An excursion of medium-difficulty that crosses the Bedretto Valley following the beautiful high mountain path that offers a splendid panorama of the valley and the Gotthard Pass. From Airolo, follow the cantonal road to Nante and then continue on the forest road to Pesciüm. Those wishing to avoid this stretch can take the cable car up. From Pesciüm the dirt track begins, winding its way through the various alpine pastures and larch forests dotted with blueberry plants. At Ronco Bedretto, take the cantonal road down from the Nufenen Pass back to Airolo.

POINTS OF INTEREST

The Caseificio Dimostrativo del Gottardo (Gotthard Demonstration Cheese Factory), where you can buy fresh dairy products; the Forte Airolo Museum, a massive construction whose roof resembles the carapace of a tortoise; and the Bedrina Barracks, in the shape of a semicircle, made entirely of reinforced concrete. Further up, in the direction of the Gotthard Pass, begins the Tremola, the old cobbled road: with its 24 hairpin bends and a difference in altitude of more than 300 m at the steepest part, it is the longest road monument in Switzerland. The Gotthard National Museum and the Sasso San Gottardo Museum are located at the top of the pass.

For guided tours see: www.cdga.ch, www.forteairolo.ch, www.museonazionalesangottardo.ch, www.sasso-sangottardo.ch