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Lake del Nàret
Photo: Ascona-Locarno Tourism
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The climb from Bignasco to Lake Narèt is one of the most thrilling routes Switzerland can offer for road bikes, both from a scenic and physical perspective.
difficult
Distance 64.1 km
Duration5:00 h
Ascent2,000 m
Descent2,000 m
Highest point2,311 m
Lowest point437 m
The route stretches for 32 kilometers from Bignasco, in Vallemaggia, to the impressive Lake Narèt in Val Sambuco. Lake Narèt is an artificial reservoir at 2310 meters above sea level, set in a picturesque natural landscape. From Bignasco to Prato Sornico, the climb is steady with some flat sections. From this point on, it becomes steeper, gaining altitude at every hairpin bend. Fusio is the last village before finally entering the wonderful countryside. At the Sambuco artificial lake, there is a snack bar, the last opportunity for refreshment. You can catch your breath on the flat section along the lake, after which begins the climb known as the "wall." With a gradient of 14.8%, the last stretch is the most challenging. At Alpe di Campo la Torba, you can take a good breath and recharge for the steep final ascent. When you reach the first small lakes, you have almost completed the 1945 meters of elevation gain. At the top, the imposing walls of the dam await you, immersed in a magical alpine landscape.
Average gradient: 6 %
Climb from Bignasco: 32 km
Elevation gain from Bignasco: +1937m/-64m
Author’s recommendation
The destination of this route is located at 2310 meters above sea level, so it is important to check the weather conditions in advance. For the descent, proper equipment and warm clothing are also necessary.
Responsible for this content
Ascona-Locarno Tourism
Verified partner
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
Bike shoes
Appropriate clothing
Bike glasses
Cycling gloves
Bike pump
Bike repair tools
Sun and rain protection
Food and drinking water
Water bottle
First aid kit
Mobile phone
Light and reflectors
Maps
Travel documents
Localization
Parts of this content were machine translated using Italian as the source language
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Half tour of 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
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