Since 2021 the ancient beech forests of the Lodano Valley have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in the context of the property "Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe".
Lodano is a small village in the lower part of Vallemaggia, about 15 km from Locarno, at an altitude of 340 meters. A wide valley opens just above the village and its vineyards. Valle di Lodano is home to a large forest reserve with fascinating landscapes, rich with flora and fauna, and filled with testimonies of past human activities. These elements were restored and enhanced thanks to a large interdisciplinary project with a holistic approach. The project led to several landscape improvements as well as historical and scientific research.
Valle di Lodano Projects
Learn about the Forest Reserve as well as the project to enhance and protect the landscape.
Discover the History
Discover the history and stories of Valle di Lodano, from alpine activities to forest exploitation and charcoal production sites.
Explore the Nature
Explore the untouched nature of this magnificent valley, from forests to open spaces.
Suggested Itineraries
Discover Valle di Lodano through four thematic itineraries.
The Alp da Canaa Cabin and Other Shelter
Find shelter in any situation, whether at the Alp da Canaa cabin or in emergency huts.
Guided Excursions
Take excursions with competent guides to learn about the history and nature of Valle di Lodano.
Publications
Read about the wonders of Valle di Lodano in a book and brochure.
Gallery
Take a peek at Valle di Lodano through aerial photography, black & white images, and videos.
News
Conferenza "Faggete Vetuste UNESCO italiane"
Mercoledì 11 marzo 2026 alle ore 20:15, presso la Sala del Consiglio Comunale di Lodano, si terrà la conferenza pubblica “Faggete Vetuste UNESCO italiane: accumulo di carbonio, diversità strutturale e risposte al cambiamento climatico” con il Prof. Alfredo Di Filippo, Professore associato in botanica ambientale ed applicata all’Università della Tuscia (Viterbo) e Explorer della National Geographic Society.
Cliccare qui per scaricare la locandina dell'evento organizzato dal Gruppo Strategico Faggete Valli di Lodano, Busai e Soladino.
Conferenza "Passato e futuro delle faggete europee"
Giovedì 16 ottobre 2025 alle ore 20:00, presso la sala multiuso del Liceo cantonale di Locarno in Via F. Chiesa 16 a Locarno, si terrà la conferenza pubblica "Passato e futuro delle faggete europee” con il Prof. Dr. Willy Tinner, co-Direttore dell’Istituto di scienze botaniche all’Università di Berna e ricercatore nell’ambito della paleoecologia e della dinamica della vegetazione.
Cliccare qui per scaricare la locandina dell'evento organizzato dal Gruppo Strategico Faggete Valli di Lodano, Busai e Soladino.
Closure Alp da Canaa Cabin
The Patriziato di Lodano informs that, starting Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Alp da Canaa Cabin will be closed to the public.
Depending on weather conditions, it is expected to reopen in the second half of May 2026.