The road to Luzzone Lake in Ticino: an average gradient of 9.5%

The road to Luzzone Lake in Ticino: an average gradient of 9.5%

Switzerland, europe

Length

3.8 km

Elevation

1,613 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Lago di Luzzone: A Swiss Alpine Adventure

Nestled high in the Swiss Alps at 1,613 meters (5,291 feet), Lago di Luzzone is a stunning mountain reservoir that'll take your breath away—literally and figuratively. Located in Ticino's Blenio Valley, this gem in the southern part of Switzerland is worth every twist and turn to get there.

Here's the thing about the drive up: it's paved, which sounds great until you realize just how narrow it gets. The 3.8-kilometer ascent from Strada Cantonale winds through 10 hairpin turns while climbing 361 meters with an average gradient of 9.5%. Stunning views? Absolutely. Straightforward? Not even close. There's also a serious risk of rock avalanches in this area, so definitely keep your wits about you.

Once you arrive, you'll discover something pretty incredible—one of the dam's walls is home to the world's highest artificial climbing wall. Fancy a climb?

If you're feeling adventurous (and let's be honest, you already are), don't skip the creepy Lago di Luzzone tunnel nearby. It's exactly as thrilling as it sounds. Beyond the reservoir, a rougher gravel road continues upward toward Passo Muazz and Capanna Adula if you want to push your adventure even further.

Where is it?

The road to Luzzone Lake in Ticino: an average gradient of 9.5% is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.6064, 7.8739

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Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Length
3.8 km
Max Elevation
1,613 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
46.6064, 7.8739

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