Long Distance Hiking recommended route Multi-stage route

Sentiero Verzasca (SvizzeraMobile 74)

Long Distance Hiking · Ascona-Locarno
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    The Verzasca Valley is known as idyllic - and so is the trail, particularly the first section. It then leads past abandoned alps, a sign that life here was not always so idyllic. Particularly impressive: the mountain village of Corippo.

    moderate
    Distance 34.7 km
    11:30 h
    1,320 m
    2,040 m
    1,116 m
    196 m

    There’s no question about it: it’s well worth hiking through the Verzasca Valley. It’s best to stay over night in Sonogno and savour morning peace. The crystal-clear emerald-green water, smoothly polished cliffs warmed by the sun, the scent of shrubs, risotto from the grotti by the wayside... the hike through the valley heightens all your senses. One optical highlight is undoubtedly the 17th-century Ponte dei Salti bridge spanning the Verzasca at Lavertezzo in two filigree stone arches.

    But the valley has more to offer than merely an idyll. Observant hikers on the carefully-made mountain trail from Corippo to Mergoscia, will notice that a few decades ago, life in this valley was anything but idyllic. The unkempt alps on tiny terraces are evidence of the tough struggle for survival that ruled here a century ago. Thus this part of the stage is just as worthy of being under a conservation order as the mountain village of Corippo and also Mergoscia, which has become a target for holiday homes in recent years.

    Author’s recommendation

    This walk is much appreciated also by groups and families because it is easy and you can interrupt it whenever you like thanks to its great accessibility and to the numerous stops offered by public transport. In summer you can recharge your batteries with a refreshing swim in the river.

    Profile picture of Mariano Berri
    Author
    Mariano Berri 
    Update: November 05, 2024
    Difficulty
    T2 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Highest point
    1,116 m
    Lowest point
    196 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 14.21%Forested/wild trail 8.30%Path 73.37%Road 4.10%
    Asphalt
    4.9 km
    Forested/wild trail
    2.9 km
    Path
    25.5 km
    Road
    1.4 km
    Show elevation profile

    Start

    Sonogno
    Coordinates:
    SwissGrid
    2'703'797E 1'134'082N
    DD
    46.350102, 8.787108
    DMS
    46°21'00.4"N 8°47'13.6"E
    UTM
    32T 483619 5132969
    w3w 
    ///office.hacksaw.alert

    Destination

    Locarno, Debarcadero

    Turn-by-turn directions

    Sonogno-Frasco-Gerra (Verzasca)-Brione (Verzasca)-Lavertezzo-Corippo-Mergoscia-Monti di Lego-Brione sopra Minusio-Orselina-Monti della SS. Trinità-Madonna del Sasso-Locarno, Debarcadero

    Public transport

    Public-transport-friendly

    Coordinates

    SwissGrid
    2'703'797E 1'134'082N
    DD
    46.350102, 8.787108
    DMS
    46°21'00.4"N 8°47'13.6"E
    UTM
    32T 483619 5132969
    w3w 
    ///office.hacksaw.alert
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    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

    • Sonogno-Capanna Barone-Sonogno
    • Frasco-Capanna Efra-Frasco
    • Brione Verzasca-Rifugio Sambuco-Sonogno
    • Brione Verzasca-Capanna Starlaresc-Brione Verzasca
    • Broglio-Capanna Tomeo-Prato Sornico
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    T2 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    34.7 km
    Duration
    11:30 h
    Ascent
    1,320 m
    Descent
    2,040 m
    Highest point
    1,116 m
    Lowest point
    196 m
    Public-transport-friendly Linear route Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Family-friendly Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Flora Fauna Insider tip

    Weather at the route's trailhead

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    • Content
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    Features
    Maps and trails
    Long Distance Hiking · Ascona-Locarno
    Sentiero Verzasca (SvizzeraMobile 74) - Stage 1: Sonogno-Lavertezzo
    recommended route Difficulty T2 moderate Stage 1
    Distance 13.6 km
    Duration 3:50 h
    Ascent 220 m
    Descent 560 m

    Sonogno and Lavertezzo with its stone arched bridge are both worth visiting. The countryside between is also delightful: you hike through an area ...

    from Mariano Berri,   Ascona-Locarno Tourism
    Long Distance Hiking · Ascona-Locarno
    Sentiero Verzasca (SvizzeraMobile 74) - Stage 2: Lavertezzo-Locarno
    recommended route Difficulty T2 moderate Stage 2
    Distance 21.2 km
    Duration 7:28 h
    Ascent 1,110 m
    Descent 1,460 m

    The section of the trail between Corippo (under conservation order) and Mergoscia is particularly impressive. Hiking along the mountain trail, you ...

    from Mariano Berri,   Ascona-Locarno Tourism
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