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The Via del Ferro - Morobbia Valley
Toprecommended route
The Via del Ferro - Morobbia Valley
Hiking Trail
· Bellinzona and Valleys
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Bellinzona e Valli Turismo Verified partner
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Via del FerroPhoto: 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
Duration4:30 h
Ascent1,042 m
Descent78 m
Highest point1,924 m
Lowest point933 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.
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.
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
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Jul
Aug
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Dec
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Show elevation profileSafety 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
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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