By Vicky · Published Jan. 1st, 2025
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This is a beautiful yet fairly easy hike at the top of the San Bernardino pass, perfect for a break if you’re driving along the highway.
Location
This hike at San Bernardino Pass starts from a large car park in the small town of San Bernardino, on the southern side of the pass. It’s 40 minutes drive north of Bellinzona and starts by the edge of the highway. Alternatively, you can catch a direct bus to the start of the hike from Bellinzona, taking about 50 minutes.
San Bernardino Pass Hiking Map
Tips
- Check out this hiking map for San Bernardino*.
- Hiking poles* could be useful for this hike, though it’s not so steep.
San Bernardino Pass Hiking Route
Head out of the car park and left towards the centre of San Bernardino. Turn left along the small road after the bridge, then left again over a pedestrian bridge following some hiking signs. Head straight up the grassy slope opposite, then right along the road at the top.
Turn left before the big car park, again following the hiking signs (yellow boards and red and white markers). Keep left around the corner and you’ll soon be hiking into the wilderness, leaving San Bernardino town behind.
Once you pass through a small section of woodland, keep to the right, then take the fork to the left to continue walking through the open area. The ascent really starts to begin here, though it’s never too steep. There are beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and the ruins of old farming huts nearer the path.
Soon you’ll start weaving your way up through some shrubby trees, and will actually be directly over the highway in the tunnel beneath your feet. Head straight on at the path junction to continue heading upwards.
After roughly 4 km from the start, you’ll come to another junction, with Lake Moesola signposted to your left. If you want, take a short out-and-back to the top of the first little ridge for lake views. It’s a great place to stop and have a bite to eat or a water break.
Hiking back down to San Bernardino
When you’re ready, return to the junction and head left, then shortly right. There are few route choices, so the way is simple and the views are beautiful. The path keeps heading downwards, crosses a river, and approaches town above some trees. Keep contouring along the same trail until you reach a track.
Follow the track downhill, looking out for the hiking route signposted to the right which cuts down through some grassy fields. You’ll then be on the small roads in San Bernadino town and can make your way back to the car park and the end of the hike.
Guidebooks for Hiking in the Alps
If you prefer overnight hikes in the Alps, check out the Swiss National Park 3-Day Hike, the Berchtesgaden National Park hike or the hike up Großer Krottenkopf. Or, check out other nearby walks: from Schwägalp to Urnäsch via Hochalp, or Schwägalp Short Walk. For more hikes and city walks, see our hiking routes in nearby Germany.
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