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Long Distance Hiking recommended route Multi-stage route

Trekking Maggiore

Long Distance Hiking
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  • Bosco Gurin
    Bosco Gurin
    Photo: Alessio Pizzicannella, Ascona-Locarno Tourism
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.

Profile picture of Mariano Berri
Author
Mariano Berri 
Update: May 23, 2023
Difficulty
difficult
Technique
Stamina
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 2.73%Dirt road 2.81%Forested/wild trail 1.30%Path 88.97%Road 0.21%Lift/cableway 3.96%
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
DD
46.316688, 8.489380
DMS
46°19'00.1"N 8°29'21.8"E
UTM
32T 460687 5129361
w3w 
///notion.replays.easily

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
DD
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
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

Statistics

  • Content
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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
Distance  km
Duration : h
Ascent  m
Descent  m
Highest point  m
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Plan your stay

Where to stay

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Outdoor

Shop

Where to eat