The Most Stunning Autumn Walks in Ticino’s Sea of Colours

As we move into the autumn months, the landscapes of Switzerland’s southernmost canton change with a new, more intensive, colour palette, making hikes and cultural excursions in the pleasant mild temperatures a whole new experience. Whether walking through the picturesque vineyards of the less well-known Mendrisiotto, the colourful chestnut forests or impressive ravine paths, autumn in Ticino is truly magical and offers something unexpected for both nature lovers and art connoisseurs. Here is just a small collection of the unforgettable autumn excursions available across the four regions of Ticino.

Chestnut groves, stone houses and a Tibetan adrenaline boost

Monte Carasso, located just a few kilometres from Bellinzona, is the starting point for this 4-hour family-friendly hike toward the “Carasc” Tibetan bridge. The route passes by wineries that tempt you in to try a glass of Ticino Merlot: after all, autumn time is harvest time! The destination is the village of Curzútt, winner of the Wakker Prize for the development and preservation of its architectural heritage in the form of its typical Ticino stone houses at the heart of the village that just beg you to stay for a while. Just a few minutes from there lies San Barnàrd Church, where visitors can enjoy stunning frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries and a spectacular view over the wide Ticino River valley. The high point of this excursion at an impressive 270 metres is the “Ponte tibetano” – one of the longest suspension bridges in the whole of Switzerland. Crossing it – at a height of around 100 m above a deep ravine – is exciting for both young and old alike. As well as the stunning views and bright autumn colours, it is bound to give visitors an invigorating adrenaline kick!

Indian summer and the “Foliage Train” in the land of a hundred valleys

The Centovalli – the land of “a hundred valleys” – transforms in autumn into a whole universe of different red, yellow and orange shades. From mid-October to mid-November, the Centovalli railway operates the Treno del Foliage – an unforgettable journey through autumn’s intensely rich fiery hues and into Ticino’s Indian summer. The panoramic route joining Domodossola in the upper Piemont to Locarno located on the banks of Lake Maggiore passes through forests gleaming in all colours and over numerous bridges and through spectacular ravines.

In Verdasio, a small cable car whisks visitors up to Rasa, one of the last car-free villages in Ticino and departure point for the approximately 9-kilometre long hike. Perched at an altitude of just under 900 m a.s.l., the village offers a stunning view over the Centovalli region. The walk then passes Terra Vecchia and onto Bordei, a small village with several beautifully restored stone houses. A steep path leads back to Palagnedra, where it’s well worth making a short stop-off at the Chiesa di San Michele church with its treasure trove of frescoes before getting back on the Centovalli railway and back to Locarno.

The world of chestnuts in Malcantone

Autumn is definitely the best time of year to take an appreciative walk around the abundant chestnut groves of the Malcantone, the gently rolling, densely grown hilly landscape located just south-west of Lugano. The Sentiero del Castagno themed walk will teach you everything you need to know about growing chestnut trees and the region’s forests. The 15-kilometre long circular hike departs from Arosio, running over 5 to 6 hours through a magical landscape past picturesque villages with breathtaking views. At different locations along the walk, hikers can discover interesting facts about the importance of the chestnut in Ticino and find out more about the manufacturing processes for different products. Several stop-offs such as the Ristorante Castagno in Mugena also serve chestnut specialities for hungry walkers to try. The different villages along the route are all served by public transport, meaning the tour can be split into several shorter walks.

Mendrisiotto: red gold, World Heritage and Lombard art

The common thread that runs through this unforgettable tour around the autumnal vineyards of the Mendrisiotto is the connection between viticulture and the region. Thanks to its annual hours of sunshine, low precipitation and the special geological characteristics of the area, this spot is the perfect place for growing vines. Naturally, the Merlot wine on this tour from the Laveggio Plain to the slopes of the Monte San Giorgio World Heritage site plays a leading role! The tour passes through almost all the settlements on the western side of the Mendrisiotto: small villages with often hundreds of years of history. In short: an extremely appealing, but definitely very long and challenging tour which, luckily, can be split into several sections thanks to the region’s wide branching network of hiking routes. 

An absolute must for any art lover is a visit to Rancate: with its rich permanent collection and interesting temporary exhibitions, the Pinacoteca Cantonale Giovanni Züst is the leading place to study Lombard and Ticino art from the Renaissance up to the 19th century. The collections can be found in the impressive rooms of the old rectory.

So whether it’s art, nature, train travel or hiking, wine or chestnuts you’re looking for – let’s dive head in to the autumn sea of colours of Ticino!