{"id":36261,"date":"2026-06-23T15:42:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T13:42:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/?p=36261"},"modified":"2026-06-30T09:38:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T07:38:43","slug":"cycling-through-the-maggia-valley-an-old-railroad-track-stone-villages-and-an-eco-lunch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/switzerland\/ticino\/cycling-through-the-maggia-valley-an-old-railroad-track-stone-villages-and-an-eco-lunch\/","title":{"rendered":"Cycling through the Maggia Valley: an old railroad track, stone villages, and an eco-lunch"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Exploring the Valle Maggia by Bike: Along the River, Along the Old Railroad Track<\/h1>\n\n

We set off from Locarno station, and within a few minutes the traffic fades away. The bike path curves down into the valley, partly following the route of a railroad line that once ran here. Beside us is the Maggia River, jade green among the boulders. Ahead of us: a day of cycling where the only decision is how long we\u2019ll linger at the next bridge. What strikes me most is the tranquility. The only sound you hear now and then is that of the church bells in the villages we pass through. <\/p>\n\n

We explored the Maggia Valley in Ticino<\/a><\/strong> with a guide. Not because the valley is hard to find, but because it\u2019s just more fun with someone who knows every side road and every story. And because then all you have to do is pedal. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Maggia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Valle<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Valla<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Down into the valley with a guide<\/h2>\n\n

Our tour with Stefano started at the train station in Locarno (you can also start from Bellinzona). The advantage of having a guide like Stefano is that he chooses the quietest routes, tells us about the region and its history along the way, and arranges the bikes. All I have to do is enjoy myself and get off my bike every now and then to take pictures. Of course, you can also do this ride on your own, either on your own bike or by renting one at the train station in Locarno or Bellinzona. <\/p>\n\n

Along the old railroad tracks, past Grotto America<\/h2>\n\n

From Locarno, follow the signs for the Percorso Valle Maggia<\/a><\/strong>, a bike route that\u2019s suitable for everyone. Passing through Losone, Tegna, and Ponte Brolla, you\u2019ll ride into the valley, much of which is separated from car traffic. Along the way, you\u2019ll pass several \u201cgrotti\u201d (taverns) and cozy coffee spots. Grotto Mai Morire (Never Die) and Grotto America are just a few of the many rustic eateries tucked away in the hills of the Vallemaggia. The latter owes its name to the many emigrants who set out from here via Genoa for America and made their fortune there. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Valle<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Valle<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Valle<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

The river continues to accompany us, at times wide and calm, at other times deeply carved between the rocks. That clear water, by the way, is more than just beautiful. Since 1949, the Maggia and its tributaries have fed one of Switzerland\u2019s most important hydroelectric systems: high in the mountains, the water is collected in reservoirs such as Sambuco, Nar\u00e8t, and Robiei, before flowing down to Lake Maggiore via largely underground power plants. <\/p>\n\n

Along the way, it is converted into clean, renewable electricity\u2014about 1,265 gigawatt-hours annually, enough to power approximately 250,000 households. So you\u2019re literally cycling past the region\u2019s energy source. <\/p>\n\n

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