Bedretto is a charming centre of Switzerland, a fascinating heaven in the Lepontine Alps, a stupendous destination of the Canton of Ticino situated at an altitude of 1402,0 metres in a small scenic Alpine valley with the same name inside another, the splendid Valle Leventina running from the beautiful Nufenen Pass along the course of the Ticino river down of the renowned resort of Airolo situated just 12,0 kilometres away.
Surrounded by majestic peaks many of them close or over 3000,0 metres of altitude such as as the Corno Gries, Pizzo Rotondo, Pizzo Gallina, Pizzo Lucendro, Pizzo Pesciora and others equally imposing belonging the St. Gotthard Massif forming all together a magic, stupendous crown around that little paradise of approximately 70 inhabitants next to unique landscapes, an uncontaminated atmosphere, a fantastic places to explore, discover and enjoy day by day with other nearest spectacular sites.
The Lepontine Alps are undoubtedly a great highlight, marvellous landmarks of that land with a very special silhouette consisting in very sharp peaks, extremely steep in their last section characterised by a final stretch without a flat or undulated spaces between their glaciers and summits.
For those features they are a dreaming destination for a multitude of climbers, expert trekkers who love unforgettable experiences at high quotes over those emblematic 3,000 metres where everything change and not only in terms of vegetation and scenery but also about human feelings and sensations something difficult to explain but transmitting strong emotions and vibrations for all those who know what means altitude loving the magic Alpine world.
They are in addition favourite subjects for many photographers who want to immortalise once in a life those images made by natural giant pyramids in Europe and admired by a lot of people who simply love to stay in contemplation enjoying pleasant and relaxing walks at their foots.
located in one of the most scenic territories of the Canton, Bedretto offers a big variety of chances to enjoy a very active tourism with an endless list of outdoor activities such as trekking, mountaineering, cycling, mountain bike, rowing, fishing, Alpine Ski but it is since a long time Nordic Ski the Queen thanks a long tradition and the development of a stunning space which made that place as a sort of Scandinavian Eden in Swiss territory greatly appropriate to practise the speciality of Ski Cross Country.
That Swiss municipality is in addition an extraordinary gateway with the brilliant opportunity to enjoy fantastic radiant excursions crossing other small picturesque valleys such as Val Piana, Val Torta and Val Cavagnola which are other paradises packed by marvellous natural treasures.
All those places boast a notable fauna, a spectacular flora highlighted by numerous species of flowers unique in their kinds just like the nearest Val Leventina with its infinite beauties. (In the case you are interested I wrote a post about Dalpe with some information about that valley)
A total absence of pollution, excellent accommodations, an exquisite gastronomy and friendly locals are other great features which are an eternal incentive to select that marvellous corner of South Switzerland as a great base which also permits to reach in a very short time stunning cities and towns as the fascinating medieval Bellinzona, the gems of the Swiss Lake Maggiore shore Ascona and Locarno and the the always enchanting Lugano on another wonderful waters basin, the Ceresio.
The beautiful Canton of Uri is just a few kilometres away and despite the Val Bedretto is a pretty narrow valley it is a superb passage and across the Nufenen Pass also known as Passo della Novena you can reach the wonderful Ulrichen in the upper Canton of Valais and by another scenic Alpine Pass, the Passo di San Giacomo entering in Italy in the region Piedmont discovering the beauty of the wild valley Valle Formazza also known in Walser language as Pomatt.
If you are an Alpine Ski lover the beautiful winter sport resort of Airolo is just some minutes driving away where you can have brilliant chances of skiing at excellent level thanks to the outstanding slopes and facilities present in that site able to meet all the most demanding requests.
All that combined with the mentioned activities is certainly a relevant invitation to plan a trip in that magnificent corner of the Swiss Confederation enjoying a very active stay planning a Fly & Drive simply fantastic with many significant stage in a great environment absolutely suitable also for a wonderful historic and cultural tourism.
Historically the land was originally populated by Celtic inhabitants,the Lepontii, an ethnic group which occupied a large part of the Rhaetia, a pretty vast territory corresponding to the current Switzerland and Northern Italy which had for them as most important focal point Oscela, the present town of Domodossola in Piedmont.
They were the first settlers during the late Bronze Age/Iron Age living mainly dedicated to farms,pastures and small trades before the advent of the Roman colonisation which reached those territories during the campaigns towards Central Europe in 15 BC led by the Emperor Augustus and after that, the entire population was assimilated with the Latin which became the official language.
Closely related to that according to archaeological excavations in the local boundaries where found several artifacts linked to that civilisation, such as objects,utensils and coins of relevant value and in 1906 was discovered a Patrician Villa next to sme Pre-Roman graves.
During its history that small centre had other different rulers in Medieval times who ruled the local lands before the Lombards and also in that case was discovered an acient tomb left by those settlers and since the 8th century the Franks with the land incorporated in the Holy Roman Empire.
