434 Col d'Anzana

The route starts near the sports field of Campascio. From here, a narrow asphalt road leads to the village of Cavaione, which lies 800 meters higher, where it ends and becomes a well-developed gravel road leading up to the Rifugio Anzana mountain hut.

From there, the not very steep path begins, climbing over alpine meadows up to the Col d'Anzana. The flat pass offers a fantastic panorama and at the same time forms the Switzerland-Italy border. Apart from the shepherds, one is unlikely to meet anyone up here. For the hiker, it is simply too far, and for the mountaineer unattractive. So the ideal bike area.

The descent begins with a beautiful panoramic trail that runs along the mountainside towards the east. The panorama ranges from the Ortler group to the Bergamo Alps and deep below the valley floor of Veltlin. Individual larches that grow here up to over 2000 m above sea level line the path, which gradually turns into an old military road. Endless switchbacks with dry stone walls lead downhill, and the builders of these paths likely never imagined that they would one day provide so much fun to others. From the village of Lughina, you can use the new, well-maintained gravel road or follow the old route with large cobblestones. The latter is a true delight for skilled riders. In the last 200-300 meters of elevation, there is a rich selection of paths and trails that lead down through orchards and vineyards to Tirano.

In Tirano, the visit to the Basilica della Madonna (pilgrimage church) and the old town with its historic palazzi is recommended. The return to Campascio mainly follows natural paths and side roads, ascending about 200 meters. Remarkable is the passage by the small church of Santa Perpetua from the 12th century, which is built on a natural balcony overlooking Tirano. Those who are tempted by one of the excellent Veltliner wines available here, or want to avoid the effort of the final ascent, can take the Rhaetian Railway back to Valposchiavo.