High above the Leventina Valley, nestled in the impressive mountains of Ticino, lies the Val Piora. Here you'll find crystal-clear mountain lakes, white dolomite cliffs, blooming alpine meadows, and a tranquility that is sometimes hard to find in the mountains. Those who explore this unique landscape on foot will discover three very different natural gems: Lake Ritom, Lake Tom, and Lake Cadagno.
The Three Lakes Hike combines the most beautiful aspects of the region: a large reservoir with a turbulent history, a small mountain lake with an almost Caribbean-like shoreline, and a lake whose unusual water conditions fascinate even scientists. And amidst the alpine meadows and old dairy huts, the mysterious world of legends of the Ticino mountains lives on.
Lake Ritom – A mountain lake with a rich history
Lake Ritom (Lago Ritomsee) lies at an altitude of approximately 1850 meters above sea level. With an area of about 1.49 square kilometers, it is one of the most important mountain lakes in Ticino. Its surface reflects the surrounding peaks and forests, creating an impressive backdrop for walks and hikes.
But Lake Ritom is not just a natural paradise. It also plays a vital role in the energy supply of the Leventina Valley. Since the construction of the first dam in 1917, its water has been used to generate hydroelectric power. The lake thus combines the beauty of the Alpine landscape with the history of the region's electrification.
Take a spectacular train up into the mountains
Even the journey there is an experience. From Piotta, the historic Ritom funicular railway climbs to the mountain station. With its maximum gradient of around 88 percent, it is one of the steepest funicular railways in the world. As the railway overcomes the difference in altitude, the view of the alpine landscape gradually unfolds.
Once you reach the top, a short walk takes you to the lake. The shore is a wonderful place to relax before embarking on a longer hike. Those interested in learning more about the region's unique features can also explore the nature trail at Lake Ritom. Established in 2009, it provides fascinating information about the geology, flora and fauna, and human use of this mountain landscape.
Lake Tomsee – A white beach in the middle of the Alps
A completely different scene awaits hikers at Lago di Tom, or Lake Tom. It lies at an altitude of around 2020 meters above sea level in a landscape shaped by glaciers. With its manageable size, it seems almost hidden among the gentle mountain peaks and the rocks of the Piora basin.
Its special attraction is the bright shoreline made of so-called sugar dolomite. The weathered dolomite rock forms a striking white base that contrasts sharply with the darker rock and the water. The contrast is almost reminiscent of a seaside beach – except that the Ticino Alps rise all around.
Tomsee is also geologically interesting: the water disappears underground through a karst opening. Such phenomena are typical of landscapes where water-soluble rock creates caves, fissures, and underground drainage channels.
Lake Tomsee is an ideal place for a break. Anyone arriving here should take the time to soak in the unique color of the shoreline and the tranquility of the mountains. Especially when viewed in conjunction with the larger Lake Ritomsee, the diverse landscape of the Val Piora truly shines through.
Lake Cadagno – A mountain lake that fascinates scientists
The third lake on the classic Three Lakes Hike is Lago di Cadagno. Located at an altitude of approximately 1920 meters above sea level, it is far more than just an idyllic mountain lake. Its unique features lie hidden beneath the surface.
Lake Cadagno is a rare example of a so-called meromixis: its water layers do not mix completely. The water at the bottom differs significantly in chemical composition from that at the surface. Special conditions prevail in the deeper layers, due in part to sulfur compounds that play an important role for specialized microorganisms.
This unusual water structure makes the lake an important research site. Researchers study the unique living conditions and ecology of the lake here. At the same time, it is part of an exceptionally biodiverse mountain landscape with numerous other small lakes, bogs, and alpine pastures.
For hikers, Lake Cadagno is a beautiful stop on a circular route. Those interested in nature and science will also discover a hidden world here, barely visible to the naked eye.
The Three Lakes Hike – A classic in Val Piora
The three lakes can be linked together on the popular Three Lakes Hike. The classic route leads from Lake Ritom to Lake Tom and on to Lake Cadagno, before returning to the starting point.
The hike is approximately 12 kilometers long and takes about four to four and a half hours. The starting point is the Ritom cable car mountain station or the Ritomsee region. Depending on the route and chosen option, some elevation gain is involved.
The route leads through a varied landscape of mountain forests, meadows, rocks, and small bodies of water. The altitude and the ascents and descents require a certain level of fitness. Good footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Actual conditions may vary depending on the season.
Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can explore individual sections or choose the nature trail at Lake Ritom. This trail leads through the diverse landscape and provides interesting information about the region's natural environment.
A legend from Val Piora – The little creatures and the sweet Alpine cream
Where cattle graze on alpine pastures in summer and dairy huts nestle among the mountains, stories have been emanating for centuries. A tale of mysterious little creatures has also been passed down from Val Piora.
A regional historical account mentions the so-called "Ometti," little men from local legends. They were said to be particularly cunning and to have used all sorts of tricks to break into the alpine dairy huts. Their goal: the fresh cream, of which they supposedly couldn't get enough.
The idea fits well into the world of traditional Alpine farming. In remote valleys, dairy huts were part of everyday life, and milk, cream, butter, and cheese were valuable foodstuffs. When supplies disappeared or inexplicable things happened, stories about little mountain creatures offered a fanciful explanation.
Whether the tale was set in a specific place or at a particular lake in Val Piora cannot be definitively determined from the surviving source. It should therefore be understood more as part of the regional folklore and not as a legend that can be explicitly attributed to Lake Ritom, Lake Tom, or Lake Cadagno.
That's precisely what makes it so appealing: Between the tranquil lakes, the old alpine buildings and the wide pastures, it's easy to imagine how such stories used to be told in the evening – perhaps after a long day on the alp, while outside the wind swept across the mountains.
Val Piora – A natural paradise in Ticino
The region around the three lakes is among the most impressive landscapes in Ticino. The high valley is home to numerous mountain lakes, moors, forests, and species-rich alpine pastures. In summer, flowers and herbs transform the meadows into a colorful mountain garden. The area is also known for the flavorful Piora cheese, which is produced on the local alpine pastures.
Whether you take the steep Ritom cable car, stroll along the shore of Lake Ritom, admire the white dolomite beach at Lake Tom, or discover the mysterious waters of Lake Cadagno: Val Piora offers many reasons to stay longer.
My tip: Plan enough time not only to complete the hike, but also to stop and admire the scenery. The beauty of this mountain landscape is often revealed in the little things – in the reflection of a peak in the water, in the light-colored rocks on the lakeshore, or in an old story told by the people who have lived up here for generations.