The successors established as the predecessors a traditional feudalistic system led by influential governors mainly linked to Counts and Dukes also coming from the nearest Northern Italy linked by strong relationships with local nobles spheres.
In 1210 the current Bedretto was recorded and mentioned in official maps with the former name Bedoleto and in 1227 it has its Parish Church consisting in the present Chiesa dei SS. Martiri Maccabei.
All the territory was often protagonist of the notorious disputes and long battles which saw as main contenders Milan and Como with the first conquering the entire present Canton of Ticino ruled by the Visconti family since the 15th century.
The Swiss League started to fight against those rulers for a long time in a Religious wars Catholics from one side with the Milanese Duchy supported by France and the Calvinist Protestants with the Bishops from Switzerland from another to have the domain of a very strategic territory considered a sort of bridge between the heart of Europe and the Mediterranean area.
Those events were relevant chronological stages before the creation of the Swiss Confederation in the 17th century which the integration of those territories after pretty tumultuous times and in 1761 were launched the bases of a future official municipality when Bedretto was elevated as a Comune Patriziato.
Those two words "Comune" and "Patriziato" are linked to kinds of established Institutions in which all the former inhabitants residents inside the boundaries and part of a local defined community could have the rights on the lands including the forests and rural spaces with the privilege to manage them without sharing those properties with new settlers.
It was a kind of specific organisation to preserve the cultural identity without future conflictual intrusions which could altered all what was established forming a sort of marked and defined hierarchy delivering determied charges. The current town before that period was a land part of the municipality of Airolo just like other neighbourhoods currently part of Bedretto such as All´Acqua, Ossasco and Ronco.
In a more contemporary era the town improved its connections, in 1924 was opened the road linking it to Airolo which was extended eight years later until Ronco and in 1964 furtherly developed including the access and transit along the Nufenfen Pass.
Surrounded by majestic peaks many of them close or over 3000,0 metres of altitude such as as the Corno Gries, Pizzo Rotondo, Pizzo Gallina, Pizzo Lucendro, Pizzo Pesciora and others equally imposing belonging the St. Gotthard Massif forming all together a magic, stupendous crown around that little paradise of approximately 70 inhabitants next to unique landscapes, an uncontaminated atmosphere, a fantastic places to explore, discover and enjoy day by day with other nearest spectacular sites.
The Lepontine Alps are undoubtedly a great highlight, marvellous landmarks of that land with a very special silhouette consisting in very sharp peaks, extremely steep in their last section characterised by a final stretch without a flat or undulated spaces between their glaciers and summits.
For those features they are a dreaming destination for a multitude of climbers, expert trekkers who love unforgettable experiences at high quotes over those emblematic 3,000 metres where everything change and not only in terms of vegetation and scenery but also about human feelings and sensations something difficult to explain but transmitting strong emotions and vibrations for all those who know what means altitude loving the magic Alpine world.
They are in addition favourite subjects for many photographers who want to immortalise once in a life those images made by natural giant pyramids in Europe and admired by a lot of people who simply love to stay in contemplation enjoying pleasant and relaxing walks at their foots.
located in one of the most scenic territories of the Canton, Bedretto offers a big variety of chances to enjoy a very active tourism with an endless list of outdoor activities such as trekking, mountaineering, cycling, mountain bike, rowing, fishing, Alpine Ski but it is since a long time Nordic Ski the Queen thanks a long tradition and the development of a stunning space which made that place as a sort of Scandinavian Eden in Swiss territory greatly appropriate to practise the speciality of Ski Cross Country.
That Swiss municipality is in addition an extraordinary gateway with the brilliant opportunity to enjoy fantastic radiant excursions crossing other small picturesque valleys such as Val Piana, Val Torta and Val Cavagnola which are other paradises packed by marvellous natural treasures.
All those places boast a notable fauna, a spectacular flora highlighted by numerous species of flowers unique in their kinds just like the nearest Val Leventina with its infinite beauties. (In the case you are interested I wrote a post about Dalpe with some information about that valley)
A total absence of pollution, excellent accommodations, an exquisite gastronomy and friendly locals are other great features which are an eternal incentive to select that marvellous corner of South Switzerland as a great base which also permits to reach in a very short time stunning cities and towns as the fascinating medieval Bellinzona, the gems of the Swiss Lake Maggiore shore Ascona and Locarno and the the always enchanting Lugano on another wonderful waters basin, the Ceresio.
The beautiful Canton of Uri is just a few kilometres away and despite the Val Bedretto is a pretty narrow valley it is a superb passage and across the Nufenen Pass also known as Passo della Novena you can reach the wonderful Ulrichen in the upper Canton of Valais and by another scenic Alpine Pass, the Passo di San Giacomo entering in Italy in the region Piedmont discovering the beauty of the wild valley Valle Formazza also known in Walser language as Pomatt.
If you are an Alpine Ski lover the beautiful winter sport resort of Airolo is just some minutes driving away where you can have brilliant chances of skiing at excellent level thanks to the outstanding slopes and facilities present in that site able to meet all the most demanding requests.
