Built in 1917 for the construction of a reservoir and a power station, the Piora – Ritom funicular has been open to the public since 1921. The red railway carries 100 people per hour up at 87.8% angle to the scenic mountain lakes in the Val Piora.
The Ritomsee lake is just 15 minutes from the mountain station along a narrow and largely flat road. Nearby, three mountain restaurants serve their renowned Ticino specialities such as Polenta e Brasato (braised beef) or a piece of Piora cheese.
Visitors can take a mountain hike to the Cadlimo hut (accommodation available) and onwards to the Oberalp Pass, over the Passo dell'Uomo to the Lukmanier Pass or a classic tour over the Passo del Sole to Acquacalda.