The Greina plateau and its arch

You’ll discover a place where the natural treasures will simply amaze you. Crossing stony ground, snowfields and grass dotted with the delicate and vivid colours of the mountain flowers, feelings of the incredible power and beauty of nature are inescapable.

The Greina plateau, an area between the Cantons of Ticino and Grisons which can only be reached on foot, is almost 6km long and 1km wide. It is located at an altitude of more than 2200m. This circular trail route allows you to admire the features of the landscape which give the region its unique appearance, which shares many of the characteristics of alpine tundra. Here, the many mountain torrents and streams unravel undisturbed, creating amazing pools, oxbows, peat bogs and marsh.

This itinerary begins in Campo Blenio, easily reached by bus (Autolinee Bleniesi). From here, to gain a little bit of energy, you can benefit from the service of Bus Alpin that, crossing the stunning Val Camadra, bring you to Pian Geirett. From here, in an easy one hour walk you reach the Capanna Scaletta (2205m). Then you climb, over ston-littered ground and snowfields, toward the Greina pass. A brief 600m detour takes you to the Greina Arch, a majestic and symbolic 40m opening which it is possible to cover on foot. Here begins the magnificent Greina Plateau, included among the 'landscapes of national interest' thanks to its exceptional geological and natural qualities. Once you have crossed the plateau, after Crap la Crusch (the Cross Stone) you reach the welcoming sight of the restored Capanna Michela-Motterascio mountain hut, at 2172 m. The panoramic terrace offers a splendid view over Piz Terri, lake Luzzone, and the Sosto and Rosetto summits. From Motterascio you then head downwards towards Rafüsch and you reach, after having crossed a gorge, the Garzott alpage and the stunning Luzzone dam. Finally you return to Campo Blenio with the Bus Alpin, after a trip which remains an enduring favourite of many, and offers exhilaration and satisfaction in equally measure.