Easy hikes and walks around Lake Luzzone

Located at the foot of the pyramid-shaped Sosto (2,221 meters), Olivone is the starting point for excursions and cycling tours to the impressive Greina plateau, the original Val di Campo or the Luzzone dam. Towards the Lukmanier Pass (Valle Santa Maria) you reach the eco center in Acquacalda with a guesthouse and restaurant in a park-like natural landscape. Towards the east we head steeply into the Adula mountain range with the Rheinwaldhorn, the highest peak in the region. Historically, the pass town of Olivone experienced its heyday in the High Middle Ages, when the Lukmanier Pass was an important traffic artery. The villagescape includes stately country estates and wooden agricultural buildings with stone kitchens. Statutes, pictures and objects from the religious life of the valley are exhibited in the “Ca da Rivöi” museum, and fresh dairy products are offered in the small cheese dairy Caseificio Töira.

Right near the path, you can admire this beautiful waterfall where the Brenno water plunges from the rock jumps.

The church of San Martino stands on the site of the ruins of an old Romanesque building. It was built in the 12th century and the internal part is also worth a visit.

Nice waterfall very close to the hiking route.

Well-located Alpin Lodge with beautiful rooms and fine food on the Lukmanier Pass road. Ideally located to explore the Valle Blenio.

Campra Alpine Lodge & Spa - the ideal accommodation for nature and outdoor activity lovers. A unique place in the middle of a pristine landscape in the upper Blenio valley. The hotel offers an à-la-carte restaurant with a terrace, a self-service restaurant (on weekends), a lounge bar, a meeting room, a wellness area, ski and bike room with direct access to the cross-country ski trails, ice rink and various mountain bike routes , Hiking trails and much more.

The church of San Martino was built in the 12th century on the site of a Romanesque building, which can still be recognized by the arches on the right, next to the Chapel of the Crucifixion. The bell tower is also of Romanesque origin; It has three-arched windows in the uppermost part, the columns of which are decorated with capitals depicting animals, heads, cylindrical elements and palm trees. The interior was repainted in 1922. The altars and the choir are decorated with multi-colored stucco work - some by Carlo Terugia (1654). The main altar, made of gilded wood, with decorations in mock marble, dates from the 18th century. According to tradition, the openwork copper lamp in front of the altar was a gift from St. Charles Borromeo. The sacristy with three walnut cupboards with ornate columns from the 17th century is also interesting. The church was restored in 1984-91. The excavations brought to light part of the apse (8th/9th century). Multicolored stucco fragments from the 7th/8th centuries were found in the choir. Century and fragments of frescoes from the late 15th century were discovered on the walls of the nave.

The municipality of Olivone is located in the upper Blenio valley. The place was first mentioned in 1193, but at that time still as Alivoni. It is not known where the name comes from. The townscape is of national importance and is therefore under special protection. Why? During a walk through the picturesque village, you will quickly notice that Olivone exudes a very special charm.