Olivone: Landscape, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Olivone is a locality in the municipality of Blenio, in the Canton of Ticino and the Blenio district. The wide basin at the foot of Sosto is surrounded by elevations such as Colma, Töira and Mount Larescia. The Brenno della Greina flows through the area and joins the branch of the river coming from the Lukmanier to the south of the locality. The basin, mountain ridges and river course provide several landmarks to help you plan a stay combining nature, culture and activities.

Cultural history around San Martino

The Museo di San Martino in Olivone displays remains of the original apse of the parish church, dating from the 8th or 9th century. The parish church’s Romanesque bell tower was built in the 12th century; the parish church of San Martino di Tours is documented from 1136. These dates refer to different evidence: the apse remains, the bell tower and the documented church.

Ca' da Rivöi is a 15th-century building. It houses furnishings and liturgical vestments from the parish church of San Martino. The Museo Cà da Rivöi accepts reservations for groups of ten or more. If you are planning a group visit, arrange your reservation in advance.

Hiking: historic route and educational trails

The Sentiero storico numero 4, also called the Sentiero storico della media e alta Valle di Blenio, starts in Acquarossa and ends in Olivone. It runs mainly along the lower path on the left bank of the Brenno. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

There are seven nature trails in the region between Olivone and the Lukmanier Pass. The circular trails are six to fourteen kilometres long, with walking times ranging from two to four hours. Unlike the historic route, which has named starting and finishing points, these trails are circular routes—a different framework for planning distance and time. Their themes include renewable energy, wetlands, climate and alpine biodiversity.

Cycling, courses and facilities

The Valle di Blenio Bike route connects Olivone with Biasca and can be ridden in either direction. Cyclists can therefore travel either way along the same connection; the named endpoints help you factor the route into your plans.

The Scuola Alpina offers courses for adults and families, as well as extracurricular activities for children, at its laboratory in Olivone or in the surrounding area. These include nature explorations in the forest, meadows and mountains, walks under the starry sky, and herbalism courses. As programmes and dates may change, check the latest information in advance.

The Centro POLI houses the municipal swimming pool and other facilities intended for local residents and tourists. If the swimming pool is important to your stay, check the current facilities before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Dongio, Semione, Lottigna, Prugiasco, Acquarossa, Ludiano, Marolta, Malvaglia.

For the broader travel overview: Blenio.