rivöi explores the traditions and culture of the upper Blenio Valley. The museum is housed in a typical Alpine house dating from 1658. Exhibits include tools, equipment and objects of sacred art, bearing witness to a bygone era or one that is disappearing. Anyone interested in everyday life and cultural history will find a different perspective here than on the valley’s trails and at its historic buildings.
Winter trails and cross-country skiing in Campra
In Campo Blenio, winter activities include skiing, sledding and snowshoeing; availability depends on snow and operating conditions. Campra offers cross-country skiing on trails with different characteristics: the black trail is five kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 182 metres. There is also a 1.3-kilometre floodlit night trail for cross-country skiing.
Another seasonal option is the open-air ice rink in Campo Blenio. It sits at an altitude of about 1,200 metres and covers 180 square metres. Weather permitting, it is open from December until Easter. If you would rather go for a walk than take part in winter sports, the Campo Blenio–Saracino trail is an easy circular route. It leads to Pineta Saracin and Ghirone, through natural surroundings at the entrance to the trail up to the Greina plateau.
Plan your trip and accommodation
By car, you can reach Blenio from the Gotthard motorway exit on the A2 at Biasca in about 30 minutes. Autolinee Bleniesi buses run from Biasca to the Lukmanier Pass and serve the villages of the Blenio Valley by public transport; check the current timetable before travelling. For cyclists, the Valle di Blenio Bike Route, SwitzerlandMobility route 387, connects Olivone and Biasca over 25.5 kilometres.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Blenio, you can tailor your stay to your interests: high-altitude hikes and scenery, historic trails and buildings, or winter activities. The different route lengths, elevation gains and seasonal conditions give you practical points of reference for planning a trip around what you enjoy.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Acquarossa, Malvaglia, Olivone, Semione, Ghirone, Acquacalda, Marolta, Dongio, Prugiasco, Lottigna, Ludiano, Blenio.
See the main travel overview: Ticino.
