Prato: Moorland, trails and history

Prato lies in the Val Leventina on the right bank of the Ticino. Nature, winter sports and history reveal different sides of the destination: these include the wetlands of the Torbiera della Bedrina, the slopes at Sci Lift Prato Leventina and cultural insights into the Via delle Genti.

Nature and trails around Prato

The Torbiera della Bedrina lies in the Val Leventina at an altitude of 1,230 metres, between the municipalities of Prato and Dalpe. It comprises three wetlands of national importance. This makes the protected area a specific destination for anyone interested in wetland habitats in the Leventina.

The Torbiera can be reached on foot from Prato, Rodi or Dalpe. You can take the postbus to the Dalpe Valle stop; check the timetable before your trip. The main trail through the Torbiera connects the two entrances, is just over one kilometre long and presents no particular difficulties. This makes it easy to take the trail’s length into account when planning a visit, without equating it with a walking time.

Prato also has walking paths through forests and meadows. These are walking options, not a single named route. When planning your time outdoors, you can choose between these paths and the described main trail through the Torbiera.

Winter sports and geology

Sci Lift Prato Leventina offers five kilometres of pistes on a west-facing slope. The area is suitable for all skiers: experienced skiers can use the black and red pistes, while beginners can use a blue piste set in the forest. Seasonal operations may vary; check whether the lift is currently operating before your trip.

The Campolungo geotourism trail consists of two routes with different profiles. The flatter Tremorgio route runs along the lake of the same name. The more challenging Campolungo route passes through an alpine setting and climbs to 2,250 metres, reaching Capanna Leìt. Comparing the two options, one is a flatter lakeside route, while the other is a more challenging tour in an alpine setting.

The trail offers insights into the geological history of the Alpine chain. The municipality of Prato Leventina opened it in 2016; it was developed in collaboration with geologist Filippo Bianconi and the cantonal Natural History Museum. Its geological focus gives the trail a different emphasis from the walking paths through forests and meadows or the main trail through the wetland.

The municipal area of Prato Leventina also has areas for outdoor climbing. If you are planning this activity, check the local climbing conditions.

The Via delle Genti and building history

The Museo del Dazio Grande in Rodi, Prato (Leventina), houses a permanent exhibition on the history of the Via delle Genti. The exhibition traces the development of trade across the Gotthard: from the old mule track to the AlpTransit alpine transit route. Alongside nature and geology, the history of transport routes is therefore another distinct focus to choose from.

The Chiesa di San Giorgio was built in the 17th century over an existing Romanesque chapel, mentioned in 1210. It preserves the former building’s six-storey bell tower. Beneath the exterior portico is a depiction of Saint George, the dragon and the princess. It is by an unknown painter and dates approximately to the 15th or 16th century.

Discover more destinations: Rodi, Campello, Sobrio, Chironico, Faido, Bedretto, Dalpe, Cavagnago

For the broader travel overview: Leventina.