Olivone: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
In the Swiss canton of Ticino, Olivone is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The tranquil place is sun-drenched in the upper Blenio Valley at the foot of the pyramid-shaped Sosto mountain. In the High Middle Ages, Olivone was an important pass village on the Lukmanier Pass. Today, old mule tracks, bike routes, cross-country ski trails, and kilometers of ski slopes invite you to be active in an impressive mountain landscape.
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Olivone - Must-see attractions
Cadlimo Hut
The Cadlimo Hut is located on a picturesque plateau in the Swiss Alps and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Well-marked trails lead into the untouched nature. The rock walls in the area attract climbers. After an active day in the mountains, you can recharge with traditional specialties in the mountain hut. Or relax with an aperitif at 2,570 meters altitude and simply enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Church of San Carlo
With its secluded location surrounded by meadows, forests, and Alpine peaks, the church of San Carlo di Negrentino is an outstanding photo subject. Even the path over a suspension bridge to this Romanesque church from the 11th century is a real experience. Inside, the church impresses with its artistic frescoes in Romanesque and late Gothic style. Especially the depiction of the Ascension of Christ on the west wall stands out and probably dates back to the mid-11th century.
Olivone Village
West of the community situated at an altitude of 902 meters, hiking enthusiasts reach the densely forested granite landscapes of Valle Santa Maria, which are under nature protection, via the Lukmanier Pass. To the east, the Adula peaks entice with challenging mountain tours. The high valley Val di Carassino is also a popular hiking destination. Climbing fans are drawn to the Luzzone Dam, 7 km away, where a climbing route runs along its 165-meter-high dam wall. In contrast, leisurely walks can be enjoyed in Olivone. In the center, the tower of the 12th-century parish church San Martino rises.
Lake Luzzone
Lake Luzzone is especially popular among hiking and climbing enthusiasts. Your hiking tour starts in Campio Blenio and leads over the lakeshore, the Motterascio hut, and the Greina Pass to the Scaletta hut. The view over the surrounding mountain peaks is breathtaking. The approximately 160 m high dam wall of Lake Luzzone serves as a climbing wall. It is the longest artificial climbing route in the world with 650 bolted holds. The last section is considered particularly difficult.
Leit Hut Cabin
From the Capanna Leit Hut on a picturesque mountain plateau over 2,250 m high, the view sweeps over the surrounding peaks and valleys of the Swiss Alps. In the rustic hut rooms, you warm up with a hot chocolate or enjoy traditional alpine delicacies. Various hiking trails lead from the hut through the mountains to worthwhile viewpoints. From easy family hikes to challenging mountain tours, there is something for every hiker. Worth seeing is the Lago Tremorgio above Rodi-Fiesso.
Church of Saint Mary
The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in the capital of Ticino, Bellinzona, and is one of the most beautiful churches in Ticino. Originally, a Franciscan monastery was attached to the church, which was built at the end of the 15th century, leaving its architectural traces. Admire numerous impressive frescoes by both well-known and unknown artists in the cloister and chapels. Additionally, the church houses valuable paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as old tombstones and imposing wrought-iron grilles from the 16th and 18th centuries.
Olivone - Secret spots
Cristallina Trail
The lesser-known hiking trail Sentiero Cristallina takes adventurers to the beautiful Cristallina Hut and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps. The path traverses diverse landscapes, including alpine meadows and glacial streams, and is ideal for those who want to experience the tranquility of the Swiss Alps.
Blenio Museum
The Blenio Museum in Lottigna near Olivone in Ticino is located in a former residence of the bailiffs from the 16th century, whose coats of arms adorn the facade. The local history collection is dedicated to topics such as livestock farming, agriculture, and traditional crafts. The Blenio Museum is open to visitors from April to November.
Lake Carassina
The Lago di Carassina reservoir is located at an altitude of 1,705 m in the valley of the same name near Olivone in the canton of Ticino. The elongated Carassina Valley is a popular hiking area. Take a leisurely hike from the slightly further north Lago di Luzzone to the alpine hut Cappana Adula, where you will overcome 500 meters in altitude.
La Congiunta Museum
The Museo La Congiunta is located in the Ticino municipality of Giornico, about a 35-minute drive from Olivone. The modern concrete and steel building was constructed according to the plans of architect Peter Märkli and displays the sculptures created by artist Hans Josephsohn between 1950 and 1990. Visitors can pick up the key to the museum at the Restaurant Giornico.
Olivone - In 3 days
Day 1
At the start of the day, visit the Museo di San Martino. The building, constructed in the late 15th century with local architectural character, is housed in the "Ca' da Rivoi." It showcases everyday objects, traditional items, as well as craft and agricultural tools. In the collection of sacred art, you will find items from local churches and oratories such as paintings, sculptures, jewelry, chests, and magnificent garments. After spending two to four hours at the museum, visit the nearby Chiesa di San Paolo e Pietro. The single-nave building, first mentioned in the 13th century, with a polygonal choir, houses artworks from various periods: Discover the Romanesque bell tower, the Baroque side chapels, and the late Baroque high altar with polished stucco. Then, embark on the historical Negrentino circular trail. On its 4.5 kilometers, you will experience an exciting journey through time with old churches, chapels, as well as artistic frescoes and sculptures. Highlights include the San Carlo di Negrentino church on the former mule track to the Narapass.
Day 2
Right after breakfast, you will visit the Alpine Foundation for Life Sciences in Olivone. This institution dedicated to biosciences researches spice and medicinal plants, their active ingredients, and their therapeutic effects in human and veterinary medicine. During your stay, you will gain insights into the laboratories for chemistry, toxicology, and phytopharmacology. Additionally, the institute, which is open year-round, offers botanical excursions, various workshops on ointment and oil production, training sessions, and much more. In the afternoon, you will set off for Aquarossa in the Blenio Valley, about 10 kilometers away. From the typical Ticino mountain valley with steep, lushly vegetated mountain slopes and a deep, sunny valley floor, you will start an easy and family-friendly hike to the Brenno Gorge. Along the way, you will pass through the gray-green idyllic mountain landscape. You will always be accompanied by the ever-present rushing of the Brenno River, which has carved its way through the rock for millennia.
Day 3
On the third day of your stay, it's time to head into nature. Between Olivone and Lukmanier Pass, seven different nature trails provide you with various information about the region: from the biodiversity of the Alps to renewable energy or climate. The circular routes, ranging from 6 to 14 kilometers, can be walked in 1 to 4 hours. For example, start the 3.7-kilometer family-friendly Sentiera dell’Aqua, located about 17 kilometers west of Olivone, from the Pro Natura Center in Acquacalda to the village of Dötra and heighten your awareness of climate change-related changes in the Alps. After a refreshment, head to the easy circular route suitable for hikers and mountain bikers in the Blenio Valley, which takes you along rural settlements, dry stone walls, and votive chapels. The highlight is the Ponte tibano: this 70-meter-long suspension bridge crossing the Riascio River connects Sallo (Olivone) and Pinaderio (Aquila). On it and afterwards, you will feel a gentle up and down sway.