Menarola: Mountain Paths, Views and Baütta

Menarola particularly appeals to travelers who want to consider mountain landscapes, the history of its paths and regional traditions together. The hamlets of Menarola occupy a slope of the Lepontine Alps crossed by numerous paths. Some of these paths are as old as the settlements. Depending on your interests, you can therefore give different weight to viewpoints, historic route connections and specific hikes.

Views between Voga and Alpe Cima

At Voga, the view opens across the plain of Chiavenna to Lago di Novate Mezzola, Pizzo di Prata and the peaks of Val Bregaglia. From the meadows of Alpe Cima, the view reaches the peaks of Val Codera, Pizzone di Prata and onward to Bregaglia, where the five peaks of the Sciora Group are framed by Cengalo and Badile. This allows you to take two different viewing situations into account when planning.

Old paths and practical orientation

The Trecciolino is a wide, well-maintained old path at an altitude of just over 1,000 meters. The Voga route passes through Menarola’s scattered settlement structure and reaches the hamlet of Voga. It comprises 29 hairpin bends in total: 25 to Voga and four on the final section. The road to Menarola reaches an altitude of 1,330 meters and thus makes access to the higher-lying areas with their extensive views easier. To reach the Trecciolino, follow this road beyond Voga toward the Maggenghi; at a no-vehicles sign, an unpaved path leads left to the parking area.

Hikes to mountain pastures and bivouacs

Several hikes start in Voga or Donadivo. The Voga–Alpe Buglio–Bivacco Forcola hike begins in Menarola’s hamlet of Voga and climbs via Alpe Dardano and Alpe Buglio. A turnoff from Alpe Buglio leads to Alpe Forcola, where the bivouac of the same name is located. The return to Dardano and Voga is possible via Alpe Cima. The Donadivo–Cermine–Alpe Cima hike begins near Donadivo on a stone path through the forest. From Alpe Orlo onward, it follows an old mule track that once connected the mountain pastures with the valley and the inhabited centers. Alpe Cima is marked by a distinctive white chapel with a circular ground plan. Menarola’s paths are maintained to connect the hamlets with one another and ensure access to the mountain pastures.

Historical traces at Passo della Forcola

In the past, a route over Passo della Forcola was used by mule caravans traveling between Valchiavenna and Valle Mesolcina. The higher and more remote paths around Menarola were later used for smuggling between Italy and Switzerland. The old path to Passo della Forcola is a more demanding ascent.

Local tradition and a place for children

The büi di Menarola are hand-hollowed monolithic blocks that recall the industriousness and craftsmanship of the ancestors. The Baütta is an old ceremony that has been preserved in Menarola in an elaborate form featuring numerous figures. Those traveling with children can include the Crotti al Foppo area, with its children’s playground, in their plans.

More destinations for your planning

For further travel planning, you can also discover Santa Caterina Valfurva, Samolaco, Valdidentro, Corna, Delebio, Bagni, Prosto and Cataeggio.

To the higher-level travel overview: Sondrio.