The Leventina and Blenio valleys join at Biasca, from where the Riviera valley stretches further to the south. The creek Ri della Froda has its source above Biasca, at the Alpe di Lago, and its water falls in a cascade right beside the train station of Biasca, where the train passengers can enjoy its view from the windows.

Situated on the old Gotthard railway line, Biasca is also the designated southern portal for the Gotthard base tunnel of the new NEAT transalpine railway link. A highlight for railway fans is the mountain hiking trail «Gottardo» that runs from Biasca to Airolo and to the north of the Alps from Göschenen to Erstfeld. With over 70 information panels and well-positioned vantage points, it offers a wealth of fascinating facts on what is considered the most important stretch of railway line in Europe.

In the Middle Ages, Biasca was the site of one of the largest mountain landslides in the history of Switzerland: in 1513, a landslide from Monte Crenone destroyed many houses, killed hundreds of villagers and blocked the entrance to the valley. The blockage succumbed to the pressure of the dammed lake and burst in 1515, wreaking heavy damage as far as the Piano di Magadino.

Biasca’s 12th-century SS. Pietro e Paolo Church is well worth a visit. A cultural heritage site of national significance, it boasts monochromatic frescos dating back to the 13th century. A Via Dolorosa or Way of the Cross with 14 chapels was consecrated in 1742 and leads to the oratory Santa Petronilla with 17th-century frescos. The historic Santa Petronilla bridge is also worth a look.

Other sights worth seeing are the parish church of San Carlo (1891-1905), a monumental structure that never quite reached completion and the Forte Mondascia Museum of Military History. Some of Biasca’s old patrician or noblemen’s houses have also been preserved.