Cama: Forest Reserve, Lake and Grotti

Cama can be explored through two of its distinctive features: the forest reserve, with its mountain trails, and the Grotti di Cama, a historic settlement. Other highlights include the parish church of San Maurizio and the ruins of Norantola Castle. When planning your trip, it is worth treating nature trails and visits to local attractions as separate focuses.

Forest Reserve, Alpine Pasture and Laghetto di Cama

The Val Cama–Val Leggia–Val Grono nature reserve includes 26 different forest communities. The forest reserve covers 15 square kilometres and extends 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. These figures show the wide range of landscapes you will find here, from lower-elevation forest to the heights of the tree line.

Alp de Lagh is another of the area’s special nature and cultural experiences. Grey Goats, Rhaetian Grey Cattle, Engadine Sheep and other old, endangered livestock breeds graze there. The alpine pasture is known for its goat’s milk cheese, which matures in a natural stone cellar. The terrace of the rustic alpine pasture, overlooking Lake Cama, serves coffee, homemade cake and cheese platters. This offering may be seasonal or subject to change; check before visiting.

Laghetto di Cama is situated in a mountain amphitheatre surrounded by high peaks. The walk from Cama to the lake takes about two and a half hours; it is accessible on foot during the warmer months. After the climb, you can swim in Laghetto di Cama. This information can help with your timing: allow about two and a half hours for the walk and plan your visit as an excursion on foot.

Grotti di Cama and Via dei Crotti

The Grotti di Cama settlement consists of 46 grotti in a chestnut forest. Thanks to air currents from fissures in the rock, these natural cellars have been used to store food since ancient times. The settlement includes five different building types and is considered an example of vernacular architecture created without formal architectural planning. All the grotti were excavated and restored over a period of five years using the original construction techniques.

Guided tours are offered in the historic centre by Fondazione Cultura e Territorio di Cama. Three of the grotti are open to the public as restaurants. Check opening hours before visiting. This makes it possible to explore the building styles and the cellars’ former function, with the option of stopping for a meal, without assuming that any particular establishment will be open at a specific time.

The “Via dei Crotti” route connects the Cama valley with Val Bodengo, which continues towards Gordona. It offers opportunities for culinary breaks at typical mountain inns. The route also has a cross-border history: from the 19th century onwards, smugglers used it more or less continuously to travel between Italy and Switzerland. The current route description and this historical background offer two different perspectives on the same trail.

Church and Norantola Castle

The parish church of San Maurizio is a Baroque place of worship in the heart of Cama. Historical documents mention it for the first time in 1219. The church has been altered several times over the years, including through the construction of the choir and the enlargement of the nave. If you are interested in architectural history, the church offers another topic alongside the grotti, with a development spanning several periods.

The ruins of Norantola Castle are located within the municipality of Cama. The medieval fortification dates from before the 12th century and was consolidated between 1989 and 1996. It can be reached on foot or by car; check access conditions before setting out.

Plan your journey and routes

Postbuses run hourly to Cama from Bellinzona or Thusis, with connections to train services. Check the timetable before departure. At the starting point of the Val Cama trail, there is a car park at Ogreda, on the edge of the forest. Val Cama itself is accessible only on foot. So if you are planning an excursion into the valley, distinguish between travelling to Cama and continuing on foot.

Discover more destinations: Santa Maria In Calanca, Braggio, Roveredo, Misox, Lostallo, Selma, Rossa Gr, San Vittore Gr

For the broader travel overview: Moesa.