All that combined with the mentioned activities is certainly a relevant invitation to plan a trip in that magnificent corner of the Swiss Confederation enjoying a very active stay planning a Fly & Drive simply fantastic with many significant stage in a great environment absolutely suitable also for a wonderful historic and cultural tourism.
Historically the land was originally populated by Celtic inhabitants,the Lepontii, an ethnic group which occupied a large part of the Rhaetia, a pretty vast territory corresponding to the current Switzerland and Northern Italy which had for them as most important focal point Oscela, the present town of Domodossola in Piedmont.
They were the first settlers during the late Bronze Age/Iron Age living mainly dedicated to farms,pastures and small trades before the advent of the Roman colonisation which reached those territories during the campaigns towards Central Europe in 15 BC led by the Emperor Augustus and after that, the entire population was assimilated with the Latin which became the official language.
Closely related to that according to archaeological excavations in the local boundaries where found several artifacts linked to that civilisation, such as objects,utensils and coins of relevant value and in 1906 was discovered a Patrician Villa next to sme Pre-Roman graves.
During its history that small centre had other different rulers in Medieval times who ruled the local lands before the Lombards and also in that case was discovered an acient tomb left by those settlers and since the 8th century the Franks with the land incorporated in the Holy Roman Empire.
The successors established as the predecessors a traditional feudalistic system led by influential governors mainly linked to Counts and Dukes also coming from the nearest Northern Italy linked by strong relationships with local nobles spheres.
In 1210 the current Bedretto was recorded and mentioned in official maps with the former name Bedoleto and in 1227 it has its Parish Church consisting in the present Chiesa dei SS. Martiri Maccabei.
All the territory was often protagonist of the notorious disputes and long battles which saw as main contenders Milan and Como with the first conquering the entire present Canton of Ticino ruled by the Visconti family since the 15th century.
The Swiss League started to fight against those rulers for a long time in a Religious wars Catholics from one side with the Milanese Duchy supported by France and the Calvinist Protestants with the Bishops from Switzerland from another to have the domain of a very strategic territory considered a sort of bridge between the heart of Europe and the Mediterranean area.
Those events were relevant chronological stages before the creation of the Swiss Confederation in the 17th century which the integration of those territories after pretty tumultuous times and in 1761 were launched the bases of a future official municipality when Bedretto was elevated as a Comune Patriziato.
Those two words "Comune" and "Patriziato" are linked to kinds of established Institutions in which all the former inhabitants residents inside the boundaries and part of a local defined community could have the rights on the lands including the forests and rural spaces with the privilege to manage them without sharing those properties with new settlers.
It was a kind of specific organisation to preserve the cultural identity without future conflictual intrusions which could altered all what was established forming a sort of marked and defined hierarchy delivering determied charges. The current town before that period was a land part of the municipality of Airolo just like other neighbourhoods currently part of Bedretto such as All´Acqua, Ossasco and Ronco.
In a more contemporary era the town improved its connections, in 1924 was opened the road linking it to Airolo which was extended eight years later until Ronco and in 1964 furtherly developed including the access and transit along the Nufenfen Pass.
The fascinating heaven at the foot of the Lepontine Alps completely surrounded by towering peaks is arranged behind the river Ticino and along a main road called Zona Villa flanked by several verdant forests, an artery which crosses the entire borough with the same name and consisting in the beating heart of Bedretto.
You can start the visit from the Chiesa dei Santi Martiri Maccabei, a Church representing a pillar of the local historic patrimony but with a very tumultuous past. Probably erected in the early 13th century and dedicated to St. Eusebio, it was rebuilt in the 14th century, exactly in 1327.
That Swiss centre was in the past victim of several avalanches and some of them sadly devastated that Religious construction in three occasions in 1594 ,1634 and 1695.
The late arrangement of that Sacred Temple is dated the end of 19th century and to preserve its architectural integrity by other natural disasters after the third reconstruction dated 1697 was erected a high bell tower on one side to protect the main body of the structure by further damages.
The Church was developed on an ample octogonal plan and due to several changes presents a very sober Baroque image highlighted by a a gray gable roof above a a facade with a small wooden doorway. Despite that the silhouette of the Church has very interesting architectural details,the front side loyally reflects the canons adopted by the local artistic school, high and austere but with perfect and defined strong outlines.
The interior has a nave leading to a a wide choir, notable are the painted ceiling and the charming altar placed in a spacious apse established beneath a dome which is undoubtedly a notable artistic work of clear Italian inspiration very common to other works visible in Northern Italy in particular in the Regions of Lombardy and Piedmont.
Another site part of the local patrimony is the Cappella della Madonna delle Grazie, a small chapel erected to pay homage to the Our Lady of the Graces where you can admire a votive rustic wooden board depicting the Virgin Mary.
A further relevant historic monument is the Oratorio di San Sebastiano e Rocco dedicated to the Saints Sebastian and Roque erected between the late 16th and 17th century probably over an already existing Sacred construction elevated in 1570.
