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Nature Trail recommended route

Arcegno-Losone-Arcegno

Nature Trail · Ascona-Locarno
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 Ascona-Locarno Tourism Verified partner  Explorers Choice 
  • Photo: Eric Vimercati
A paradise for amphibians, reptiles and dragonflies. The area has been protected as a forest reserve since the 1990s as the Parco del Bosco di Maia, allowing the woods to evolve according to natural processes.
easy
Distance 8 km
2:40 h
432 m
432 m
469 m
302 m
The Losone-Arcegno area is teeming with life. A stone’s throw from the city, this area, considered the most distinctive and complete low-altitude glacial landscape in the whole of Switzerland, is the permanent home of countless animal species, particularly reptiles, amphibians and dragonflies. The vegetation is extremely varied and includes chestnut, oak and birch, as well as ash, black alder and common reed in the wettest areas. The clearings are home to Scotch broom, eagle fern and Molinia arundinacea grass, as well as rare species such as Juncus acutiflorus and graziella.

The animal kingdom is also very well represented: almost all amphibians and reptiles found at this altitude are present, including the smooth newt, agile frog, Perrin’s tree frog and dice snake. If you look up, you may also see different species of birds, such as the common redstart and the Eurasian wryneck. About 20 different kinds of dragonfly (for example, the banded demoiselle and the four-spotted chaser) and as many species of butterfly complete the picture.

Discover more walks "Alla scoperta della biodiversità" in the printed guide (in Italian). Information: www.a-pro.ch 

Profile picture of Mariano Berri
Author
Mariano Berri 
Update: April 01, 2022
Difficulty
easy
Technique
Stamina
Highest point
469 m
Lowest point
302 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Asphalt 11.82%Forested/wild trail 6.56%Path 77.49%Road 4.11%
Asphalt
0.9 km
Forested/wild trail
0.5 km
Path
6.2 km
Road
0.3 km
Show elevation profile

Safety information

Suisse Rando - Marcher en toute sécurité

Start

Arcegno, Chiesa
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'700'723E 1'113'164N
DD
46.162422, 8.742663
DMS
46°09'44.7"N 8°44'33.6"E
UTM
32T 480132 5112126
w3w 
///revision.barstool.pheasants

Destination

Arcegno, Chiesa

Turn-by-turn directions

From Arcegno follow the signs for Ortighee and Ciossa until you reach Barbescio. The climb to the top of the hill is undoubtedly worth it. Continue clockwise around the Barbescio hill to the bridge connecting to the Bolletina Lunga hill. Once across the bridge, turn left and continue towards Losone as far as the Bolle di Mondrigo. Continue towards Ortighee and Arcegno. Shortly before Arcengo, turn left and continue towards Monte Verità passing the Gratena hill. Climb the Balladrum hill (lookout point) and descend, following the signs for Brumo. You will eventually arrive back at the start.

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

Bus from Locarno line 314, towards Ronco Sopra Ascona. Timetable on www.sbb.ch

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'700'723E 1'113'164N
DD
46.162422, 8.742663
DMS
46°09'44.7"N 8°44'33.6"E
UTM
32T 480132 5112126
w3w 
///revision.barstool.pheasants
Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

Book recommendation by the author

Alla scoperta della biodiversità. Escursioni nelle zone naturali protette del Canton Ticino - Salvioni Edizioni, www.a-pro.ch  

Ivan Sasu, Eric Vimercati, Marcello Martinoni, SalvioniEdizioni, ISBN 978-88-7967-419-5

Equipment

  • Hiking daypack (approx. 20 liters) with rain cover
  • Comfortable and sturdy footwear
  • Adequate and durable outdoor clothing in multiple layers
  • Telescope sticks if necessary
  • Sun and rain protection
  • Snacks and drinking water
  • First aid kit
  • Penknife
  • Mobile phone, headlight if necessary
  • Maps

Similar routes nearby

  • Places of Power in Arcegno
  • Sculpture path
  • The path of the three rivers
  • The Collina Alta (Locarno Monti-Contra)
  • Madonna del Sasso - Via Crucis
 These suggestions were generated by our system
Difficulty
easy
Distance
8 km
Duration
2:40 h
Ascent
432 m
Descent
432 m
Highest point
469 m
Lowest point
302 m
Public-transport-friendly Round trip Flora Fauna

Weather at the route's trailhead

Statistics

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Features
Maps and trails
  • 2 Waypoints
  • 2 Waypoints
  • Route
  • Gradient
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 km Distance
: h Duration
 m Ascent
 m Descent
 m Highest point
 m Lowest point

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