Lukmanier Pass - Cadlimo Hut

The historic Lukmanier Pass links the Blenio valley to Surselva. It is the perfect starting point for those wanting to explore the heart of the Swiss Alps. Numerous different hiking itineraries depart from the Ospizio Santa Maria, at 1914 metres above sea level, which is on the postbus route.

One of the most scenic walks makes its way up from the shores of Lake Santa Maria to the Cadlimo hut, situated at 2570 metres above sea level. After an initial level stretch along a wide dirt track, which continues across the Termine valley to the Ritom district, a path climbs rapidly up the mountainside. The route then winds its way through a landscape characterised by the presence of the River Rein da Medel, a headwater of the Rhine whose waters travel more than 1200 km until they meet the North Sea.

Around halfway along the route you will come to Stabbio Nuovo, where you can often stop for a chat with the herdsman who spends the summer months in this valley with his dogs and more than one hundred yaks. These large yet docile creatures, also known as Tibetan oxen, dot the landscape, giving it an exotic and unusual appearance. During the final stretch of the climb, at more than 2400 metres above sea level, the landscape becomes rocky and also acquires a particular charm thanks to the presence of numerous ibexes.