In the interior you can admire a splendid nave covered by fine wooden trusses and an apse established in the 19th century nowadays used as presbytery and sacristy while in the main the altar was placed a statue depicting St. Sebastian dating back the 17th century and a contemporary fresco representing the Last Supper made in 1980 by a painter from Bellinzona called Roberto Pasotti.
The Oratorio di Sant´Antonio Abate elevated in the 17th century in honour of St. Anthony the Abbott is another attraction of Bedretto. It consists in a small structure covered by a barrel vault containing different frescoes by the brothers Stefano and Tommaso Calgari from Osco, a small centre of the Valle Leventina.
In the choir probably developed in 1665 you can see one depicting St. John while on the vault of the nave others with angels and St, Joseph. In the altar dated the 17th century the main highlights are a Rococo reliquary and chandeliers made in in the late 17th century.
The Oratorio di San Carlo Borromeo in the neighbourhood of All' Acqua consists in a polygonal Sacred building totally rebuilt between 1981 and 1983 due to works along the Novena Pass by Alberto Finzi, an architect from Lugano.
Inside you can see a fresco dated 1983 by Roberto Pasotti and an oval canvas with painted St. Charles Borromeo praying, a work dated 18th century, a donation which took place in the 20th century of a group of Milanese visitors.
One of the main highlights of the territory is the splendid view of the Corno Gries also known as Grieshorn, a very scenic peak 2969,0 metres of altitude that with its picturesque silhouette is one of the fantastic attractions dominationg the Val Bedretto and it marks the borders between the Swiss Canton of Ticino and the Italian valley of Piedmont, Formazza.
It lies in a very special position within thres Alpine Passes, the Nunefen, San Giacomo and Gries, the latter giving it its name.The translation of that name means gray horn for its colour and shape with its summit overlooking a fantastic point of the valley forming aa sort of narrow channel in which some scattered tiny agglomerations are lined at its foot.
Very suggested if you are a trekking lover is a superb excursion to the glacier of that peak also leading to a magnificent small Alpine lake called Gries.The panoramic views during the ascent are absolutely unforgettable with landscapes reflecting all the beauty of the Lepontine Alps and it is certainly a must enjoying that journey if you are spending holidays in Bedretto.
Another strategic point for al the trekkers trekking is to explore the neighbourhood of All´Acqua. From there at an altitude of over 1600,0 metres start some beautiful Alpine paths reaching the Nufenen Pass situated at an altitude of 2480,0 metres which is the the second highest Swiss Pass for altitude and from there you will have the chance to enjoy a stunning view from another angle and perspective of the mentioned Corno Gries.
That Alpine Pass is also famous to be part of a relevant route linking the Canton of Ticino to the Canton of Valais, it is a great panoramic mountainous hallway linking two valleys such as the Val Bedretto and the Goms Valley both characterised by an uncontaminated nature and packed by green forests and verdant pastures surrounded by majestic peaks flanking that striking road.
It leads to Ulrichen, a picturesque village part of the municipality of Obergoms at 1346,0 metres of altitude, well known because it is a renowned Ski resort and it hosted some stages of Nordic Ski World Cup.
It is a very scenic place, with marvellous scattered forests at the foothills of the Alps along the river Rhône and in its boundaries you can admire some fascinating Walser wooden houses and the Kreuz Ulricher Feld, a granite cross dedicated to the Hero of Ulrichen.
On the Nufenen Pass you you are also close to the source of the river Ticino and descending towards south you can see a splendid scene representing the first section of that famous river 248,0 kilometres along its wildest course trough stunning gorges, rugged spurs,spectacular curves bordered by magnificent virgin Alpine forests, a beautiful view to immortalise in several pictures.
In the valley of Bedretto that waterway flanks three big forests in succession such as the Bosco dei Valloni which is situated immediately close to centre Bosco di Piei and the Bosco di Ossasco.
In the latter start some fantastic routes, one of them leading to a high picturesque plateau corresponding to the path which leads to the summit of the Alpe di Cristallina, a great peak of immense beauty lying in an area packed by a good number of Alpine streams and where is situated a refuge at 2575,0 metres of altitude, ideal place for a stop if you want to spend a full day enjoying trekking in the heart of the Lepontine Alps.
From Bedretto crossing its valley you can also reach Italy with the great chance to discover the superb beauty of the magnificent and wild Val Formazza trough another spectacular Pass,the stupendous Passo di San Giacomo, St.James Pass situated at an altitude of 2308,0 metres and considered by many people for its scenic image one of the most panoramic and suggestive of the entire Alpine chain.
Along it you will be enchanted by the view of a multitude of impressive wild rocky walls formed by majestic peaks in an area in which the Swiss Alps meet the Italian of the Verbano on the road leading to the splendid Lake Maggiore.
The scenery is rugged and extremely captivating with an incredible succession of superb images and that Pass ther one are many trails also ideal for mountain bike lovers with several options to discover hidden treasures such as beautiful gorges, steep paths crossing marvellous pine and firs forests and a rich fauna highlighted by chamois, ibex, marmots and a multitude of species of birds.
