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Urban–Scenic Circular Route Bellinzona and Valleys
Urban–Scenic Circular Route Bellinzona and Valleys
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Bellinzona e Valli Turismo Verified partner
Bellinzona e Valli Turismo Verified partner
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Photo: Copyright Alvento Destinations #3 @edoardo.frezet @alventomagazine, Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
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This circular itinerary of approximately 24 km takes visitors through some of the most fascinating places in the region: from the majestic medieval castles overlooking the city to the open and peaceful landscapes of the Magadino Plain. Along the way, urban sections alternate with quiet secondary roads and pleasant cycle paths, making it suitable even for less experienced cyclists. Ideal for a half-day trip, this route combines sport, history and nature, offering a complete and authentic experience of the Ticino region.
Moderate
Distance 23.9 km
Duration1:50 h
Ascent373 m
Descent373 m
Highest point449 m
Lowest point209 m
This 24 km circular route allows you to discover the Bellinzona area by combining historical heritage, natural landscapes and cycling infrastructure. The itinerary alternates between urban sections, quiet secondary roads and cycle paths, offering a varied and accessible experience. The route passes through the city centre and its surroundings, alongside the famous Castles of Bellinzona, one of the best-preserved medieval fortification complexes in Europe. Among them stands the striking Sasso Corbaro Castle, located in a panoramic position above the city. Continuing on, the route reaches the Fortini della Fame, evidence of 19th-century fortifications built to defend access to the Alps. From here, the itinerary opens onto the wide Magadino Plain, characterised by agricultural landscapes, natural areas and wide open spaces. One of the most pleasant sections follows the cycle path along the Ticino river floodplain towards Gudo, where the setting becomes more natural and relaxing, far from urban traffic.
Author
Isotta Bertinelli
Responsible for this content
Bellinzona e Valli Turismo Verified partner
Bellinzona e Valli Turismo Verified partner
Difficulty
Moderate
Overall difficulty
Moderate
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
449 m
Lowest point
209 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Length
23.9 km
Roadbook
Start – Bellinzona city centre
The route starts in the city centre, easily accessible and well served. The first kilometres are flat and allow you to get familiar with the route, passing through urban areas and quiet secondary roads.
Approach to the castles
You cycle towards the famous castles, symbols of the city. The scenery quickly becomes striking, with medieval fortifications towering above.
First climb (the most demanding)
The main climb begins: 2.6 km with a sustained gradient. It is the most challenging section, but also one of the most scenic. You climb at a steady pace to reach an elevated point with views over the city and surroundings.
Panoramic section and descent
After the effort, a pleasant descent follows. Here you can recover while enjoying the landscape and fresh air.
Second climb
A shorter and gentler climb (around 1 km), ideal for maintaining rhythm without excessive effort, in a quieter setting
Passing the Fortini della Fame
You reach this interesting 19th-century historical site. It is worth a short stop to discover this lesser-known place.
Third climb
Final short uphill stretch, fairly easy. It marks the end of the main elevation challenges of the route.
Descent towards the Magadino Plain
The route descends towards the plain: the landscape opens up, becoming more natural, with agricultural fields and wide spaces.
Cycle path along the Ticino River (towards Gudo)
One of the most enjoyable sections: a cycle path immersed in nature, away from traffic, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the silence.
Return to Bellinzona
The route continues on flat terrain, gradually leading back to the city. The final kilometres are easy and allow you to finish the itinerary at a relaxed pace. A complete and varied loop, perfect for exploring Bellinzona actively, with the right balance between discovery, nature and a touch of challenge.
The route starts in the city centre, easily accessible and well served. The first kilometres are flat and allow you to get familiar with the route, passing through urban areas and quiet secondary roads.
Approach to the castles
You cycle towards the famous castles, symbols of the city. The scenery quickly becomes striking, with medieval fortifications towering above.
First climb (the most demanding)
The main climb begins: 2.6 km with a sustained gradient. It is the most challenging section, but also one of the most scenic. You climb at a steady pace to reach an elevated point with views over the city and surroundings.
Panoramic section and descent
After the effort, a pleasant descent follows. Here you can recover while enjoying the landscape and fresh air.
Second climb
A shorter and gentler climb (around 1 km), ideal for maintaining rhythm without excessive effort, in a quieter setting
Passing the Fortini della Fame
You reach this interesting 19th-century historical site. It is worth a short stop to discover this lesser-known place.
Third climb
Final short uphill stretch, fairly easy. It marks the end of the main elevation challenges of the route.
Descent towards the Magadino Plain
The route descends towards the plain: the landscape opens up, becoming more natural, with agricultural fields and wide spaces.
Cycle path along the Ticino River (towards Gudo)
One of the most enjoyable sections: a cycle path immersed in nature, away from traffic, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the silence.
Return to Bellinzona
The route continues on flat terrain, gradually leading back to the city. The final kilometres are easy and allow you to finish the itinerary at a relaxed pace. A complete and varied loop, perfect for exploring Bellinzona actively, with the right balance between discovery, nature and a touch of challenge.
Rest stop
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Photo
Video
Bellinzona, Stazione FFSBellinzona
Swing the World - Ticino
Colli di Gudo
Castello Grande
Daro
Pedevilla
Bellinzona: the city of Castles
Museum of Castel Grande
Archeologia Montebello
The Fortress of Bellinzona
Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'722'822E 1'117'307N
DD
46.196014, 9.029783
DMS
46°11'45.7"N 9°01'47.2"E
UTM
32T 502298 5115826
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Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!
Difficulty
Moderate
Overall difficulty
Moderate
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Distance
23.9 km
Duration
1:50 h
Ascent
373 m
Descent
373 m
Highest point
449 m
Lowest point
209 m
Round trip
Weather at the starting point
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Maps and trails
11 Waypoint(s)
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