recommended route Multi-stage route

Trekking Maggiore

Select Long Distance Hiking · Ascona-Locarno

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Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Bosco Gurin
Photo: Alessio Pizzicannella, Ascona-Locarno Tourism

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From where the mountains touch the sky to the shores of Lake Maggiore

difficult

Distance 54.7 km

23:50 h

4,645 m

5,067 m

2,224 m

532 m

The long-distance TREKKING MAGGIORE itinerary follows a hiking trail that winds its way from the upper reaches of the Rovana valley all the way down to Lake Maggiore. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the many beautiful valleys, splendid natural environments and historically important sites in the Locarno area. This 53 km itinerary consists of 4 stages and takes you across uncontaminated areas, as well as giving you the chance to appreciate many different local traditions.

With several access (and exit) points along the route, you can plan each stage at will, from one hut to the next, to suit your particular needs and interests.

TREKKING MAGGIORE not only lets you follow a totally red and white trail while enjoying the beauty of this region, but also provides an overview of its many special features: restaurants, handicrafts, local produce and a choice of accommodation. The goal is for hikers to experience the local way of life to the full.

Author

Mariano Berri

Update: September 10, 2024

Difficulty

difficult

Overall difficulty

difficult

Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

Highest point

2,224 m

Lowest point

532 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Track types

Asphalt

1.5 km

Dirt road

1.5 km

Forested/wild trail

0.7 km

Path

48.7 km

Road

0.1 km

Lift/cableway

2.2 km

Show elevation profile

Rest stops

Giovanibosco Ostello
Mountain hut Alpe Arena
Mountain hut Salei
Palazzo Gamboni - swiss historic hotel
Rifugio Corte Nuovo
Alla Capanna, Monte Comino
Rifugio al Legn

Start

Bosco Gurin

Coordinates:

SwissGrid

2'680'931E 1'130'018N

46.316688, 8.489380

DMS

46°19'00.1"N 8°29'21.8"E

UTM

32T 460687 5129361

w3w

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Destination

Brissago

Turn-by-turn directions

Bosco Gurin-Cimalmotto-Rifugio Arena-Cote Nuovo-Mergugno-Brissago

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

Coordinates

SwissGrid

2'680'931E 1'130'018N

46.316688, 8.489380

DMS

46°19'00.1"N 8°29'21.8"E

UTM

32T 460687 5129361

w3w

///notion.replays.easily

Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

Equipment

Trekking backpack (approx. 50 liters) with rain cover
Comfortable and sturdy footwear, second pair of shoes / sandals if necessary
Adequate and durable outdoor clothing in multiple layers
Change of clothes,
Telescope sticks
Sun and rain protection
Snacks and drinking water
First aid kit
Penknife
Mobile phone
Headlight
Maps
Travel documents
Toilet bag and travel towel, travel detergent and clothesline, camping equipment if necessary (tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, cooking equipment), hut equipment if necessary

Similar routes nearby

Sentiero Cristallina (SvizzeraMobile 59)
Funivia Saléi-Capanna Arena-Alpe Porcaresc-Vergeletto
Vergeletto-Capanna Ribia-Vergeletto
Someo-Capanna Alzasca-Cevio
Piano di Peccia-Capanna Poncione di Braga-Piano di Peccia

These suggestions were generated by our system

Difficulty

difficult

Overall difficulty

difficult

Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

Distance

54.7 km

Duration

23:50 h

Ascent

4,645 m

Descent

5,067 m

Highest point

2,224 m

Lowest point

532 m

Public-transport-friendly Linear route Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Flora Fauna

Weather at the route's trailhead

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Features

Maps and trails

4 Stages

Long Distance Hiking · Ascona-Locarno

Trekking Maggiore Stage 1: Bosco Gurin-Rifugio La Reggia

recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 1

Distance 9.2 km

Duration 4:00 h

Ascent 826 m

Descent 905 m

The trail starts in the centre of the picturesque Walser village of Bosco Gurin and heads west towards Grossalp.

from Mariano Berri, Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Long Distance Hiking · Ascona-Locarno

Trekking Maggiore Stage 2: Rifugio La Reggia-Rifugio Arena

recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 2

Distance 11.2 km

Duration 4:15 h

Ascent 911 m

Descent 627 m

At 1,405 m a.s.l., Cimalmotto is the highest hamlet within the Municipality of Campo Vallemaggia.

from Mariano Berri, Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Long Distance Hiking · Ascona-Locarno

Trekking Maggiore Stage 3: Rifugio Arena-Rifugio Corte Nuovo

recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 3

Distance 17.8 km

Duration 7:15 h

Ascent 1,486 m

Descent 1,540 m

After reaching the alpine lake, Lago della Cavegna, the trail takes you back down, towards Alpe Porcaresc. Here a modern structure sells excellent ...

from Mariano Berri, Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Long Distance Hiking · Ascona-Locarno

Trekking Maggiore Stage 4: Rifugio Corte Nuovo-Mergugno

recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 4

Distance 16.6 km

Duration 8:45 h

Ascent 2,081 m

Descent 2,656 m

The Corte Nuovo refuge is an unmanned structure, suitable for an overnight stay. In the morning you head off for Brissago.

from Mariano Berri, Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Route
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km Distance

: h Duration

m Ascent

m Descent

m Highest point

m Lowest point

Trekking Maggiore

Track types

Rest stops

Start

Destination

Turn-by-turn directions

Public transport

Coordinates

Equipment

Similar routes nearby

Weather at the route's trailhead

Statistics

Plan your stay

Where to stay

Webcam

Outdoor

Shop

Where to eat