Capanna Genzianella
The place
Alpine refuge at about 1397 m in the municipality of Bellinzona (Pianezzo hamlet), in the Valle Morobbia (canton of Ticino, Switzerland, Lugano Prealps). Inaugurated in 1969 in a former barn converted in the late 1960s and renovated over the following decades. Run by the Bellinzona section of Naturfreunde Schweiz (Swiss Friends of Nature). Remarkable position at the edge of a magnificent beech and birch forest. Unique view of the Alpine chain, from Monte Rosa to Cardada (mountain above Locarno). Normally unstaffed — everyone must see to their own meals independently. Exceptional Ticino alpine forest setting: beech and birch woods, grazed meadows, cultural landscapes of the Ticino mid-mountains. Emblematic wildlife: chamois, roe deer, red squirrel, red kite, peregrine falcon. Access from Pianezzo or Melirolo after a bit more than an hour's drive from Bellinzona, capital of Ticino.
Getting there
From Pianezzo or Melirolo (~1 h from Bellinzona). Run by Naturfreunde Bellinzona.
The setting
Valle Morobbia (Ticino), Lugano Prealps, former barn converted in 1969.
