Valle Verzasca Trail
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Verzasca ValleyPhoto: Tom Malecha, Ascona-Locarno Tourism
The Valle Verzasca trail, although it appears to be a flat run at first glance, actually features a varied route characterized by numerous ups and downs. The route stretches from south to north following the river and its many refreshing pools. Not to be missed are the impressive Verzasca Dam and the Lavertezzo bridge, as well as the many picturesque villages and passages situated throughout the valley.
The route can start either from Mergoscia (735 m) or from the Verzasca Dam (478 m). In the first case, you reach Corippo (563 m) walking about a hundred meters above the artificial lake. Then you descend to the "Corippo Junction".
In the second case, starting from the dam, after a long stretch of forest, you pass through the many hamlets of Vogorno before returning to the forest to reach the "Corippo Junction" as well.
From here, the route continues flat to the village of Lavertezzo (536 m), very famous for its double-arched bridge and its magnificent green water pools.
Continue to Brione (756 m) along a section where a few years ago an "Art Trail" was created, of which some contemporary artists' sculptures can still be seen, set in a truly happy natural context. These works vary in style, techniques, and materials (ceramics, wood, metal, glass, and stone). As expected, some of these sculptures have "merged" with nature, while others have kept their original appearance.
The route continues among old buildings and chapels – you can even see recently highlighted wolf traps – up to the last village. Sonogno (917 m) hosts the "Wool House" and the ethnographic museum, which collects the memories of the valley and the history of chimney sweeps. From Sonogno you return by postal bus.
Ascona-Locarno Tourism Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
Excellent mobile phone reception along the whole route.Roadbook
Lavertezzo
The romanic bridge "Ponte dei salti"
Cascata di Orgnana
BoBosco - Boccia al bosco
Fiume Verzasca
Frasco
Sonogno
Wool center
Museum of the Verzasca Valley
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Outbound from Locarno, Station: take bus 321 towards Sonogno. Get off at the Verzasca Dam stop.
Return from Sonogno: take bus 321 towards Locarno, Station. Get off at Locarno, Piazza Stazione stop.
For more information: www.sbb.ch
Coordinates
Equipment
👕 Clothing:
- Breathable technical t-shirt
- Trail shorts or leggings
- Anti-blister sports socks
- Light windproof/rainproof jacket
- Cap or headband
- Sunglasses with UV protection
👟 Shoes:
- Trail shoes with good grip
🥤 Hydration and nutrition:
- Trail running backpack or belt
- At least 1 litre of water
- Energy snacks: bars, gels, or dried fruit
🧭 Safety and navigation:
- Charged mobile phone
- Map or GPS track of the route
- Emergency whistle
- Mini first aid kit
- Emergency thermal blanket
☀️ Other advice:
- Sunscreen
- Anti-chafing cream
- Trail poles (optional)
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
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