Biasca

Santa Petronilla waterfall

High above Biasca, on the Alpe di Lago to be precise, the “Ri della Froda” is formed, a stream that flows down from the high peaks and through a rocky landscape shaped by water over thousands of years. The result is the Santa Petronilla waterfall, the highest waterfall in Ticino, whose foaming waters cascade down between the rock faces above Biasca and then miraculously disappear again behind the railroad station.

In addition to the beauty of the waterfall and the colorful light reflections, the waterfalls of “Santa Petronilla” are also a place to relax, unwind and enjoy the landscape and magnificent views. Surrounded by nature, with the sound of the water in your ears and the scent of the flora in your nose, you can admire the sun-drenched Blenio Valley, the Leventina and the green landscape of the Riviera from above.

The waterfall can be reached after a thirty-minute walk starting from the village square or the train station. Excursionists first walk past the Cavalier Pellanda Museum and then climb up to the church dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, which is considered one of the most beautiful Romanesque buildings in Switzerland. The walk follows the Way of the Cross, along which there are no fewer than 14 chapels with mosaics by contemporary artists. In the shade of chestnut trees, the hiker then reaches the stone bridge from which the waterfall can be admired. Crossing the bridge takes you to the little church of “Santa Petronilla”.

How to get there: take the Treno Gottardo to Biasca. From there it's a 30-minute walk to the waterfall.