San Bernardino Mesolcina Calanca
The San Bernardino Mesolcina Calanca region, known as the Moesano, lies in the southern Swiss canton of Graubünden, about two hours from Zurich or Milan. It combines alpine nature with Mediterranean flair, set in the valleys of Mesolcina and Calanca. The region is rural and mountainous, dominated by steep rock faces, forests and the small Parco Val Calanca, Switzerland's smallest nature park. It is not dominated by a lake but by rivers and valleys, with the village of San Bernardino at its centre as a key hub. The area offers a rich cultural life with traditional festivals, concerts and markets, alongside unspoilt nature and original hiking trails. The cuisine blends alpine and Mediterranean influences, from simple grotti dishes to refined restaurant creations.
Summer activities
In summer the Moesano offers a wide range of outdoor activities. The San Remo sports centre in San Bernardino provides tennis courts, a multi-purpose field, an 18-hole minigolf course, beach volleyball and table tennis, while an adventure park and a 2 km fitness trail along the shores of Lake d'Isola add to the offer. Hiking and cycling routes of varying difficulty run through the valleys, and the SanBe TrailRun Academy invites visitors to explore the trails by running. The Parco Val Calanca offers unspoilt nature and original hiking paths.
Winter activities
In winter the Moesano offers winter sports in the Confin ski area around San Bernardino. When snow falls, the San Remo sports centre turns into a winter oasis where visitors can ice skate or watch exciting hockey matches.
Culture and entertainment
The Moesano has a lively cultural calendar throughout the year, with concerts, traditional festivals and markets. Events such as the Festa degli alpigiani, the Rassegna del Cordon Bleu, the Landarenca Trail running race and the Backyard Ultra in San Bernardino, as well as open days at the Moesano music school and village festivals like Mesocco in Piazza, reflect the region's cultural and culinary traditions.
