With a maximum gradient of 87.8 percent, the Ritom funicular is an impressive introduction to Leventina. It was built in 1917 and opened to passengers in 1921. Today, it connects Piotta at 1,010 metres with Piora at 1,796 metres; the journey takes about twelve minutes. At the top, the lake plateau in Val Piora is home to Lago Ritom and other mountain lakes. Timetables vary by season, so check the times before your journey.
From the Lakeshore to Alpine Routes
One route description leads from the Ritom Hut over the dam, then along a gravel road beside Lago Ritom, and finally uphill to Lago Tom. Along the way, you may spot marmots in season; sightings are not guaranteed. From the trail by Lago Tom, Lago Cadagno can be reached in about another 30 minutes. This lets you extend your lakeside outing with an additional leg. Trail conditions may vary.
Another alpine perspective is offered by the geotourism trail, which has two distinct routes: the gentler Tremorgio route runs along the lake of the same name, while the more challenging Campolungo route passes through alpine terrain. At Campolungo, you can see crystalline rocks, marine sediments and white veins of dolomite marble. The trail there climbs to 2,250 metres at Capanna Leìt. The two routes therefore differ not only in whether they follow a lakeshore or cross alpine terrain, but also in what you can discover about geology along the way.
More than 650 kilometres of hiking trails are available throughout Leventina, ranging from easy walks on the valley floor to technically demanding summit hikes. The scenic Strada Alta Leventina is a high-altitude trail that runs from Airolo towards Biasca. The landscape also changes markedly from north to south: coniferous forests and alpine conditions give way to an almost Mediterranean plain with vineyards. The Piottino and Biaschina gorges divide the region into Upper, Middle and Lower Leventina.
Villages, Churches and Transport History
Giornico is considered the best-preserved village in Leventina. Old stone houses and cobbled streets define the village centre, and two arched bridges cross the Ticino. The Romanesque bridges connect the only inhabited island in the river. A guided tour also takes in the remains of an old castle, the 12th-century Church of Santa Maria with its frescoes, and the monument to the 1478 Battle of Sassi Grossi. The Church of San Nicola is considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Ticino. Guided tours may not always be available, so it is advisable to confirm in advance.
At the Museo di Leventina in Casa Stanga, everyday life and transport history come together. The collection covers topics such as folk religion, sacred art, domestic life, crafts and transport. 19th-century documentation explores, among other subjects, emigration and immigration, the construction of the Gotthard Railway, livestock farming and agriculture. A modern interactive permanent exhibition is devoted to the valley’s history, identity and culture. The transport exhibition spans a period from early settlement routes and mule tracks used to transport goods to modern transport; its availability is subject to the museum’s visitor arrangements.
The transport routes themselves also tell the story of Leventina’s role as a north–south transit region: the old Gotthard road, the Gotthard Railway and the A2 motorway have all shaped it. Bodio is home to the southern portal of the Gotthard Base Tunnel. For geographical context, the Leventina district includes both Valle Leventina and Val Bedretto; the Leventina Valley stretches south from Airolo at the Gotthard Pass to Biasca and is traversed by the Ticino.
Winter Routes and Local Flavours
The Airolo-PesciĂĽm ski area has more than 30 kilometres of ski and snowboard pistes between 1,175 and 2,250 metres in altitude, as well as more than 27 kilometres of snowshoe trails. Both offerings are seasonal. Cross-country ski trails are available in Bedretto, Prato Leventina and Dalpe; in Prato Leventina, they are lit in the evening. These different winter activities show how options vary depending on the location and type of route.
For a longer outing, the 13-kilometre Strada degli Alpi Bedretto connects Airolo and Ronco at an altitude of about 1,700 to 1,800 metres. Stops along the way include Alpe Cristallina at 1,800 metres, where fresh cheese made on site is available seasonally. From Ronco, you can return to Airolo by postal bus; timetables may change. The route thus combines an alpine trekking trail with a taste of local produce and a specified return travel option.
Discover more destinations: Piotta, Bedretto, Airolo, Lavorgo, Dalpe, Sobrio, Cavagnago, Chironico, Faido, Bodio Ti, Giornico, Anzonico, Quinto Ti, Prato, Campello.
For the broader travel overview: Ticino.
