Cardada-Cima della Trosa-Mergoscia

Take the funicular from Locarno to Orselina and then the cable car to Cardada. The station in Orselina was designed by Ticino architect Mario Botta. Once at the top, it is worth visiting the nearby viewing platform. The hiking trail leads up to Cimetta. If you want to save yourself the climb, you can take the chairlift. A short descent leads to the Bassa di Cardada pass. Now traverse along the mountain flank below the summit. The last stretch to the summit of the Cima della Trosa requires a little scrambling. The famous Via Alta Vallemaggia high-altitude hike also starts from here. Return a short distance along the same path, then follow the signposts in the direction of Mergoscia. The descent leads over the Alpe di Bietri, an alp grazed by cows in summer. The path to Mergoscia drags on, but thanks to the beautiful landscape and the many settlements you pass, even the descent goes by in no time. From Mergoscia, the bus leaves for Locarno.