Once you reached the Val Formazza,in the Italian County of Verbano Cusio Ossola very suggested is a visit to the spectacular and famous Cascate del Toce, the Toce Waterfalls formed by a river with the same denomination which has its source at approximately 1800,0 metres of altitude in mountainous plateau called Piana di Riale, forming in Italian territory that unique and wonderful nature masterpiece with a drop highly inspiring for its location in the middle of two majestic Alpine rocky pillars.
Those waterfalls are simply unforgettable with a jump of over 140,0 metres, a view simply striking to immortalise in an endless number of photos considered a marvel are among the most spectacular of the entire Continent in its kind.
You can start the visit from the Chiesa dei Santi Martiri Maccabei, a Church representing a pillar of the local historic patrimony but with a very tumultuous past. Probably erected in the early 13th century and dedicated to St. Eusebio, it was rebuilt in the 14th century, exactly in 1327.
That Swiss centre was in the past victim of several avalanches and some of them sadly devastated that Religious construction in three occasions in 1594 ,1634 and 1695.
The late arrangement of that Sacred Temple is dated the end of 19th century and to preserve its architectural integrity by other natural disasters after the third reconstruction dated 1697 was erected a high bell tower on one side to protect the main body of the structure by further damages.
The Church was developed on an ample octogonal plan and due to several changes presents a very sober Baroque image highlighted by a a gray gable roof above a a facade with a small wooden doorway. Despite that the silhouette of the Church has very interesting architectural details,the front side loyally reflects the canons adopted by the local artistic school, high and austere but with perfect and defined strong outlines.
The interior has a nave leading to a a wide choir, notable are the painted ceiling and the charming altar placed in a spacious apse established beneath a dome which is undoubtedly a notable artistic work of clear Italian inspiration very common to other works visible in Northern Italy in particular in the Regions of Lombardy and Piedmont.
Another site part of the local patrimony is the Cappella della Madonna delle Grazie, a small chapel erected to pay homage to the Our Lady of the Graces where you can admire a votive rustic wooden board depicting the Virgin Mary.
A further relevant historic monument is the Oratorio di San Sebastiano e Rocco dedicated to the Saints Sebastian and Roque erected between the late 16th and 17th century probably over an already existing Sacred construction elevated in 1570.
In the interior you can admire a splendid nave covered by fine wooden trusses and an apse established in the 19th century nowadays used as presbytery and sacristy while in the main the altar was placed a statue depicting St. Sebastian dating back the 17th century and a contemporary fresco representing the Last Supper made in 1980 by a painter from Bellinzona called Roberto Pasotti.
The Oratorio di Sant´Antonio Abate elevated in the 17th century in honour of St. Anthony the Abbott is another attraction of Bedretto. It consists in a small structure covered by a barrel vault containing different frescoes by the brothers Stefano and Tommaso Calgari from Osco, a small centre of the Valle Leventina.
In the choir probably developed in 1665 you can see one depicting St. John while on the vault of the nave others with angels and St, Joseph. In the altar dated the 17th century the main highlights are a Rococo reliquary and chandeliers made in in the late 17th century.
The Oratorio di San Carlo Borromeo in the neighbourhood of All' Acqua consists in a polygonal Sacred building totally rebuilt between 1981 and 1983 due to works along the Novena Pass by Alberto Finzi, an architect from Lugano.
Inside you can see a fresco dated 1983 by Roberto Pasotti and an oval canvas with painted St. Charles Borromeo praying, a work dated 18th century, a donation which took place in the 20th century of a group of Milanese visitors.
One of the main highlights of the territory is the splendid view of the Corno Gries also known as Grieshorn, a very scenic peak 2969,0 metres of altitude that with its picturesque silhouette is one of the fantastic attractions dominationg the Val Bedretto and it marks the borders between the Swiss Canton of Ticino and the Italian valley of Piedmont, Formazza.
It lies in a very special position within thres Alpine Passes, the Nunefen, San Giacomo and Gries, the latter giving it its name.The translation of that name means gray horn for its colour and shape with its summit overlooking a fantastic point of the valley forming aa sort of narrow channel in which some scattered tiny agglomerations are lined at its foot.
Very suggested if you are a trekking lover is a superb excursion to the glacier of that peak also leading to a magnificent small Alpine lake called Gries.The panoramic views during the ascent are absolutely unforgettable with landscapes reflecting all the beauty of the Lepontine Alps and it is certainly a must enjoying that journey if you are spending holidays in Bedretto.
Another strategic point for al the trekkers trekking is to explore the neighbourhood of All´Acqua. From there at an altitude of over 1600,0 metres start some beautiful Alpine paths reaching the Nufenen Pass situated at an altitude of 2480,0 metres which is the the second highest Swiss Pass for altitude and from there you will have the chance to enjoy a stunning view from another angle and perspective of the mentioned Corno Gries.
