Experience the natural sciences firsthand! Excursions, themed walks, exhibitions and more for families and adults impart knowledge in an informative and entertaining way.

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Palagnedra Forest Reserve

Geology in beechwoods and in spruce-fir forests.

Venue

Locarno

The itinerary leads through the vast Centovalli's beechwoods and to a natural spruce-fir forest, which is unusually located at low altitude. It heads toward an ancient furnace that was used to manufacture lime for plastering buildings.

Pflanzen (Symbolbild)
Image: northlightimages, istockphoto.com

The paths twist and turn through the Centovalli's beechwoods and in characteristic spruce-fir forests, which are unusually located at low altitude. The itinerary leads to an ancient furnace, recently restored, where a panel explain the manufacturing process of lime used for plastering buildings. The excursion lasts approx. 2.5 hours (elevation gain: 165m). Centovalli has a lot to offer for all geology enthusiasts. Along the paths, rocks have unusual colours. Don't miss to visit the Parish Church of St Michele and its well-maintained frescos of the 15th Century. They are the masterpiece of Antonio da Tradate.

The enhancement project of the Locarnese Forest Reserves was coordinated by the Locarnese National Park Project along with the expert advice of R. Buffi and the important support of the Canton Ticino Forest Department. The Mergugno forest Reserve offers more than 14km of pathways, classified as moutain hiking trails.

Intended for

Age:
  • 10-14
  • 14-18
  • 18+
  • 20-40
  • 55+

Activity

Content: simple

Interactivity: active

Inside/outside: outside

Categories

Warning: the paths in the higher part of the Reserve are hard and mountain gear is compulsory.

Best time to visit: May to October Best itinerary (with the old stove): Plagnedra - Carnèe, Pian Sciresa - Fornàs e Valleggia (2 hours).
Languages: English, German, Italian, French
Weather dependent? No
Does it cost anything? No