Picturesque winter walk on the slopes of Lake Maggiore between Ascona, Ronco s/Ascona and Brissago. Here you can discover the scents of the forest, various buildings of historical and cultural interest, and admire a charming panorama.
A beautiful hike of just under three hours to enjoy the sun and take advantage of the winter immersed in a Mediterranean atmosphere. The entire route is 9 km with an elevation gain of about 400 meters.
There is, however, the possibility to do only half of the route (coming from either Ascona or Brissago) by stopping at Ronco s/Ascona. From Ronco it is possible to return to Locarno by bus 314 (Ronco, Arcegno, Losone, Locarno), or to descend to Porto Ronco (about 15 minutes) and return to Brissago - or to Locarno - by bus 316 (Brissago, Ascona, Locarno). From mid-March to mid-October a small bus, line 8, also runs, going back and forth from Brissago 6 times a day.
From Ascona you need to climb towards Monte Verità, where there is a charming garden and a tea plantation. In this pleasant place you can also relax in the pavilion next to the Zen garden, enjoying a view of the sparkling lake. Then continue towards Ronco along an asphalt road and after about an hour you will reach the ancient core of the village of medieval origin. The term “Ronco” means terrace or hill. The municipality rises on a lush slope where viticulture played a very important role for many years. Of particular interest in Ronco are the two churches (San Martino and Madonna delle Grazie) and Casa Ciseri, the birthplace of the painter Antonio Ciseri (1821).
Starting from this last historic building, you can venture further into the village, following the narrow and romantic alleys. Climbing uphill you will reach an asphalt road, called “Tagliafuoco”, which will take you to the district of Porta, above Brissago. In Porta you can admire the new oratory, a square reinforced concrete building. From here, descending the stairs, you will arrive in about 15 minutes in the center of Brissago where you can enjoy a breathtaking view from the fully pedestrian lakeside promenade recently renovated and visit the small old town.
