There are gravel routes that impress primarily because of their length. And there are others where the distance almost becomes a secondary consideration. The Ticino Traverso falls into the second category. 325 kilometers and about 6,000 meters of elevation gain lie between Chiasso and the Gotthard Pass. Those seeking an uncompromising, boundary-pushing experience will tackle the adventure in one go. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can break the tour down into individual stages and spend the night at one of the many bike hotels or bed-and-breakfasts that Ticino has to offer.
From the Mediterranean South to the Heart of the Alps
From Chiasso, the Ticino Traverso climbs to 2,106 meters at the Gotthard Pass—showcasing Ticino at its most beautiful. The route begins in the southern part of the canton, where a Mediterranean flair, vineyards, and proximity to the Po Valley define the character of the region. With a view of Monte San Giorgio, the route heads to Meride and continues toward Lake Lugano. Cobblestone streets wind through historic villages, alternating with side roads and short gravel sections. Vico Morcote, Carona, and Montagnola are among the first highlights before the route follows the lakeshore at Caslano. After that, things get quieter.
Where Ticino Gets Wild
The Malcantone region, with its forests, small villages, and secluded trails, offers a foretaste of the alpine portion of the journey. The route continues across the Magadino Plain and through the nature reserve at the mouth of the Ticino River to Lake Maggiore. Ascona, the Brissago Islands, and the Maggia Valley mark yet another change in landscape: Palm trees and lakeside promenades give way to chestnut forests, granite, and clear mountain streams. By the time you reach Bellinzona, the gravel ride has turned into an alpine traverse. The three castles of Ticino’s capital are a cultural highlight, after which the terrain becomes increasingly mountainous. Via Biasca and Giornico, the route leads into the Leventina. Historic villages like Chironico and high-altitude hamlets like Gribbio seem here like a counterpoint to the glamorous side of the canton along the major lakes. At Altanca, at around 1,400 meters, you finally reach the alpine world.
22 curves to the grand finale
The final stretch is a real challenge: after Airolo, the Tremola—one of Switzerland’s most spectacular historic alpine roads—awaits. Twenty-two hairpin turns wind upward on granite cobblestones to the Gotthard Pass. At 2,106 meters, the journey ends at a point whose landscape could hardly be more different from the starting point of the Ticino Traverso.
To Each Their Own
The 325 kilometers can be ridden as a long bikepacking trip, in multiple daily stages, or in custom-designed segments. Ticino Traverso does not prescribe any specific stages. Technically, the route as a whole is not extremely demanding, though a few short climbs require a good gear ratio and good physical conditioning. For gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and touring bikes, tires of at least 40 millimeters are recommended.
Logistically, the tour is also relatively straightforward: Chiasso is easily accessible by public transportation, and from the Gotthard Pass, connections via Airolo or Altdorf lead back down into the valley. Accommodations, restaurants, shopping, and drinking water are available at regular intervals along the route.
The Full Splendor of Ticino
The real appeal of the Ticino Traverso, however, lies less in the raw statistics than in the drama of the route itself. Hardly any other route combines Mediterranean landscapes, historic sites, lakes, vineyards, secluded valleys, and a high-Alpine backdrop within such a compact area. Those who have so far associated Ticino primarily with palm trees, gelaterias, and the romance of Lake Maggiore will discover here a second, distinctly wilder side of the canton. The Ticino Traverso is therefore less a single gravel route than a journey through different worlds—with the bicycle as the connecting element.
Facts & Figures
Difficulty: moderate
Length: 325 km
Elevation gain: 5,945 m
Lowest elevation: 4,111 m
Everything about the Ticino Traverso: www.ticinotraverso.com
Enter to Win
Ticino is constantly expanding its biking and gravel offerings. And it loves to do so together with cyclists. Anyone who shares their experiences with Ticino Turismo and takes a few minutes to complete a short survey has the chance to win a stay at a Ticino bike hotel.
www.ticino.ch/campaigns/survey-mtb
Photos: Tom Malecha
