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Photo: Ascona-Locarno Tourism
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The Verzasca Valley is undoubtedly one of the most famous valleys in Ticino. Not without reason, because the emerald-green river, the idyllic villages and the mountain landscape are unique.
moderate
Distance 64.1 km
Duration3:30 h
Ascent933 m
Descent933 m
Highest point915 m
Lowest point196 m
From Locarno, the route goes slightly above Lake Maggiore via Tenero to Gordola. The steepest part of the route follows right at the beginning. Already at the big hairpin bends before the famous Verzasca dam, the road flattens out again and now climbs regularly until km 23, where it gets a little steeper again until Brione. The remaining 9 kilometres are again a steady climb (approx. 3% gradient). The Verzasca Valley is a jewel both scenically and culturally and attracts many visitors. So, there is plenty to see on the way there and various restaurants where you can savour the local cuisine. Due to the busy road and the many tunnels (some are not illuminated), lights are required for all bicycles!
Average gradient: 3 %
Ascent from Gordola: 26.5 km
Altitude difference from Gordola: +800 m/- 110 m
Author’s recommendation
During the summer months there is always a lot of traffic in the Verzasca Valley. We therefore recommend doing this tour early in the morning. In addition, lights are required for all bicycles in the Verzasca Valley!
Author
Mariano Berri
Update: March 31, 2025
Difficulty
moderate
Overall difficulty
moderate
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Highest point
915 m
Lowest point
196 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt 0.53%Road 99.46%
Asphalt
342 m
Road
63.8 km
Show elevation profile
Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'705'244E 1'114'304N
DD
46.171987, 8.801437
DMS
46°10'19.2"N 8°48'05.2"E
UTM
32T 484672 5113175
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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
Similar routes nearby
Half tour around Lake Maggiore
Locarno-Mergoscia
Gambarogno- Lago di Lugano Tour
Cannobina Valley Tour
Locarno-Vergeletto
These suggestions were generated by our system
Difficulty
moderate
Overall difficulty
moderate
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
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