Ronco is one of four villages on the valley floor of the Bedretto Valley; the villages lie between 1,300 and 1,500 m. From here, you can explore the area along a variety of routes: hiking trails and mountain bike routes lead to or through Ronco, and a standard ski touring route starts in the village. Culture and geothermal research are also possible topics to explore during your stay.
Hiking among Alpine Pastures and Viewpoints
The Strada degli Alpi Bedretto is a 13 km hiking route between Airolo and Ronco. It starts in Pesciüm, which is accessible from Airolo by cable car. The highest point on the route is at Alpe di Folcra, at 1,921 m. Before setting out, check seasonal trail conditions and the cable car timetable, as its operation is seasonal.
Another option is the Strada degli Alpi della Val Bedretto. It runs between Airolo-Pesciüm and Ronco at an altitude of 1,700 to 1,800 m, passing numerous Alpine pastures, including Alpeggio di Cristallina and Alpe di Valleggia. The route is characterised by wild nature, colour and tranquillity. From the Cristallina Alpine pasture, at 1,800 m, there are views of Pizzo Rotondo and Pizzo Lucendro.
When the pasture is open, you can visit the cellars at Alpeggio di Cristallina and buy fresh cheese directly from the herdsman. This also makes the Alpine pasture an interesting stop for travellers who want to combine a hike with an insight into local alpine farming. The pasture must be open for these visits and purchases to be possible.
Mountain Bike Route through Ronco
The 27 km Alpi Bedretto Bike route passes through Ronco. It runs through several Alpine pastures and larch forests with blueberry bushes before reaching the village. Here it joins the paved road that descends from the Nufenen Pass to Airolo. You can take the postbus from Ronco back to Airolo; check the timetable for this journey.
The hiking and biking options differ both in activity and stated length: the Strada degli Alpi Bedretto is 13 km long, while the Alpi Bedretto Bike is 27 km long. These figures help you get a sense of the routes, but do not replace planning your own trip. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Ronco, these different activities can be a useful guide when choosing your destination.
Ski Tour to Pizzo Pesciora
A standard ski touring route to Pizzo Pesciora starts in Ronco at 1,487 m and has an elevation gain of 1,633 m. The ascent begins on a mule track behind the village and then leads to the glacier between Pizzo Pesciora and Pizzo Rotondo. Take current snow and route conditions into account when planning.
BedrettoLab and Local Culture
BedrettoLab is a geothermal rock laboratory operated by ETH Zurich in a former construction tunnel of the Furka Tunnel. Public tours explain geological features and offer an insight into geothermal research; check current dates in advance. The reception area is about 250 m from the Bivio Ronco bus stop.
The Chiesa di Sant'Antonio in Ronco is also a cultural asset of local importance. At the Ronco stop during Mangia e cammina sugli alpi, a meal is served, with a choice of polenta with braised meat, cheese or milk. Musical entertainment and a children's area are also part of the event. The menu and programme may vary from one edition to another.
Getting to BedrettoLab
You can reach the BedrettoLab visitor area from Airolo by taking bus 112 towards All'Acqua to the “Bedretto, Bivio per Ronco†stop. In summer, bus 111 towards Oberwald also goes there. Routes and timetables may change, so check your connection before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Altanca
Return to the main travel overview: Quinto Ti.