That Alpine Pass is also famous to be part of a relevant route linking the Canton of Ticino to the Canton of Valais, it is a great panoramic mountainous hallway linking two valleys such as the Val Bedretto and the Goms Valley both characterised by an uncontaminated nature and packed by green forests and verdant pastures surrounded by majestic peaks flanking that striking road.
It leads to Ulrichen, a picturesque village part of the municipality of Obergoms at 1346,0 metres of altitude, well known because it is a renowned Ski resort and it hosted some stages of Nordic Ski World Cup.
It is a very scenic place, with marvellous scattered forests at the foothills of the Alps along the river Rhône and in its boundaries you can admire some fascinating Walser wooden houses and the Kreuz Ulricher Feld, a granite cross dedicated to the Hero of Ulrichen.
On the Nufenen Pass you you are also close to the source of the river Ticino and descending towards south you can see a splendid scene representing the first section of that famous river 248,0 kilometres along its wildest course trough stunning gorges, rugged spurs,spectacular curves bordered by magnificent virgin Alpine forests, a beautiful view to immortalise in several pictures.
In the valley of Bedretto that waterway flanks three big forests in succession such as the Bosco dei Valloni which is situated immediately close to centre Bosco di Piei and the Bosco di Ossasco.
In the latter start some fantastic routes, one of them leading to a high picturesque plateau corresponding to the path which leads to the summit of the Alpe di Cristallina, a great peak of immense beauty lying in an area packed by a good number of Alpine streams and where is situated a refuge at 2575,0 metres of altitude, ideal place for a stop if you want to spend a full day enjoying trekking in the heart of the Lepontine Alps.
From Bedretto crossing its valley you can also reach Italy with the great chance to discover the superb beauty of the magnificent and wild Val Formazza trough another spectacular Pass,the stupendous Passo di San Giacomo, St.James Pass situated at an altitude of 2308,0 metres and considered by many people for its scenic image one of the most panoramic and suggestive of the entire Alpine chain.
Along it you will be enchanted by the view of a multitude of impressive wild rocky walls formed by majestic peaks in an area in which the Swiss Alps meet the Italian of the Verbano on the road leading to the splendid Lake Maggiore.
The scenery is rugged and extremely captivating with an incredible succession of superb images and that Pass ther one are many trails also ideal for mountain bike lovers with several options to discover hidden treasures such as beautiful gorges, steep paths crossing marvellous pine and firs forests and a rich fauna highlighted by chamois, ibex, marmots and a multitude of species of birds.
Once you reached the Val Formazza,in the Italian County of Verbano Cusio Ossola very suggested is a visit to the spectacular and famous Cascate del Toce, the Toce Waterfalls formed by a river with the same denomination which has its source at approximately 1800,0 metres of altitude in mountainous plateau called Piana di Riale, forming in Italian territory that unique and wonderful nature masterpiece with a drop highly inspiring for its location in the middle of two majestic Alpine rocky pillars.
Those waterfalls are simply unforgettable with a jump of over 140,0 metres, a view simply striking to immortalise in an endless number of photos considered a marvel are among the most spectacular of the entire Continent in its kind.
Bedretto is also very close to the Canton of Uri offerinng other opportunities to enjoy other options wit a multitude of excursions also in that wonderful land discovering the charm of the superb Ursental, another marvellous valley as that other formed by the river Reuss which has its source in the Saint-Gotthard Massif.
Once there do noy miss the Dammastock, the highest peak of the Canton with its 3630,0 metres north of the very scenic Furka Pass and the unique opportunity to visit beautiful towns such as Andermatt, Altdforf, Seedorf and Schattdorf among others.
All those places are a Mecca for who loves cycling on road or mountain bike all those Alpine Passes highlighted by challenging climbs and during those outdoor activities taking the chance to admire unforgettable views overlooking virgin valleys and cycling under towering peaks and for that another stunning place is the nearest Valle Leventina visiting Faido, Prato, Giornico, Quinto and the previously mentioned Airolo and Dalpe also them sites which will remain impressed in your memories.
There are furthermore all around those sites several dirt and mixed routes crossing local oaks and firs forests, a splendid scenery with an endless variety of itineraries with different coefficient of difficulty to try and enjoy far from traffic and busy places in a succession of up and down with long climbs and immediately after magnificent steep descends.
Bedretto is a great place and a superb destination to practise Nordic Ski, a sort of little Norway, a kind of captivating Scandinavian oasis but in Swiss land between splendid forests and magnificent mountains.
It is certainly the right place in which it is possible to enjoy great Ski Cross Country thanks to the perfect conformation of the territory of the valley particularly suitable for that kind of sport extremely popular in Northern Europe.
Once there do noy miss the Dammastock, the highest peak of the Canton with its 3630,0 metres north of the very scenic Furka Pass and the unique opportunity to visit beautiful towns such as Andermatt, Altdforf, Seedorf and Schattdorf among others.
