The best traffic-free bike rides around Claro

Monte Laura is located at around 1400 meters above Roveredo. The small hamlet is accessible via a winding road from the village and is loosely spread across the slopes. From up here you have a beautiful view into the Misox and are quickly out of the valley hustle and bustle.

Description Features See also Opening hours 2025/2026 April 5, 2025 - November 9, 2025: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. November 10, 2025 - March 27, 2026: 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The first human settlement on San Michele Hill dates back to 5500/5000 BC (Neolithic period). The first archaeologically confirmed fortress was built in the 4th century AD. Various documents from the 6th century also mention the existence of a fortified complex. In the 14th century, the castle was first called Castrum Magnum, Castel Grande. This is its current name, although during Swiss rule it was called Uri Castle (1630) or Altdorf Castle, and in 1818, S. Michele Castle.

The Ponte dei Salti is a medieval stone bridge with two arches over the emerald-green waters of the Verzasca River near Lavertezzo in Ticino. It was built in the 17th century and is considered a regionally important cultural asset. The arches have spans of approximately 14 meters. In 1868, part of the bridge was damaged by flooding (particularly an abutment on the right bank), causing one arch to collapse. It was later rebuilt in 1960. The Ponte dei Salti is not only a popular photo subject but also a swimming and diving spot. Some people jump from the bridgehead into the cold, clear water – although the current and deep pools pose dangers, especially at high water levels.

In Bellinzona's Old Town From the train station, the bus takes us to the stop at the end of Via Lugano. To the east is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. On the other side of the railway line, we pass the Villa dei Cedri, nestled in a magnificent park and home to the municipal art collection. We head north along Via Pedotti to Piazza San Biagio, where the 13th-century church of the same name can be admired. The church, one of the most interesting in the region, has been restored and stripped of its Baroque additions. The remarkable frescoes date from the late Middle Ages. We return and follow Via Lugano north to Piazza Indipendenza, where we find the Church of San Rocco, a building dating back to 1330 and enlarged in 1478. This is where the actual old town begins. The town hall, with its elegant courtyard, was completely rebuilt in 1924, using materials from the previous 15th-century building. At Piazza Nosetto, with its beautiful porticoes, we turn left onto Via Teatro, passing the restored theater building from the previous century and reaching the government building. The oldest part consists of the former Ursuline convent, dating back to the 13th century and rebuilt in the previous century. Returning to Piazza Nosetto, we approach Piazza Collegiata, passing the Casa Rossa, a brick-clad building inspired by the Lombard style of the 15th century. The massive church of SS. Pietro e Stefano reflects the Renaissance style with Baroque elements. A lively market is held every Saturday in Piazza Collegiata. On Viale Stazione, we find ourselves in the city's commercial district. The post office building is noteworthy, a prime example of contemporary Ticino architecture. Text / Source: Agenzia turistica ticinese SA., Via C. Ghiringhelli 7, Bellinzona https://www.ticino.ch/de/commons/details/In-Bellinzonas-Altstadt/3156.html

Bellinzona Old Town With elegant churches, magnificent parks, and squares, Bellinzona's old town offers a fascinating insight into the region's history and culture. The remarkable post office building also reflects contemporary Ticino architecture. Bellinzona undoubtedly deserves its reputation as the most authentic old town in Ticino. The popular "Viale Stazione" street, which leads directly from the train station and into the old town, makes access particularly easy and convenient. An absolute highlight that shouldn't be missed is the 15th-century Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. It impresses with its elegance and houses a stunning Renaissance fresco that transports visitors back to a bygone era. Bellinzona's old town also offers a variety of charming shops, cafés, and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine and the Ticino ambiance. The picturesque alleyways invite you to stroll and continually offer new discoveries. Not to be forgotten are the well-preserved city walls and castles that surround the old town, offering an interesting insight into medieval defensive architecture. Text / Source: Bellinzona e Valli Turismo, Piazza Collegiata 12, Bellinzona https://www.myswitzerland.com/de/erlebnisse/old-town-of-bellinzona/

Bellinzona Railway Station (FFS/SBB) since 1874 Bellinzona Railway Station is a railway station in the Swiss city of Bellinzona and the largest railway junction in the canton of Ticino. The station was opened in 1874 with the opening of the Ticino Valley Railways, with the Biasca – Bellinzona – Lugano – Chiasso and Bellinzona – Locarno lines. In 1882, with the opening of the Gotthard Tunnel and the associated commencement of operations on the Airolo – Biasca line, connections to the north and German-speaking part of Switzerland were established. Text/Source: wikipedia.org https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahnhof_Bellinzona#:~:text=The%20Bahnhof%20Bellinzona%20ist%20a%20Bahnhof%20in%20der,1921%3B%20im%20Background%20die%20Schl%C3%B6sser%20Montebello%20und%20Castelgrande.

Beautiful (albeit small) pedestrian zone, very striking castles and fortifications across the valley

really a nice place to visit