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Image 0 - Hiking holidays: Sentiero Cristallina
Image 1 - Hiking holidays: Sentiero Cristallina
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Hiking holidays: Sentiero Cristallina

The Sentiero Cristallina starts in Bavona valley. You climb towards the artificial lakes of Robiei, passing through picturesque villages with pointed bell towers and typical stone houses. One last look back; then you turn your back on the Bavona valley and climb through the barren mountain landscape.

Intense blue lakes and glittering rocks are the colourful touches that accompany you on your hike to the Cristallina Pass. Gastronomic wonders await you at the pass: a break at the Capanna Cristallina gives you energy for the descent into the Val Bedretto. The hike along the Sentiero Cristallina is demanding but shows the most beautiful sides of Ticino.

Online booking: EUROTREK

Itinerary:

Day 1: Individual arrival in Locarno

Day 2: By bus to Bignasco - Robiei | Bignasco - Robiei

By bus to the Maggia Valley and start of the hike in Bignasco. The Val Bavona is characterised by steep mountain slopes, wild vegetation, lots of rock and twelve rustic hamlets. Very special: the dwellings built into rock cavities. Worth seeing: the 50 m high waterfall in Foroglio. By bus back to Bignasco. Cable car ride up to the artificial lake of Robiei.

Details: distance ca. 14 km, climb 900 m, descent 300 m, duration: 4.5 h

Day 3: Robiei - Capanna Cristallina CAS

Pass along lakes to the modern Capanna Cristallina. The ice masses of the Basodino sparkle on the other side and the chalet is surrounded by crystal clear rocks. If you wish, you can extend the short day's walk with a hike to one of the many lakes in this area. Lago Bianco, Lago Negro or the Cavagnöo reservoir and many others make the Gotthard region the water tower of Europe.

Details: distance ca. 7 km, climb 760 m, descent 100 m, duration: 3 h

Day 4: Capanna Cristallina CAS - Airolo | Departure

The route along the stony mountain slopes leads to the Val Bedretto mountain trail, passing beautiful alpine meadows with typical double fountains. The high moors glow with powerful colours and the views of the Gotthard massif are impressive. After arrival in Airolo, individual departure.

Details: distance ca. 17 km, climb 275 m, descent 1'695 m, duration: 5 h

Services:

  • 3 overnights stays with breakfast
  • Half-board at the Cristallina Hut
  • Daily luggage transport 
  • Ticino Ticket
  • Guide (perfectly designed itinerary)
  • Detailed tour documentation
  • GPS-data available
  • 7-day Helpline 
  • Costs for luggage deposit at the station

Not included:

  • Cable car San Carlo - Robiei,  approx. CHF 15.-