Best attractions and places to see around Rossa include historical sites, natural landscapes, and scenic routes in the Mesolcina Valley. This region in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland, offers a mix of cultural heritage and outdoor exploration. Visitors can find ancient castles, alpine lakes, and routes suitable for cycling or hiking. The area is defined by its mountainous terrain and the Moesa River, providing diverse points of interest.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Rossa.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Stage 7: San Bernardino – Bellinzona An exhilarating descent through the Mesolcina Valley. Eagerly absorbing the mild southern climate. In Mesocco, cyclists enjoy the largest ruin in Switzerland and, at the end of the tour, in Bellinzona, the defiant towers and walls of the tre castelli. Refreshed, they follow the rushing Moësa River out of the lively resort town of San Bernardino. The 46-kilometer-long tributary of the Ticino rises at the San Bernardino Pass and gives its name to the Mesolcina Valley (Misox). Although Italian is spoken in the valley, as in the Poschiavo and Bregaglia valleys, it has always maintained close ties to Graubünden. In the smaller villages, where many of the houses are covered with stone slabs, time seems to have stood still. You hardly stop on your bike during the rapid descent towards the south. Surrounded by rocky cliffs, you roar along a well-maintained road with countless skid marks. The highway, which practically hangs from the mountain, seems a bit surreal. Later, a varied side road leads down to Mesocco. Magnificent views of the valley are revealed. Below the village, perched on a rocky outcrop, are the ruins of the Castello di Mesocco, the 11th-century ancestral castle of the Count of Misox. It is considered one of the most important in Graubünden and the largest in Switzerland. Roveredo is the main town in the lower Misox Valley. And what could be nicer here than a break in a cool grotto, enjoying a typical lunch menu and a glass of local wine? The village also boasts several beautiful 17th-century houses, such as the one designed by local architect and builder Enrico Zuccalli. A secluded stretch follows near Lumino, just after crossing the highway and the river. A forest path leads along the Moësa River over hill and dale. Passing an inviting forest garden grotto and some secluded swimming spots, you reach Arbedo-Castione. Here, the Moësa flows into the Ticino River. Text / Source: Schweizmobil.ch https://schweizmobil.ch/de/veloland/route-6/etappe-7
14
0
Mesocco Castle San Bernardino Castle Mesolcina Calanca The ruins of Mesocco Castle stand on top of an imposing rocky hill that rises steeply from the valley floor. This imposing fortress stands in the center of the valley, forcing the Moesa River into a wide bend in a narrow, impassable gorge, leaving only a narrow passage to the west. Mesocco Castle is protected on three sides by steep cliffs. Only to the northeast, on the upstream side of the valley, does the slope slope more gently. Climbing up the old access road to the castle from the north side, you first reach the Church of St. Maria del Castello and are already on the castle grounds, which were once surrounded by a defensive wall. The impressive ruins consist mainly of the remains of defensive works built in the last decades of the 15th century, i.e., during the final phase of the castle's life. Among them are numerous ruins from earlier eras, so that the castle's current appearance reveals its eventful history, which has its roots in the early Middle Ages. Graubünden Ferien, Alexanderstrasse 24, 7001 Chur https://www.graubuenden.ch/de/ausflugsziele/castello-di-mesocco
13
0
The lake can be bypassed with a mountain bike. Two gates can only be bypassed by stopping and pushing. :-(
1
0
The Capanna Brogoldone is an alpine pasture with two main huts. One hut can accommodate up to 59 people. The other hut houses a small restaurant. Amazing views from up there!
4
0
The Capanna Brogoldone was once a mountain pasture and is today the result of a desire to preserve the remains of a bygone era. From 1995 to 1998, a group of volunteers set to work renovating the two existing buildings while maintaining the typical structure of the pasture: the former stable became a dormitory, and the building that once served as a cheese dairy and shelter for the mountain herders was converted into a kitchen and dining room. Source: https://www.brogoldone.ch/
8
1
After a short climb you reach the entrance
0
0
The Rossa area, nestled in the Mesolcina Valley, offers several natural highlights. You can visit Lake Dosso, a high mountain lake set in a peaty basin and surrounded by alpine forest, perfect for relaxation. The entire Mesolcina Valley itself provides immersive natural experiences with its mountainous terrain and the Moesa River.
Yes, the region is rich in history. A prominent historical site is Mesocco Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in Switzerland. These ruins, located on a mighty rock, were the aristocratic center of the valley from the 13th century. You can also find the Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Castello at its foot.
Rossa and the Mesolcina Valley are ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along the Secondary road through the Mesolcina Valley to the San Bernardino Pass, which offers a route away from main traffic. There are also numerous routes for gravel biking, cycling, and road cycling. For hiking, the area provides trails to alpine huts like the Brogoldone Hut.
Absolutely. Lake Dosso is a family-friendly spot with a sunbathing area and a wooden walkway. The Mesocco Castle ruins are also categorized as family-friendly, offering an engaging historical exploration. Additionally, San Bernardino Village serves as a starting point for numerous family-friendly hikes.
For breathtaking views, the Brogoldone Hut offers panoramic vistas over the Lumino valley. The Secondary road through the Mesolcina Valley to the San Bernardino Pass also provides magnificent views of the valley as you descend. High mountain lakes like Lake Dosso are also known for their scenic beauty.
The Mesolcina Valley offers diverse cycling experiences. You can take the Secondary road through the Mesolcina Valley to the San Bernardino Pass for an immersive ride away from traffic. For more options, explore the cycling guides for the area, such as the Cycling around Rossa guide, which includes routes like the 'Lago Dosso and Lago d'Isola from San Bernardino loop tour'.
Yes, several attractions offer facilities. The Brogoldone Hut provides a restaurant and accommodation, making it an excellent break point. San Bernardino Village also has hotels, restaurants, a small supermarket, and a gas station, serving as a convenient base for visitors.
The Mesolcina Valley, where Rossa is located, is known for its blend of cultural heritage and outdoor exploration. It features ancient castles like Mesocco Castle, alpine lakes such as Lake Dosso, and scenic routes for cycling and hiking. The valley is defined by its mountainous terrain and the Moesa River, offering diverse points of interest.
Visitors highly appreciate the Brogoldone Hut for its panoramic terrace overlooking the Lumino valley, making it an excellent spot for a break and to refuel. It was once a mountain pasture and has been renovated to preserve its typical structure, offering both a small restaurant and accommodation.
Yes, the Rossa area offers several gravel biking opportunities. You can find routes like the 'OpenArt Sculpture Park – Ponte della Maggia loop from Lostallo' or the 'Lumino–Grono Cycle Path – Torre di Pala, San Vittore loop from Cama'. For more detailed routes, refer to the Gravel biking around Rossa guide.
To enjoy a more serene cycling experience, you can utilize the Secondary road through the Mesolcina Valley to the San Bernardino Pass. This route allows for a better immersion in nature, leading to or from the San Bernardino Pass while avoiding the busier main roads.
San Bernardino Village is a significant tourist destination in Moesano, located at the foot of the San Bernardino Pass. It developed as a popular travel spot in the 19th century due to its therapeutically valuable mineral water. Today, it's known for its natural landscapes, pine forests, and bogs, serving as an ideal starting point for hikes and a place for peace and nature.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: