Lumino Ti – between the Moesa and mountain trails

Lumino lies on the right bank of the Moesa, between the last foothills of the Bellinzona plain and the elevations rising towards Val Mesolcina. The river landscape and the mountains give the village its distinct character.

Between the Moesa and the Monti di Saurù

The Funivia Pizzo di Claro takes visitors from Lumino to the Monti di Saurù, at an altitude of 1,308 metres, in twelve minutes. Drivers can leave their vehicles in a designated area in Lumino and continue on foot to the valley station. The cable car area is a starting point for Nordic walking, paragliding, walks and more challenging mountain hikes. On the Monti di Saurù, hiking trails pass through historic alpine pastures and lush forests.

The Osteria Saurù serves food and drink at the mountain station. Those who would like to combine the high-altitude setting with a short themed trail will also find the starting point of the Sentiero dei Pianeti there: this nearly 1.5-kilometre walking trail leads from the Saurù cable car stop to the Monti di Parusciana and the Aula nel Bosco above the Monti di Saurù.

Short themed trails and alpine hikes

The Sentiero dei Pianeti features ten information panels about the Sun and the eight planets. At the Pluto location, another panel presents the five dwarf planets; three-dimensional models of celestial bodies complement the panels and can be illuminated with a flashlight. The walking trail thus pairs a manageable distance with a specific astronomy theme.

The Aula nel Bosco is located on the Monti di Saurù, at an altitude of 1,308 metres above Lumino, and can be reached in just a few minutes from the Funivia Pizzo di Claro stop. As access may depend on the cable car service, check that it is operating before your visit. The Aula explores topics including animal tracks and tree species, as well as traditional activities such as charcoal making and resin tapping. It was established for educational and recreational purposes on a non-profit basis.

The Via Alta CRIO requires a different kind of planning. This challenging alpine route is graded T5–T6 and is intended for experienced hikers. It starts in Lumino and heads north towards the Passo del Lucomagno; the route can be completed in full or in several stages. Unlike the nearly 1.5-kilometre Sentiero dei Pianeti, its alpine grade and the option to plan it in stages are important considerations.

Capanna Brogoldone: walking times and mountain scenery

The walk from Lumino to Capanna Brogoldone is listed as taking four and a half hours via the steep shortcut and five hours via the Sentiero delle Sculture. Check walking times and trail conditions again before setting out. The Sentiero delle Sculture features numerous wooden works by chainsaw artists from Ticino and Mesolcina. Illustrated panels cover the region’s flora and fauna and also show animal tracks.

From the natural terrace near Capanna Brogoldone, you can look out over the meeting point of the ancient glacial valleys of the Moesa and the Ticino. A bouldering area has also been set up in the rocks around the hut. For an aperitif, visitors can try platters of local cured meats and artisan cheeses; check availability before your visit.

Churches from different periods

The church of San Mamete is a historic place of worship and a point of reference for religious and community life in Lumino. A predecessor building is documented as early as 1237; the church was rebuilt on this existing structure in 1530. The lower part of its bell tower is Romanesque. A late Gothic fresco depicting the Madonna and saints is found on the carved portal made of Castione stone.

The church of Santa Maria della Visitazione is also known as Cappella Nuova. It underwent extensive alterations between 1720 and 1733; the year 1728 is still visible on the portico. The building’s history also includes its use as a hospital in 1799: first by French troops, then by Austrian troops and finally by Russian troops. The two churches thus offer different historical and architectural points of interest for a stay in Lumino.

Activities near Lumino

For an activity near Lumino rather than a mountain hike, try the Pista Finlandese. It runs through a lush green area and uses natural materials for effective cushioning. The trail can be used for walking, running or relaxing and is suitable for beginners and experienced athletes alike. Its character and use set it apart from the trails on the Monti di Saurù and the challenging alpine routes.

Discover more destinations: Camorino, Gudo Ti, Bellinzona, Cadenazzo, Gorduno, Arbedo-Castione, Carasso, Giubiasco.

Go to the main travel overview: Bellinzona.