Cascata di Santa Petronilla

Cascata di Santa Petronilla is a hidden gem and one of the highest waterfall along motorway 2, just after the Gotthard tunnel. This very tall waterfall is located near Biasca in the region Ticino, Switzerland.

When driving on motorway 2 (E35) take the exit Biasca. Drive to the city centre and park the car somewhere in the centre, if possible near the church “Chiesa Ss. Pietro e Paolo” (gps 46.359811, 8.972226). From the parking at the church there are two roads/paths (prohibited for cars) running to the second waterfall of Cascata di Santa Petronilla. This is the perfect spot for a swim and/or picnic. The left path ends at the bridge at the top of the waterfall and the right path ends at the bottom of the waterfall. You can climb down and up but this is private property (according to the signs, but it is strange). The walk takes only 15-20 minutes from the parking and is easy. There are small yellow signs (Via Santa Petronilla).

The small waterfalls with the scenic pool and ancient bridge where you can swim isn’t even named as a Santa Petronilla. Down at the train station you can see a tall drop and is called Cascata di Santa Petronilla III. In the summer of 2024 I first took several great pictures at the ancient bridge, climbed down to the other pool under the bridge before I went further upstream. After 15 minutes of climbing I reached Cascata di Santa Petronilla III, a 34 meter single drop (measured) with again a nice swimming pool in front. Popular with local people.

Because my wife was waiting down at the ancient bridge and we where heading to Vallemaggia I didn’t went further up for the first waterfall. It is said that this waterfall is the highest waterfall in Ticino with a total drop of 260 meter and I believe it!

Afterwards, back at the car I decided I also wanted to see the lower drop at the train station. You can almost drive to the base but the last part of the road is (again) prohibited for cars. Although I doubt whether the sign was placed correctly, because you also could think that only the road directly along the rails was prohibited. But an unfriendly man made it clear that I wasn’t welcome…. I always hate it when people react that way. Nevertheless, the lower Cascata di Santa Petronilla III is also quite impressive and the base can be reached by footh.

Nearby you can find another scenic waterfall called Cascata del Pozzón, in Osogna.