Lago Tremorgio and Capanna Leìt: two lakes and a hut above the Leventina

Lago Tremorgio sits in a bowl at 1,830 m above Rodi-Fiesso, and already feels like the destination: in fact from there a path climbs on, among boulders and pasture, to Capanna Leìt at 2,260 m and its little lake, where the Leventina ends and the sky begins.

The route

We ride the Rodi cable car up to Tremorgio (or walk, for anyone who wants the full climb), circle the lake and take the path to Capanna Leìt: a steep, stony stretch with a few moves where you use your hands.

From the hut you see the Gotthard massif and the whole valley below. We descend the same way or on the pasture loop, depending on the weather.

Who it's for

• anyone with the legs already, after a proper day at altitude
• anyone who wants two alpine lakes in one day
• anyone who wants to stop at an alpine club hut and eat what is going

Good to know

Above Tremorgio the ground is steep and stony: boots are compulsory, and in mist the guide stops at the lower lake. The cable car (about CHF 20) is not included and does not run all year. Lunch at the hut is optional and must be booked: the Leìt is open June to October.

You are crossing into Switzerland

A valid ID in your pocket, not in your rucksack: Switzerland is not in the European Union and border checks do happen.

Mountain rescue is charged for: in Switzerland the helicopter is billed to the person who calls it. Guiddy accident insurance is included, but a Rega card (about €40 a year) or a policy covering rescue costs in Switzerland is what we suggest to everyone.

Swiss francs: huts and cable cars almost always take cards, but a few valley huts are still cash only. The European health card is valid in Switzerland for emergency care.

Getting there

A9 to Bellinzona, then up the Leventina to Rodi-Fiesso: two hours from the ring road. By train to Faido, then bus.

By car you need the Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40, valid for the calendar year) if you use the motorway: you buy it at the border, at petrol stations near the crossing, or online.