Geological excursion Lepontic (Lago Ritóm, TI)

On the occasion of the new Tectonic Map of Switzerland 1.500 000, swisstopo is organizing a geological excursion to discover the Lepontic, a new tectonic unit. The Lepontic is made up of crystalline rocks that once belonged to the European continental margin. Our Lepontic was transported north-westwards by Africa, collided with Eurasia around 30 million years ago and was consequently deformed and metamorphosed.

During the excursion, we will have the opportunity to reconstruct the history of these metamorphic rocks.

Useful information

• Meeting point : Bus stop Piotta Centrale (funicolare) (map.geo.admin.ch)
• Time : 9:20 am to 4:40 pm. The participants bear the costs (Roundtrip) of the funicolar.
• Walking time : 4 hours.  485 m ascent, - 485 m descent. Distance 13 km.
• Language : Italian
• Guide : Filippo Schenker, SUPSI (Co-author Tectonic Map of the Switzerland 1:500'000)
• Equipment: good walking shoes, clothing suitable for cold, wet and/or sunny weather.  Take along a picnic lunch in your backpack.

Sign up for the excursion on September 28, 2025