All those places are a Mecca for who loves cycling on road or mountain bike all those Alpine Passes highlighted by challenging climbs and during those outdoor activities taking the chance to admire unforgettable views overlooking virgin valleys and cycling under towering peaks and for that another stunning place is the nearest Valle Leventina visiting Faido, Prato, Giornico, Quinto and the previously mentioned Airolo and Dalpe also them sites which will remain impressed in your memories.
There are furthermore all around those sites several dirt and mixed routes crossing local oaks and firs forests, a splendid scenery with an endless variety of itineraries with different coefficient of difficulty to try and enjoy far from traffic and busy places in a succession of up and down with long climbs and immediately after magnificent steep descends.
Bedretto is a great place and a superb destination to practise Nordic Ski, a sort of little Norway, a kind of captivating Scandinavian oasis but in Swiss land between splendid forests and magnificent mountains.
It is certainly the right place in which it is possible to enjoy great Ski Cross Country thanks to the perfect conformation of the territory of the valley particularly suitable for that kind of sport extremely popular in Northern Europe.
That Swiss Municipality has its own Nordic Skiing track developed along a trail of approximately 6,5 kilometres fantastically prepared every year by the very active local Ski Club Bedretto.
That ring is very good suitable for all, a great place for the specialists of classic style as well as for those who love the free style or skating invented more than 30 years ago by the Finnish athlete Pauli Siitonen.
That superb Association has a good number of members and approximately 130 people very active to the maintenance keeping that environment in excellent conditions to practise that spectacular activity in the best way in a fascinating heaven in the Lepontine Alps.
The flows of incoming to enjoy that very captivating activity are mainly from other corners of the Canton but also from the nearest Italian Regions of Lombardy and Piedmont and many people fond of that once tried Bedretto ring return there without hesitations.
Apart the excellent organisation, it is always a pleasure to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere presents in all its surroundings spending unforgettable times in an area simply perfect for that activity.
it is a very peaceful place to spend a weekend or holidays choosing a very tranquil and calm destination far from the urban stressful daily rhythms.Including its relevant altitude at 1400,0 metres even for that is an ideal site to carry out a very good preparation for every athlete with excellent opportunities to improve performances thanks to the work at a high quote.
That ring is very good suitable for all, a great place for the specialists of classic style as well as for those who love the free style or skating invented more than 30 years ago by the Finnish athlete Pauli Siitonen.
That superb Association has a good number of members and approximately 130 people very active to the maintenance keeping that environment in excellent conditions to practise that spectacular activity in the best way in a fascinating heaven in the Lepontine Alps.
The flows of incoming to enjoy that very captivating activity are mainly from other corners of the Canton but also from the nearest Italian Regions of Lombardy and Piedmont and many people fond of that once tried Bedretto ring return there without hesitations.
Apart the excellent organisation, it is always a pleasure to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere presents in all its surroundings spending unforgettable times in an area simply perfect for that activity.
it is a very peaceful place to spend a weekend or holidays choosing a very tranquil and calm destination far from the urban stressful daily rhythms.Including its relevant altitude at 1400,0 metres even for that is an ideal site to carry out a very good preparation for every athlete with excellent opportunities to improve performances thanks to the work at a high quote.
Switzerland is not a country only popular for the famous Alpine Ski but very relevant is also the prestigious tradition which links that Nation with several fans and skiers to Nordic Ski. It produced Top Athletes such as Dario Cologna who was Olympic champion and winner of several editions of the World Cup, one of the current iconic athletes in that sport and other champions of the past who have reached levels of extreme relevance as Giachem Guidon but also Andreas "Andi" Grunenfelder among others.
Other activities very practised are also Ski adventure and snowshoes with the chance to discover beautiful hidden places covered by snow reaching stupendous corners practically inaccessible by other means.
If you are fond of Alpine Ski the Valle Leventina with Airolo is a resort offering numerous ski slopes including some Black tracks for expert skiers and even snowboarding with the option to try spectacular kilometres of challenging pistes developed next to very well organised networks boasting extraordinary services and facilities.
The Canton of Ticino is situated in an Alpine area which has not pervasive temperatures and therefore an excellent destination to spend holidays, short breaks and pleasant stays all year enjoying several sunny days a year.
Local cuisine plays an important role next to al that rest, the culinary art of that great Swiss Alpine Valley is highly appreciated by every visitor who find genuine products and flavours absolutely unique and unforgettable.
Some of the typical recipes of the Canton are traditional specialities as Stufati consisting in meat stews such as Spezzatini di Manzo, beef cubes cooked in sauce adding different kind of spices or the Brasato, very similar to that one prepared in Italy which is a stew of beef slices in sauce. Another delectable speciality is the Costine di Maiale alla griglia, grilled pork ribs and a further is the Busecca, tripe cooked with vegetables.
Those dishes are often accompanied by the famed Polenta, another gastronomic highlight prepared in many styles with cheese ,mushrooms or meat. Very famous is a plate called Polenta Concia in which that yellow product is cooked with butter and adding different melted cheeses and naturally you can also find the iconic Swiss Fondue.
