Valle Verzasca Trail
Ascona-Locarno Tourism Verified partner
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Valle VerzascaPhoto: Tom Malecha, Ascona-Locarno Tourism
Explanation
You can start either from Mergoscia (735 m) or from the Verzasca dam (478 m). If starting from Mergoscia, you reach Corippo (563 m) on a path about a hundred metres above the reservoir, then descend to the Bivio di Corippo. The second variant from the dam negotiates various parts of Vogorno on a long path through the forest before returning to the forest and finally reaching the Bivio di Corippo. From there, follow a flat path to the village of Lavertezzo (536 m), famous for its double-arched bridge and wonderful green pools.
You penetrate further into the valley to Brione (756 m) on a path transformed into the Sentiero per l'arte (art path) a few years ago, which still features a few sculptures by contemporary artists. The selection of works is varied in terms of style, technique and materials (ceramics, wood, metal, glass and stone). As was envisaged, some of the sculptures have "merged" with nature, while others have retained their original state.
The path continues between old buildings and chapels to the last village – Sonogno (917 m). This route features wolf traps installed only recently. Sonogno is home to the Casa della lana (House of Wool) and ethnographic museum, where the history of the valley and its chimney sweeps is preserved. The return leg from Sonogno is by PostBus.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
Good phone reception throughout the trip.Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
From Locarno railway station: bus 321 towards Sonogno. Alight at Diga Verzasca.
Return from Sonogno: bus 321 towards Locarno Stazione. Alight at Locarno station.
Further information: www.sbb.ch
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
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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