Sentiero Verzasca (SvizzeraMobile 74)
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Explanation
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.
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.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Start
Destination
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
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
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Weather at the route's trailhead
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Sonogno and Lavertezzo with its stone arched bridge are both worth visiting. The countryside between is also delightful: you hike through an area ...
The section of the trail between Corippo (under conservation order) and Mergoscia is particularly impressive. Hiking along the mountain trail, you ...