A spectacular hike suspended between civilization and uncivilized valleys

The Monte Tamaro – Monte Lema mountain trail is one of the most beautiful hikes of Switzerland. The spectacular view during the whole hike extends itself between the Lugano and Locarno area, the valleys, the lakes, the Swiss Pre-Alps and further over Ticino, Valais and Italy.
Alpe Foppa is the starting point of this trail which sees its first conquest when reaching the summit of Monte Tamaro at 1,962 m a.s.l after about an hour of hiking. It is absolutely worth the effort as you are rewarded with a magnificent view and it is the beginning of a not too demanding up and down hike along the crest of the mountain. The hike passes through peaks, slopes, and alpine pastures to reach Monte Lema, in Malcantone (1,620 m a.s.l). During the entire route, the view widens to the north over Lake Maggiore, Centovalli, Verzasca, Vallemaggia, Locarno and Bellinzona, while you can see Lugano, with its valleys and lake to the south. The most majestic peaks of the Alps, such as Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn, also stand out.
Departing from Alpe Foppa, we recommend you continue until the summit of Monte Tamaro. There is also a path which undergoes the summit and accordingly shortens the route by about half an hour, hereby losing the unique view offered by walking over the summit. It is also possible to avoid the passage to the summit of Monte Gradiccioli, opting for a flat but less scenic variant.

The combined Ticket Monte Tamaro – Monte Lema is sold until 11:30. People getting back to Rivera by private shuttle, must take at latest the gondola of 16:45 down from Monte Lema.

Main stops: Alpe Foppa – Capanna Tamaro – Monte Tamaro – Bassa d’Indemini – Bassa di Montoia – Monte Gradiccioli – Monte Pola – Rifugio Agario – Zottone – Monte Lema

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