4.7
(317)
2,433
riders
Cardada Bike Trail
03:36
34.5km
1,520m
Mountain biking
Experience the difficult Cardada Bike Trail, a 21.5-mile mountain biking route with stunning views of Lake Maggiore and diverse terrain.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Includes a very steep uphill segment
You may need to push your bike.
After 15.9 km for 1.06 km
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
10.3 km
View of Lake Maggiore from Monte Brè sopra Locarno
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17.0 km
View from Cimetta
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VIEWPOINTS
The panoramic passerelle
It arose from an idea by landscape architect Marco Bürgi. It consists of granite slabs and extends above the treetops to the end, …
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17.6 km
Lo Stallone Restaurant & View of Lake Maggiore
Highlight • Restaurant
If you would like to study the menu in advance, you can do so here: stallone.ch/de.
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17.9 km
Alpe Cardada
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34.5 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
15.4 km
8.22 km
6.66 km
3.75 km
334 m
107 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
22.0 km
8.55 km
2.50 km
1.22 km
157 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 7 May
21°C
10°C
45 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Cardada Bike Trail trailhead?
The trail is easily accessible from Locarno. You can start directly from Locarno, or for a less strenuous ascent, take the funicular from Locarno to Orselina, then a cable car to Cardada, and finally a chairlift to Cimetta. This uplift option is popular for those focusing on the downhill sections.
Is the Cardada Bike Trail suitable for beginners?
The Cardada Bike Trail is generally considered moderately demanding, with sections of varying difficulty. It's rated S2 (difficult) by SwitzerlandMobility. While some parts are flowing, the terrain is often rocky with technical switchbacks, making it best suited for intermediate riders looking to practice on rougher terrain. There are also easier (blue) and moderate (green) singletracks within the broader Cardada Cimetta area, but the main trail itself requires some experience.
What is the terrain like on the trail?
The terrain is predominantly rocky, even on sections described as 'flow trails,' offering a rewarding challenge. You'll encounter technically demanding switchbacks, especially on the singletrack leading to Val Resa. Some parts are flat and flowing, while others involve steep descents and climbs. Within the Cardada Cimetta area, you might also find rock gardens and even rock faces.
What kind of views can I expect along the route?
The trail is celebrated for its spectacular scenery. You'll be treated to unforgettable panoramic views of Lago Maggiore and the surrounding region, including the delta of the Maggia river. From Cardada Cimetta, you can even see both the lowest point in Switzerland (Lake Maggiore) and the highest (Dufourspitze of Monte Rosa). The route passes through dense forests and open vistas, providing a continually changing backdrop.
What are the main highlights or viewpoints on the trail?
Key highlights include the breathtaking View of Lake Maggiore from Monte Brè sopra Locarno and the expansive View from Cimetta. You'll find numerous spots to pause and take in the stunning vistas of Lake Maggiore and the Alps.
Are there any restaurants or places to eat along the trail?
Yes, there are options for refreshments. You can find dining at Lo Stallone Restaurant & View of Lake Maggiore and Alpe Cardada, both offering great views to accompany your meal.
What is the best time of year to ride the Cardada Bike Trail?
While specific seasonal details aren't provided, mountain biking in the Ticino region is generally best during the spring, summer, and autumn months. Summer offers warmer temperatures, but spring and autumn provide milder weather and often clearer views, making them ideal for this trail. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Is the Cardada Bike Trail dog-friendly?
Information regarding specific dog rules for this trail is not available. However, when mountain biking in Switzerland, it's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in populated areas, near livestock, or on shared trails, to ensure safety for everyone.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for the trail?
There is no mention of specific permits or entrance fees required to ride the Cardada Bike Trail itself. However, if you choose to use the funicular, cable car, and chairlift system for uplift, there will be associated costs for those services.
Does the Cardada Bike Trail connect with other mountain biking routes?
Yes, the route primarily follows the official Cardada Bike (94%) trail. It also intersects with sections of other paths such as Solduno S. Martino-Brè, Monti della Trinità - Brè, and Brè-Cardada, offering potential variations or extensions to your ride.
