Capriasca – Gola di Lago – Capriasca

This year was truly awful weather on Easter Sunday in the north of Switzerland. So we jumped in the car and made the 2 hour drive to the blue skies, warm air and springtime feel of Tessin. And what a wonderful looping hike this is, in a quiet area north of Lugano with views in all directions.

We parked in Capriasca and were immediately immersed in the rustic charm of the southern Swiss villages.

We headed out of the village heading towards the Convent Sta Maria first founded in 1535. We pass the convent, strangely quiet for Easter Sunday, and head up again towards the tiny settling of Condra. Time for a drink and chocolate break to enjoy the fantastic views to the south and Lake Lugano.

It’s best to then head left towards Moschera and Moei (there is an option to fork right). There are then also great views to the still snow covered mountain in the north.

We continue further on towards Gola di Lago and then swing east to Zolta with numerous charming streams tumbling down the hillside.

At the signpost at A Pian Passamont you can head directly back towards Capriasca, or head up to the great view point at Mottoo della Croce. It’s about one and a half hours there and back – but it’s worth it.

You could extend the hike even further here and head further west, but for us, we returned to A Pian Passamont. We had a mission to eat ice-cream in Capriasca.

We follow the gently sloping paths towards Tesserete through peaceful meadows dotted with Rustico (small, old stone cottages).

We then wind through the villages back to Capriasca and more cute stone houses.

And happily we were back in time for ice-cream. What a great way to spend Easter Sunday!