Trail of Marvels

Where ancient stone walls trace forgotten boundaries and the sound of water still turns old mill wheels, the Trail of Marvels weaves through the Malcantone countryside revealing centuries of human ingenuity etched into the landscape. This family-friendly circular walk from Novaggio follows the Magliasina river valley past gold mines, a medieval castle, and Switzerland's last surviving water-powered trip hammer, all framed by lush woodland and sun-dappled meadows.

The Malcantone region unfolds as a tapestry of contrasts, stretching from the shores of Lake Lugano to the summit of Monte Lema. Gentle hills dotted with charming villages give way to expansive woodlands, and the local tourist board has pioneered thematic itineraries designed to reveal both celebrated landmarks and hidden corners where traces of agricultural life, animal husbandry, and resourceful craft still endure.

Itinerary: Trail of Marvels (4h, see map)

The Trail of Marvels is a 7-kilometre circular route that begins and ends in Novaggio, taking roughly four hours at an easy pace. The marked path winds through the valley of the Magliasina river between Novaggio, Ponte di Vello, and Aranno, passing a wealth of historical and natural treasures. Dry stone walls that once marked property boundaries line the trail, and you will encounter terraces where farmers grew rye, kilns for firing bricks and roof tiles, a hallmark Malcantone craft, and mills for grinding grain and chestnuts. The riverside woodland shelters alder, ash, maple, and hawthorn, while the surrounding meadows teem with insects, reptiles, birds, and small rodents.

What truly captures the imagination, however, are the remnants of the valley's mining past. Along the route you will discover traces of 19th-century mines where small quantities of gold, silver, zinc, and sulphur were extracted, alongside abandoned soil probes from early 20th-century prospecting efforts.

Another gem is the Aranno trip hammer, the only water-powered lever trip hammer still in existence in Switzerland, which remained in operation until 1951. The force of rushing water once drove the great hammer, forging iron and producing tools. An exhibition on the upper floor chronicles its remarkable story. The trip hammer is generally open to the public from May to October, closing only during rain.

Perched above the trail, the remains of a medieval castle stand on what was likely an old communication route forming part of a fortified line along the Magliasina valley. Shaded by dense forest, the site also features a playground and picnic area, ideal for families.

The trail is also accessible from Aranno, Ponte di Vello (where an agritourism offers refreshments), and Miglieglia. For easy navigation, we recommend downloading the informative brochure with a detailed area map from the Lugano Region Tourism Office website.

To round off your visit, head to Miglieglia, where the cemetery chapel of Santo Stefano al Colle dazzles with magnificent frescoes, then return to Novaggio to admire its striking murals, an open-air gallery of colour and storytelling painted across the village walls.