Nature Trail recommended route

Centres of energy in the Ghiridone

Nature Trail · Ascona-Locarno
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  • Un faggio secolare con un “occhio degli elfi”, dato da due rami che ricrescono insieme, sul sentiero fra Mergugno e il Bosco Sacro.
    Un faggio secolare con un “occhio degli elfi”, dato da due rami che ricrescono insieme, sul sentiero fra Mergugno e il Bosco Sacro.
    Photo: Claudio Andretta
The ancient beech trees of Mergugno, the Alpe Avaiscia, the Vantarone and the prehistoric circle of Cortaccio.
moderate
Distance 7.4 km
3:15 h
754 m
741 m
1,788 m
1,036 m
The Sacred Wood of Mergugno is a real treat for the eyes and the heart. It’s also a popular destination between the months of May and July when the laburnums are in bloom and the energy is even more intense. Ala Gana is home to a particularly powerful energy centre; its many large beech trees communicate through lines known as “tree chakras”.

Beyond the vegetation, you can also enjoy stunning views of the Ghiridone and the Pizzo Leone. While descending towards the Alpe Avaiscia, you’ll soon spot a large cliff next to a farmhouse below. This is one of the main centres of energy on the slopes of the Ghiridone. The rock features beautiful carvings and is considered by archaeology experts to be one of the most important and panoramic around the lake. The vibrations are very strong throughout the stone and a powerfully spiritual bright white light pervades the place.

There is an interesting energy well at the Alpe Voièe, and slightly further on, in Vantarone, the beautiful boulder near the bench offers an invitation to meditate and contemplate. This is a particularly powerful centre of energy with an atmosphere that is truly magical and spiritual.

In Cortaccio, another unexpected large boulder deserves your full attention, firstly for its rock carvings that offer continuity with those you’ve already seen. Other smaller stones on the ground can also be seen around the central stone. Although some of these are missing, in ancient times this was a stone circle, probably used as a healing circle by the Lepontii and Celts. The whole meadow is a place of power as well as the last stop on this tour. Make the most of it!

Profile picture of Mariano Berri
Author
Mariano Berri 
Update: May 05, 2023
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Highest point
1,788 m
Lowest point
1,036 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Asphalt 2.40%Forested/wild trail 0.85%Path 95.92%Road 0.81%
Asphalt
0.2 km
Forested/wild trail
0.1 km
Path
7.1 km
Road
0.1 km
Show elevation profile

Start

Mergugno
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'696'292E 1'109'139N
DD
46.126872, 8.684479
DMS
46°07'36.7"N 8°41'04.1"E
UTM
32T 475624 5108192
w3w 
///timed.nightlife.quite

Destination

Cortaccio

Turn-by-turn directions

Mergugno can be reached by a combination of postbus (to Brissago) and taxi. You could take your own car but don’t forget that you’ll need to get back from Cortaccio to collect it.

From Mergugno follow the signs for “Al Legn, Ghiridone” and begin the long climb towards the hut. The path is very well marked and your effort will be amply rewarded by the beautiful sacred wood. After reaching the Al Legn refuge (about halfway along the route), you will begin your descent towards Cortaccio, following the signs. You can walk down to Piodina and return by bus or to your own vehicle by taxi.

Public transport

Bus 316 from Locarno, direction Brissago + taxi to Mergugno.

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'696'292E 1'109'139N
DD
46.126872, 8.684479
DMS
46°07'36.7"N 8°41'04.1"E
UTM
32T 475624 5108192
w3w 
///timed.nightlife.quite
Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

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  • Places of Power in Arcegno
 These suggestions were generated by our system
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
7.4 km
Duration
3:15 h
Ascent
754 m
Descent
741 m
Highest point
1,788 m
Lowest point
1,036 m

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