Lakes around Quinto, located in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland, are set within an alpine landscape. The region is known for its mountain passes and valleys, offering diverse natural features. The Piora Valley, accessible from Quinto, contains several notable lakes. This area provides a range of outdoor activities amidst its natural environment.
Last updated: April 9, 2026
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Hiking around Quinto
Running Trails around Quinto
Cycling around Quinto
MTB Trails around Quinto
Road Cycling Routes around Quinto
Mountain Hikes around Quinto
Scenic pass that is opened all year round (closes at 6pm in winter). There is hardly any traffic which makes cycling very nice and plenty of opportunities to take pictures. We crossed the pass in early May when there was still plenty of snow up there. The change in scenery where it was all green at Disentis and slowly turning white as we climbed higher... and very quickly turned to green as we rolled down on the south side to Biasca was breathtaking.
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The Lucomagno is one of the most famous Alpine passes in Switzerland. It is located between the cantons of Ticino and Grisons, at an altitude of 1,926 meters. The name seems to derive from the Latin "locus magnus", meaning "large, open place". It is often tackled in the professional race of the Tour of Switzerland.
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Lukmanier Pass When the Disentis monastery was founded around 720, the Lukmanier Pass, which could be crossed without great difficulty and was also considerably lower than the other passes in the Alps, became very important. During the Staufer period, it was considered the most important north-south connection to Italy. However, it quickly lost this role to the Gotthard and Splügen passes. In 1374, the Disentis monastery built the "Hospezi S. Maria" with a chapel on the top of the pass. Both had to make way for the construction of the reservoir in 1964. The new hospice at the current location was inaugurated on August 1, 1965 and the chapel in 1967. The Lukmanier Pass played an important role in the choice of the route of an Alpine railway at times, because the planners assumed that it would be possible to build it without an expensive summit tunnel. In 1869, however, the decision was made in favor of the Gotthard railway. Between 1872 and 1877, a modern road was built over the Lukmanier. With the construction of the "Lai da Sontga Maria" reservoir in the 1960s, the road on the Graubünden side had to be relocated to a gallery. The importance of a supra-regional transport axis ended with the opening of the motorway tunnel through the Gotthard. Tourism in the Surselva began to suffer greatly as a result, especially as the pass was closed during the winter from 1980 onwards. On the initiative of the municipality of Disentis and the Surselva mountain railways in particular, the "Pro Lucmagn" association was founded, which has been responsible for ensuring that the Lukmanier pass remains open for as long as possible in winter since 2005. The canton, district, municipalities and tourism in both Graubünden and Ticino provide the finances. The five-year trial phase was positive. This project has been secured for the long term since 2011. Clearly to the benefit of tourism in the Surselva as well as in the Blenio Valley. Text / Source: Interest Group for Alpine Passes IAP, PO Box 11, 6491 Realp https://www.alpen-paesse.ch/de/alpenpaesse/lukmanierpass/
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At the Oberalp Pass at 2,044 meters, not only is the obligatory "passport photo" waiting at the Oberalp Pass sign, but also the only lighthouse in the Alps. It comes from Rotterdam, where the original lighthouse can be found in the Maritime Museum, which once stood in Hoek van Holland, at the mouth of the Rhine into the North Sea - thus completing the circle from the source to the mouth.
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The Lukmanier Pass is located at almost 2,000 m above sea level between the Swiss cantons of Ticino and Grisons. It can be reached by crossing the Blenio valley which is the sunniest of the Swiss ones, therefore called "Valle del Sole".
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The Lukmanier Pass is located at almost 2,000 m above sea level between the Swiss cantons of Ticino and Grisons. It can be reached by crossing the Blenio valley which is the sunniest of the Swiss ones, therefore called "Valle del Sole".
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The Oberalp pass connects the cantons of Uri and Grisons. The pass, which is located at 2,046 meters above sea level, has been open to vehicles since the mid-19th century.
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Fantastically beautiful location and nature, a place to dream.
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The lakes around Quinto offer diverse natural features. Lake Ritom, the largest mountain lake in Ticino, is known for its deep blue waters and dramatic alpine scenery. Lago di Tom features clear blue water and a rare white sandy beach, reminiscent of the Caribbean. Lago Cadagno is scientifically unique as one of the few meromictic lakes globally, with distinct unmixed water layers supporting unique microbial life.
Yes, Lago di Tom is particularly inviting for swimming. It boasts clear blue water and a white sandy beach area with a long shallow section, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing dip or simply relaxing by the water.
The region offers extensive hiking opportunities. A popular option is the 'Three Lakes Hike' in the Piora Valley, which connects Lago Ritom, Lago di Tom, and Lago Cadagno. You can also enjoy a relatively easy 3-hour loop around Lake Ritom. For more challenging routes, explore the hiking trails around Quinto, which include paths like the 'Path of the Piora Valley lakes' and ascents to Capanna Cadlimo.
Lago Ritom is famously accessible via the Ritom Funicular, one of Switzerland's steepest, offering impressive views during the ascent. Alternatively, you can reach it by hiking or mountain biking from areas like Piotta or Ambri, with routes like 'Lago Ritom e Lago di Cadagno da Piotta' available in the MTB Trails around Quinto guide.
Absolutely. The area around Quinto and its lakes is popular for cycling. The Lukmanier Pass, which includes a lake, is known for its scenic routes and is often part of cycling events. You can find various options in the MTB Trails around Quinto and Road Cycling Routes around Quinto guides, including challenging loops around Lago Ritom.
Lago Cadagno is unique due to its meromictic nature. This means its deep and surface water layers do not mix, creating distinct oxygenated and anoxic layers. This phenomenon supports diverse microbial life, including unique sulfur bacteria, making it an important site for ecological and biological study.
Yes, particularly near Lago Cadagno in the Piora Valley. The Alpe Piora cheese dairy is located nearby and is famous for its Piora cheese, which is considered among the best in Switzerland. Many visitors enjoy combining their hike with a taste of this local specialty.
Many areas around the lakes are suitable for families. Lake Ritom offers relatively easy paths for walking around the lake, and the funicular ride is an exciting experience for all ages. The Lukmanier Pass area is also noted as family-friendly, with beautiful landscapes and less demanding routes.
The Piora Valley, where many of these lakes are located, is rich in fauna. Along the trails leading to Lago di Tom, marmots can sometimes be spotted. Lake Ritom is also known for its trout population, making it a spot for fishing enthusiasts.
The Source of the Rhine – Lai da Tuma (also known as Lake Toma) is a significant lake as it is considered the source of the Rhine River. This area offers paths for walking and views of high moorland, providing a unique natural experience at the very beginning of one of Europe's major rivers.
The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the alpine trails are clear of snow and the weather is pleasant for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the outdoor scenery. This period allows full access to the funicular and the various lake activities.
The Lukmanier Pass is a notable historical site. It was once considered a crucial north-south connection in the Alps and features a hospice with a chapel. The pass has a rich history, playing a role in medieval trade routes and later in discussions for an alpine railway, making it interesting for those who appreciate historical context amidst natural beauty.
Still not found your perfect lake around Quinto? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
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