Passo del San Bernardino

The area of the pass, wide and flat, is characterized by rounded reliefs, shaped by glaciers, which enclose numerous lakes, such as Lake Moesola, and marshes of rare charm, an ideal habitat for a flora of great naturalistic interest.

Known since prehistoric times, the San Bernardino Pass has made the Mesolcina a typical transit valley, open to cultural influences from north and south, rich in historical and cultural testimonies and natural treasures. The Romans already took advantage of this passage through the mountains to connect the Po Valley with the more recently conquered territories north of the Alps.

Nowadays the pass is used as an alternative to the motorway tunnel to enjoy a panoramic detour, or as a place of leisure, thanks also to the Hospice and its restaurant.

In summer, the pass is a popular destination for hiking, cycling and mountain biking, and during winter it is possible to reach the pass with snowshoes or skis from sealskins, or practice the trendy discipline of snowkiting.