A guided itinerary in the chestnut woods discovering the history and food products made with this quite extraordinary autumn fruit. When Val Bregaglia is the subject of conversation it’s inevitable that talk will turn to its relationship with the chestnut.

Throughout history, this magnificent valley connecting Italy to the lakes of Engadine has created an extraordinary bond with this most emblematic of fruit. Yet rather than being born here the chestnut tree was actually imported by the Romans more than 2000 years ago, received by widespread adoption due to drying processes that allow it to be preserved and transformed into flour even today. The educational itinerary which takes in the slopes of Castasegna, is the perfect outing for families or individuals in Autumn.

This splendid 2 kilometre route at the heart of nature boasts a series of information boards, which explore chestnut varieties and the different cultivation techniques. Until the 1st November it’s also possible to follow one of the guided excursions organised on Wednesday mornings. It’s an eye-opening opportunity to become familiar with the plethora of gastronomic products that the local community prepares with the flour: from cakes, to beer to pasta.