Starting point & access

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The Muggio Valley Tour is a demanding and authentic road cycling itinerary that explores the hills and traditional villages of the Muggio Valley, the southernmost valley of Switzerland. Far from the busy lakeside roads, this route offers a quieter and more rural riding experience, characterised by narrow roads, chestnut forests, stone-built villages and a strong sense of remoteness.

 

With a distance of approximately 40.5 km and around 1,000 m of elevation gain, this loop is more challenging than the lake routes and is best suited to experienced recreational riders, cycle tourists seeking a tougher ride, and cyclists who enjoy sustained climbs combined with local character rather than panoramic viewpoints.

 

 

Starting point & access

 

The loop starts and finishes in Mendrisio, at Ciclosprint, a well-known local cycling meeting point and bike shop located next to Mendrisio San Martino train station.

 

The starting point is easily accessible:

 

• by train, including international connections

• by car, with several public parking garages and lots within a 1 km radius

 

This makes the route convenient for visitors staying in Lugano, the Mendrisiotto region, or nearby northern Italy.

 

 

Route description

 

Leaving Mendrisio, the route quickly exits the urban area and begins climbing toward the Muggio Valley. The initial ascent through Morbio Superiore and Castel San Pietro offers a steady and progressive warm-up, allowing riders to settle into a sustainable climbing rhythm.

 

The road then leads toward Sagno, one of the most characteristic villages of the valley. This section follows narrow roads through wooded areas and rural landscapes. Rather than open views, the scenery feels intimate and enclosed, shaped by chestnut forests, dry-stone walls and traditional rural architecture. After reaching Sagno, the route returns on the same road to rejoin the main valley axis.

 

 

Optional shortcut – reduced elevation

 

Riders who wish to reduce total elevation gain can skip the Sagno out-and-back and continue directly along the main valley road. This option shortens the route and avoids additional climbing, while still preserving the essence of the Muggio Valley. It is ideal for riders managing effort or riding at a more relaxed pace.

 

Back on the principal road of the valley, the terrain becomes gently rolling and increasingly hilly as the route passes through Muggio. This section requires careful pacing, as short climbs and brief descents follow one another without long recovery sections.

 

Beyond Muggio, the road turns toward Roncapiano. The final ~3 km are notably steep and represent one of the most demanding efforts of the entire loop. Roncapiano is a dead-end road, meaning riders must turn around and descend back along the same route.

 

Returning once again to the main valley road, the route continues toward Cabbio. Here the character of the ride changes abruptly: riders turn right onto a very steep and technical descent, dropping sharply into the opposite side of the valley. This section requires good bike handling skills, especially in shaded or damp conditions.

 

At the bottom of the descent, the road climbs again toward Casima, adding a final sustained effort before the route gradually transitions back toward Mendrisio. The closing kilometres guide riders from the quiet rural environment back into town, offering smoother roads and a strong sense of completion.

 

 

Coffee stops & recommended breaks 

 

Although the Muggio Valley is rural and sparsely populated, it offers a few high-quality, authentic places to stop, perfectly aligned with the character of the route.

 

• Ul Furmighin – Sagno

  A traditional grotto-style stop and a favourite among cyclists. Ideal for a coffee, light meal or short rest in a relaxed local atmosphere.

• Osteria Manciana – Scudellate

  A classic Ticinese osteria offering regional dishes in an authentic setting, perfect for a longer break.

• Birreria Nov Matag – Mendrisio (post-ride)

  Back in the city centre, this craft brewery is an ideal place to celebrate the ride with a well-earned beer.