Riviera in Ticino: Culture, Nature and Hiking Trails

The Riviera District is a district of the Canton of Ticino in Switzerland. Romanesque cultural heritage, historic trails and nature shape the character of a stay in Riviera. In Biasca and Riviera, monuments, churches and frescoes recall the historic significance of the Via delle Genti between the Leventina and Blenio valleys. You can plan your trip around different interests: cultural sites sit alongside forest reserves, waterfalls and riverside activities. If you are looking for a hotel, these interests can help shape your stay.

Churches, a monastery and military history

The present-day Church of Santi Pietro e Paolo dates from 1171 and is of Romanesque origin. A Way of the Cross, restored between 1991 and 1997, leads from the church to the Oratory of S. Petronilla. In Biasca’s old quarter stands Casa Cavalier Pellanda, a 16th-century town house and a monument of exceptional interest. The Church of San Carlo is an unfinished central-plan building with a cruciform layout; in Ticino, it is considered a unique example of this architectural style.

The Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria Assunta is located above the village of Claro. Founded in 1490, it is the oldest monastery in Ticino. Visitors can view paintings and sculptures and gain insight into the nuns’ way of life. Check current visiting arrangements before planning a visit.

The LONA fortification is also part of Riviera’s military history: the Forte Mondascia Infantry Museum maintains the site and displays infantry weapons and items from the everyday lives of the soldiers who served at LONA. The museum is open only to groups of at least 15 people. Individual visits and visits by smaller groups are only possible during events.

Forest reserves, a waterfall and trails

The Cresciano Valley forest reserve includes a riverside alluvial forest of national importance. In favourable conditions, ibex may be spotted on the alpine trails. The Osogna Valley forest reserve is Switzerland’s second-largest forest reserve, after the national park. Red deer, roe deer, chamois and marmots live there; around 70 bird species have also been observed. The lower areas can be visited from April to October. The access point is Osogna. An old historic trail into the forest reserve climbs steep steps built into the rock and is classified as a trail of national importance.

Santa Petronilla Waterfall is considered the highest waterfall in Ticino. A walk of about twenty minutes from the village square or railway station leads to a stone bridge, from which the waterfall can be viewed. The 11-kilometre walking section of the Via della pietra between Claro and Osogna takes considerably longer: it can be completed in about four hours and 30 minutes. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Activities and seasons

Hiking, horse riding and mountain biking are available in Biasca and Riviera. The Ticino River in Biasca and Riviera offers opportunities for rafting, canoeing and canyoning. September to April is considered the best season for climbing in Cresciano. High-quality granite-gneiss boulders offer a range of climbing styles, from slabs to overhangs and crimps.

Water activities are also tied to specific locations: in summer, Pozzón in Osogna becomes a bathing area in a natural gorge. You can swim and sunbathe in the Iragna Gorge at «Pózz Bórgh»; the area is also used by canyoning enthusiasts. These location and seasonal details can help you plan the activities you want to enjoy.

Getting your bearings at Biasca railway station

Biasca railway station has 40 covered bicycle parking spaces and 62 P+Rail parking spaces. An e-bike charging station can quickly charge up to four e-bikes at the same time; use is free in all weather conditions. Parking spaces and station facilities may change, so check the latest information before travelling if needed.

The Bellinzona e Valli Turismo InfoPoint Biasca e Riviera is also located in the station. Visitors can learn about the area and its distinctive features at an interactive multimedia table. The Bottega Ticino a Te at the InfoPoint sells local products and wine from the region.

Discover more destinations: Biasca, Cresciano, Claro, Blenio, Locarno, Lugano, Mendrisio, Bellinzona.

For the broader travel overview: Ticino.