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The Via del Ferro - Morobbia Valley

Hiking Trail recommended route

The Via del Ferro - Morobbia Valley

Hiking Trail · Bellinzona and Valleys
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  • Via del Ferro
    Via del Ferro
    Photo: Bellinzonese e Alto Ticino Turismo
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    The Via del Ferro is a thematic itinerary that retraces the historical routes that connected the Cavargna and Albano Valleys (Lombardy) to the Morobbia Valley (Ticino), via the Motto della Tappa or Cima Verta (2078 m), their mining sites and iron and steel mills.
    moderate
    Distance 10.5 km
    4:30 h
    1,042 m
    78 m
    1,924 m
    933 m
    The thematic route starts from Piazza della Via del Ferro in Carena, home to a commemorative statue and the first information panels. The route includes all the points of interest related to the extraction and processing of iron that developed in the upper valley during the second half of the 15th century and again between the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the ruins of the Maglio and the Fornace in Carena, brought to light after almost two centuries of neglect, the two mines in Valletta rediscovered in 2005 (the interior of the mines can be visited only as part of a guided tour) and the reconstruction of a charcoal pile.

    In addition to learning more about these historical industries thanks to the information panels positioned along the route, this excursion is located in the striking alpine landscape of the upper valley, offering direct contact with beekeeping on Alpe Giumello and the reforestation that took place in the Giggio area during the first half of the last century. Climbing up after Giumello, an enchanting view opens up to the west over the Piano di Magadino, the Verbano with its mountains and Monte Rosa on the horizon.

    At Bocchetta di Sommafiume the route divides into two parts: on one side, climbing the Motto della Tappa (or Cima Verta), you reach the Cavargna Valley and Ceresio, and on the other you descend the Albano Valley to Dongo on the Lario.

    These valleys also preserve important traces of the ancient iron and steel industry, highlighted by thematic panels: settlements, charcoal pits, post stations, connection routes between extraction areas (quarries, mines), processing areas (blast furnaces, forges, water hammers) and product sales.

    Author’s recommendation

     To explore the route, we recommend buying the official maps of the Federal Office of Topography Swisstopo. In addition, the following website map.geo.admin.ch offers constantly updated data.
    Profile picture of Bellinzonese e Alto Ticino Turismo
    Author
    Bellinzonese e Alto Ticino Turismo
    Update: September 10, 2024
    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    1,924 m
    Lowest point
    933 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
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    Track types

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    Safety information

    Montagnepulite: This project was born to promote an effective management and sustainable use of mountain huts in Ticino, and in particular the litter management. The responsible management of litter in the mountains is a matter of common sense. We can all contribute: https://www.montagnepulite.ch/en/golden-rules

    Start

    Carena
    Coordinates:
    SwissGrid
    2'727'246E 1'114'329N
    DD
    46.168415, 9.086269
    DMS
    46°10'06.3"N 9°05'10.6"E
    UTM
    32T 506659 5112763
    w3w 
    ///cheerful.caked.unicorns

    Destination

    Carena

    Coordinates

    SwissGrid
    2'727'246E 1'114'329N
    DD
    46.168415, 9.086269
    DMS
    46°10'06.3"N 9°05'10.6"E
    UTM
    32T 506659 5112763
    w3w 
    ///cheerful.caked.unicorns
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    • Waterproof clothing, light and warm
    • Hiking boots
    • Gloves, sun cap, change of clothes
    • Backpack maximum 5-8 kg
    • First aid kit with penknife
    • Torch, sunglasses, sun cream, water-bottle
    • Hiking map/topographic map
    • Compass
    • Camera
    • Food
    • Raincover for backpacks

    Similar routes nearby

    • In the heart of the Morobbia Valley
    • Motto della Croce
    • ViaGottardo – Stage 16: Bellinzona – Tesserete
    • Trans Swiss Trail – Stage 29: Bellinzona – Tesserete
    • Via della pietra - Living with the stone
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    10.5 km
    Duration
    4:30 h
    Ascent
    1,042 m
    Descent
    78 m
    Highest point
    1,924 m
    Lowest point
    933 m
    Linear route Family-friendly Cultural/historical interest

    Weather at the route's trailhead

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