What's the best way to experience the downhill sections of the trail?
To maximize the downhill experience, consider utilizing the mountain transport options. Take the funicular from Locarno to Orselina, then the cable car to Cardada, and finally the chairlift to Cimetta. This allows you to bypass the initial uphill sections and focus your energy on enjoying the challenging descents and technical singletracks.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Cardada - Trail from Brione s.M. Swiss MBT 397 The ascent leads mostly on a paved road through forests. The trail on the Cardada towards the descent is flowy and offers various views. The varied descent is well maintained with a small change in the route compared to last year. Cinematic insight into the trail: https://youtu.be/-cz5LZuIVVQ
The classic of the Locarno tours: Beautiful, also somewhat demanding, promising tour with a shorter and two longer singletrals, whereby the Cardada Trail is a bit treacherous today because of the many fallen leaves. In addition, round over the Cimetta, which is definitely worth it.
The trail is even more exciting with all the foliage because you can't really see the ground.
re-run of https://www.komoot.com/tour/338175820 - this time without snow the climb is a killer, fortunately 90% of it is on asphalt
The ascent to Alp Cartada is easy to ride (mostly tarmac, some dirt roads and a flowing trail at the end). The ascent is long and mostly steep (without electricity, strong calves and thighs or the cable car from Orselina are recommended 😉). After a snack at Alp Cartada, the Cartada trail makes up for the strenuous ascent. Around 600 Tm must now be covered 😀. The trail is very beautifully laid out, and in my opinion also requires riding skills (not for occasional bikers). It's a shame that the trail ends in Val Resa and doesn't continue any further 😢 - there are still enough Tm to be covered - unfortunately on tarmac roads.
Biking Cardada May 24, 2025 "A Time Machine to Switzerland's Sunny Side" Weather: beautiful / +21° Even the journey was an experience in itself: With our time machine, a wellness oasis on wheels, we set off for Switzerland's sunny side. We rode over the legendary Gotthard Pass. The cool mountain air and the mighty mountains made us forget everyday life. After the pass, Ticino welcomed us with open arms – palm trees, sunshine, and Italian flair included. Switzerland's sunny side lived up to its name. Our tour couldn't have started better! Starting point: Locarno, destination: at the top! We cycled 16 kilometers and 1,300 meters up to Alp Cardada – sweaty, but the scenery was simply magnificent. At the top, the rustic Capanna Cardada mountain hut awaited us with delicious food and a true mountain hut atmosphere. Refreshed, we set off on the Cardada Bike Trail 397 – a flowing delight with breathtaking views of Tenero, Locarno, and Ascona. Technically not too challenging, but still with a decent fun factor. At the bottom: tired legs, but a big grin on our faces. A truly wonderful biking experience in the sunniest part of Switzerland! After an eventful day, we ended the evening in Ascona in a relaxed atmosphere. Right on the lake promenade – balmy air, the gentle lapping of the waves, the lights reflecting on Lake Maggiore. A fine meal, a glass of wine – that's all you need to unwind. Simply be and breathe, completely in the here and now. A moment that will last. https://infinityflow.ch/biken-gardada-24-5-2025/
Cool tour of two mediocre E-MTBs. Easily doable on the long climb with Eco support. The downhill route is well developed and easily accessible for MTB riders who are not particularly saddle-steady (S0 to S1). And after the climb, we recommend a refreshment stop at Capanna Lo Stallone.
Cardadstrail with the Collina alta route. For the first time in a long time, uptrail on the classic ascent route with two breakaway riders and a dear colleague. Collina Alta Breaker 1: Forgot my helmet at the meeting point. So I went back again🤷♂️ Breaker 2: Instead of the last two bends, I trailed up a bit. S2. Not very steep, but it takes practice. Foro interno: Strictly speaking, there was also a breakaway rider 3. I overtook him at Lo Stallone, my "bench" for a break😁.