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Lago del Nàret
Photo: Ascona-Locarno Tourism
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The climb from Bignasco to Lago del Narèt is one of the most scenic and physically demanding tours Switzerland has to offer for road bikes.
difficult
Distance 64.1 km
Duration5:00 h
Ascent2,000 m
Descent2,000 m
Highest point2,311 m
Lowest point437 m
The route stretches 32 kilometres from Bignasco in the Vallemaggia to the impressive Lago del Narèt in Val Sambuco. The Lago del Narèt is a reservoir at 2310 m a. s. l. in the midst of a picturesque natural landscape. From Bignasco to Prato Sornico the ascent is regular with partly flat sections. From now on it gets steeper and with every hairpin bend you gain height. Fusio is the last village before you finally enter the magnificent countryside. At the Lago del Sambuco reservoir there is a snack bar, the last opportunity to get something to eat. On the flat stretch along the lake, you can take a breather, then the climb of the so-called "wall" begins. With a gradient of 14.8%, the last section is the most demanding. At Alpe Campo la Torba you can take a deep breath and recharge your batteries for the steep final climb. When you reach the first lakes, you have almost completed the 1945 meters in altitude. At the top, the imposing dam walls await you, embedded in a magical alpine landscape.
Average gradient: 6 %
Ascent from Bignasco: 32 km
Altitude difference from Bignasco: +1937 m/-64 m
Author’s recommendation
The destination of this tour is at 2310 m a. s. l., so it is important to check the weather conditions in advance. In addition, appropriate equipment and warm clothing are required for the descent.
Author
Mariano Berri
Update: November 19, 2024
Difficulty
difficult
Overall difficulty
difficult
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Highest point
2,311 m
Lowest point
437 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt 38.62%Road 61.37%
Asphalt
24.8 km
Road
39.3 km
Show elevation profile
Rest stops
Chiosco del Sambuco
Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'689'989E 1'132'649N
DD
46.339205, 8.607479
DMS
46°20'21.1"N 8°36'26.9"E
UTM
32T 469792 5131811
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Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!
Equipment
Road bike
Bike helmet
Cycling shoes
Adequate clothing
Bike googles
Cycling gloves
Bike pump
Bicycle tools
Sun and rain protection
Snacks and drinking water
Drink bottle and convenient fixture
First aid kit
Penknife
Mobile phone
Headlight and reflectors if necessary
Maps
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Cevio-Bosco Gurin-Cimalmotto
Ascona-Ronco sopra Ascona-Casone
Locarno-Mergoscia
Half tour around Lake Maggiore
These suggestions were generated by our system
Difficulty
difficult
Overall difficulty
difficult
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Distance
64.1 km
Duration
5:00 h
Ascent
2,000 m
Descent
2,000 m
Highest point
2,311 m
Lowest point
437 m
Out and backScenicRefreshment stops availableGeological highlightsFloraFaunaInsider tip
Weather at the route's trailhead
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Maps and trails
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