Lake Tremorgio-Alpe Zarìa-Fusio

The area around the Campolungo Pass is one of the most fascinating in all of Ticino. It is not only rich from a geological and mineralogical point of view but also from a naturalistic and cultural perspective: indeed, there are many plant species that grow at these latitudes, and such richness means that, despite their remoteness, these areas are still highly valued for cheese production. This is confirmed at Alpe Zarìa, where an excellent local cheese is produced (available for purchase in Fusio).

The vast meadows host species such as alpine clover, common broom, orange rootstock, mountain arnica, bearded bellflower, koch gentian, alpine aster, greater helianthemum, wild thyme, greater columbine, and some orchids such as the pink finger and common nigritella. In the swampy area around Alpe Zarìa and Alpe Pianascio, rare wet environments can be found, characterized by the presence of sphagnum mosses. The altitude allows the development of some last larch and mountain pine groves, accompanied by red rhododendron and bilberry, giving way to alpine meadows where alpine crowberry and several cushion plants such as bluish-green saxifrage, blue widow's tears, or creeping gypsophila grow. From a geological point of view, notable are the white dolomite rock bands near the pass.

Discover more "Exploring biodiversity" hikes in the printed guide. Information: www.a-pro.ch.

Warning: In the Campolungo Pass and Alpe Zarìa area there are flocks guarded by protection dogs.