Other plates very typical are the Zuppa di Zucca, pumpkin soup and the Minestrone, rice cooked in stock adding a large variety of vegetables.
The area also produces delicious local Pancetta, a delectable kind of cured bacon with a special taste, highly appreciated are the pork, wild boar and deer Salami and a typical delectable Mortadella, all products often combined all together in rich appetisers, starters or assorted buffets.
Another special dish which worth a mention is the Risotto with Salsicce, risotto with special sausages, a speciality adding to the rice cooked with onion,butter and white wine local Luganighe sausages while the delicious Risotto con Funghi is prepared with fresh porcini mushrooms.
For all those who loves cheeses you are in land boasting several great delights, as the superb and famed Formaggelle but also others of high level such as Zincarlin, Robiola, Capra Ticino, a superb goat cheese and furthermore as highlight of that rich dairy activity worth a special mention the production a genuine Burro d' Alpeggio, a local butter directly made in farms situated in hamlets at a relevant altitude using fresh milk loyal to a secular tradition.
The area is also well known for the renowned biscotti di pasta frolla, shortbread biscuits and as in the nearest Valle Leventina also popular are the Spampezie, big biscuit filled with nuts. With chestnuts are prepared delicious Marron Glaces and pretty popular is also the Torta di Pane, made with flour, bread, peanuts, eggs, sultanas, lemon, milk, sugar and butter.
Bedretto is located at just 96,0 kilometres from the city Lugano which with its International Airport of Agno is undoubtedly a great chance and approximately at 130,0 kilometres from Zurich, so not so far from important Airports with an excellent chance of connections and combinations in terms of international flights.
Some of the typical recipes of the Canton are traditional specialities as Stufati consisting in meat stews such as Spezzatini di Manzo, beef cubes cooked in sauce adding different kind of spices or the Brasato, very similar to that one prepared in Italy which is a stew of beef slices in sauce. Another delectable speciality is the Costine di Maiale alla griglia, grilled pork ribs and a further is the Busecca, tripe cooked with vegetables.
Those dishes are often accompanied by the famed Polenta, another gastronomic highlight prepared in many styles with cheese ,mushrooms or meat. Very famous is a plate called Polenta Concia in which that yellow product is cooked with butter and adding different melted cheeses and naturally you can also find the iconic Swiss Fondue.
Other plates very typical are the Zuppa di Zucca, pumpkin soup and the Minestrone, rice cooked in stock adding a large variety of vegetables.
The area also produces delicious local Pancetta, a delectable kind of cured bacon with a special taste, highly appreciated are the pork, wild boar and deer Salami and a typical delectable Mortadella, all products often combined all together in rich appetisers, starters or assorted buffets.
Another special dish which worth a mention is the Risotto with Salsicce, risotto with special sausages, a speciality adding to the rice cooked with onion,butter and white wine local Luganighe sausages while the delicious Risotto con Funghi is prepared with fresh porcini mushrooms.
For all those who loves cheeses you are in land boasting several great delights, as the superb and famed Formaggelle but also others of high level such as Zincarlin, Robiola, Capra Ticino, a superb goat cheese and furthermore as highlight of that rich dairy activity worth a special mention the production a genuine Burro d' Alpeggio, a local butter directly made in farms situated in hamlets at a relevant altitude using fresh milk loyal to a secular tradition.
The area is also well known for the renowned biscotti di pasta frolla, shortbread biscuits and as in the nearest Valle Leventina also popular are the Spampezie, big biscuit filled with nuts. With chestnuts are prepared delicious Marron Glaces and pretty popular is also the Torta di Pane, made with flour, bread, peanuts, eggs, sultanas, lemon, milk, sugar and butter.
Bedretto is located at just 96,0 kilometres from the city Lugano which with its International Airport of Agno is undoubtedly a great chance and approximately at 130,0 kilometres from Zurich, so not so far from important Airports with an excellent chance of connections and combinations in terms of international flights.
That town and its valley are a great destination offering an endless number of options to spend enjoyable holidays, a fascinating heaven for all those who want to discover the superb appeal of the Lepontine Alps, a unique experience to admire one of the most enchanting corner of Switzerland highlighted by an unforgettable fairytale scenery packed by stunning natural attractions.
The captivating charm of the Alpine Canton of Ticino with its mountains is something absolutely unique delighting a multitude of people for its impressive beauty and the Val Bedretto is a very special valley which conquers all visitors at first sight and at the end of a fantastic stay it always transmits a message received by everybody with the desire to return there as soon as possible.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Accomodations in Bedretto and immediate surroundings
Chalet Stella Alpina
Hotel Forni (at Airolo)
Useful links
www.chaletstellaalpina.com
www.forni.ch
www.ticino.ch/it/tours/...Val-Bedretto/105810.html
www.myswitzerland.com/it/val-bedretto.html
www.forni.ch
www.ticino.ch/it/tours/...Val-Bedretto/105810.html
www.myswitzerland.com/it/val-bedretto.html
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