Valle di Muggio

Day 1 After the welcome in Capolago, the rack railroad, which with its 130 years is the oldest operating steam railroad in Switzerland, leads to the summit of Monte Generoso. Then in the time of the Belle Époque as now, the summit fascinates with an incredible panorama. Today, however, the mountain is one attraction richer with the Fiore di Pietra, Mario Botta's impressive stone flower. Next, the leisurely hike crosses the border into Italy, revives old smuggler stories, passes the Roccoli, the bird-catching towers, and ends in Scudellate. The mountain village, clinging to the upper slopes of the Muggio Valley, is threatened by emigration. This is counteracted by the Albergo Diffuso project. In the meantime, overnight accommodations are offered in various houses scattered throughout the village, which are centrally managed. - A special experience that generates welcome added value. The evening will be rounded off with a fine Ticino dinner at the Osteria Manciana. (Walking time without rests: 3 h, distance: 7.8 km, ascent/descent: 180/890 altitude meters).

Day 2 Today's hike starts in Cabbio. Here in the Casa Contoni, one of the most important buildings of the valley, the Museo Etnografico is located, which introduces visitors to the special world of the Valle di Muggio. Now the path leads up to Passo Bonello, passing by a graa, a typical chestnut smokehouse, or the nevèra, the ancient cold-storage houses. Opposite, Monte Generoso towers and suddenly, at the top of the pass, the view extends to Lago di Como. Incidentally, the story of Cetto, where a noisy ghost is said to have resided at the beginning of the 20th century, is chilling. What actually happened back then, no one can say today. However, the people in the valley assure you that the spook has disappeared. And so you return with confidence to Scudellate and to the terrace of the Osteria Manciana, from where you can look out over the valley and enjoy a refreshing gazosa and a piece of Zincarlin, the special cheese of the region. (Walking time without rests: 3.30 h, distance: 8.5 km, ascent/descent: 515/445 altitude meters).

Day 3 Today's tour starts right from Scudellate and goes down to Muggio, the main village of the valley. The name of the village, by the way, means cairn and probably refers to the appearance of the village, whose houses stick together like stones piled up on the slope. The path continues along the cool course of the Breggia River to the mill of Bruzella. It rattles and cracks, the water wheel starts up and the mill begins to grind the Rosso del Ticino, the typical red corn as it did ages ago. Later, the hike ends in the village of Bruzella. Here you will change to the red bikes of Bike and Wine and ride through the vineyards down to the valley. Of course, the stop at the cantina, stories from the winemakers about the Merlot and a glass to taste are not to be missed before the tour through the Valle di Muggio ends in Balerna. For those who prefer, the route can be covered on the bus instead of riding a bike. (Walking time without rests: 2.30 h, distance: 6.4 km, ascent/descent: 235/530 altitude meters).