Lake Efra Trail
Ascona-Locarno Tourism Verified partner
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Lago d'EfraPhoto: Tom Malecha
Explanation
The starting point is Frasco (885 m) in the Verzasca valley, which can be reached by car or bus. The trail starts above the Albergo Efra and leads into the valley of the same name. The Albergo Efra was built in 1930 and for a long time it was considered the only tourist infrastructure in the whole valley. It usually accommodated guests from England at that time. You first head for the Alpe Efra (1686 m), from where you reach the small lake (1836 m).
The elevation gain is 962 m. The path is not difficult, but it calls for good footwear. The Capanna Efra (2040 m) is 30 minutes from the lake. The Valle d'Efra offers many other trails: the Gagnone (2214 m) and Rampi (2366 m) passes lead to the Leventina valley.
You start from near the parish church in Frasco (885 m) by following a minor asphalt road through the hamlet of Scimarmota, where a forest path on the right-hand bank of a little stream (the Riale d'Efra) leads up to the Monti Montada (1196 m). Numerous bends lead through the forest up the mountain to the Corte di Fondo (1686 m) to finally reach the Alpe d'Efra.
The Alpe d'Efra benefits from a spring where you can quench your thirst. A panoramic trail leads briefly southwards over the pastures to Lake Efra (1836 m). From the lake, you head north-east between pastures and rocks for half-an-hour to the Corte di Cima and the Capanna d'Efra (2039 m), which is managed by the Verzaschese hiking association.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Mountain hut EfraSafety information
Some passages are very steep.
Poor or no phone reception throughout the route.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
From Locarno railway station: bus 321 towards Sonogno. Alight at Frasco, Chiesa.
Return from Frasco: bus 321 towards Locarno Stazione. Alight at Locarno station.
Further information: www.sbb.ch
Coordinates
Equipment
- Light running backpack (approx. 5 to 10 liters) with rain cover if necessary
- Trail running shoes
- Special running socks if necessary
- Adequate and breathable clothing in multiple layers
- Trail running sticks if necessary
- Sun and rain protection
- Snacks and drinking water
- First aid kit
- Penknife
- Mobile phone
- Headlight and reflectors if necessary
- Maps
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Weather at the route's trailhead
Statistics
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- 4 Waypoints
- 4 Waypoints