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Trail Running recommended route

Valle Verzasca Trail

Trail Running · Ascona-Locarno
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  • Valle Verzasca
    Valle Verzasca
    Photo: Tom Malecha, Ascona-Locarno Tourism
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    Although the tour in the Verzasca valley appears flat, in reality it is a varied route with numerous ups and downs. The route runs from south to north along the river – great for refreshing yourself in the pools. Along the way there is much to see, including the stunning Verzasca dam, Lavertezzo bridge and numerous villages and picturesque passageways.
    moderate
    Distance 24.3 km
    5:00 h
    1,070 m
    465 m
    923 m
    474 m

    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.

    Profile picture of Mariano Berri
    Author
    Mariano Berri 
    Update: June 04, 2025
    Difficulty
    T2 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Highest point
    923 m
    Lowest point
    474 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
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    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 10.26%Forested/wild trail 14.50%Path 70.08%Road 5.12%Unknown 0.02%
    Asphalt
    2.5 km
    Forested/wild trail
    3.5 km
    Path
    17 km
    Road
    1.2 km
    Unknown
    6 m
    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    Good phone reception throughout the trip.

    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

    SwissGrid
    2'709'012E 1'116'934N
    DD
    46.195044, 8.850832
    DMS
    46°11'42.2"N 8°51'03.0"E
    UTM
    32T 488490 5115729
    w3w 
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    👕 Clothing:
    • Breathable technical shirt
    • Trail shorts or leggings
    • Sports socks
    • Light wind-/rain jacket
    • Cap or headband
    • Sunglasses with UV protection

    👟 Shoes:

    • Trail running shoes with good grip

    🥤 Hydration:

    • Trail running backpack or waist belt
    • At least 1 liter of water
    • Energy bars, gels or dried fruit

    🧭 Safety:

    • Fully charged mobile phone
    • Map or GPS track of the route
    • Emergency whistle
    • Small first-aid kit
    • Emergency blanket

    ☀️ Other tips:

    • Sunscreen
    • Anti-chafing cream
    • Trail poles (optional)

    Similar routes nearby

    • Contra-Alpe Cardada Trail
    • Locarno Trail
    • Ascona-Locarno Golden Trail
    • Cardada-Mergoscia Trail
    • Pizzo Leone Trail
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    T2 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    24.3 km
    Duration
    5:00 h
    Ascent
    1,070 m
    Descent
    465 m
    Highest point
    923 m
    Lowest point
    474 m
    Public-transport-friendly Out and back Scenic Refreshment stops available Insider tip

    Weather at the route's trailhead

    10-day forecast

    Statistics

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    Features
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    Distance
    Duration
    Ascent
    Descent
    Elevation profile

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