Nature Trail recommended route

Centres of energy in the Valle Onsernone

Nature Trail · Ascona-Locarno
Logo Ascona-Locarno Tourism
Responsible for this content
Ascona-Locarno Tourism Verified partner 
  • Photo: Vanesa Gorgal, Ascona-Locarno Tourism
Hint

Explanation

Selected alternatives for you
    Cup-marked stones in Ligünc, the Pizzo Zucchero and Salei Lake.
    moderate
    Distance 13.4 km
    5:20 h
    1,076 m
    1,076 m
    1,975 m
    1,083 m
    The Valle Onsernone is one of the wildest and most untouched valleys in the canton of Ticino. This route will show you some of the important centres of energy it conceals.

    The most significant in Comologno are the church of San Giovanni Battista and the Via Crucis; the latter is a truly energising pilgrimage.

    Ligünc, a rural village on a wide natural terrace, is home to a number of cup-marked stones that are thought to have once been used for stargazing. Most of these can be found just before the centre of the village, on the left, near a small rocky promontory.

    Further on, the route continues into a dense forest of larch and fir trees that envelops you in its scent and protects you from the sun almost as far as the Alpe Salei. From here, the Pizzo Zucchero, a stunning centre of energy, is just a few minutes away. You may be interested to know that of the two peaks the right-hand one has the most energy and the small depression in the middle is a beneficial geomantic location, probably already recognised as such in the Celtic age. Try to look at the arrangement of the stones.

    Next you’ll reach the Salei lake, the most important centre of energy in the Valle Onsernone. Here, on the right, if you look carefully you will see some cup-marked stones (always significant evidence of practices and rituals), but the whole area around the lake has a beautiful energy, particularly popular with those who practise meditation here. Take the chance to be surprised.

    Finally, continue towards the Alpe Pesced, where you’ll find yet more interesting energy rocks.

    Profile picture of Mariano Berri
    Author
    Mariano Berri 
    Update: September 14, 2020
    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Highest point
    1,975 m
    Lowest point
    1,083 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Path 99.50%Road 0.49%
    Path
    13.3 km
    Road
    0.1 km
    Show elevation profile

    Start

    Comologno
    Coordinates:
    SwissGrid
    2'687'806E 1'117'544N
    DD
    46.203626, 8.576275
    DMS
    46°12'13.1"N 8°34'34.6"E
    UTM
    32T 467310 5116759
    w3w 
    ///loved.overgrown.random

    Destination

    Comologno

    Turn-by-turn directions

    Comologno, where this itinerary starts, is easily accessible by public transport, an option we highly recommend as it allows you much more freedom of movement. It begins in the centre of the village, in the direction of the Alpe Salei (following the long-established transhumance route) before quickly reaching the settlement of Ligünc. As the climb continues, the route takes you into a large wooded area up to the Alpe Salei. From here follow the signs towards the Pizzo Zucchero before returning and climbing up to Salei lake. After a well-deserved rest, continue towards the Alpe Pesced before finally descending on foot towards Comologno or Spruga, or towards Vergeletto by cable car. To maximise your time, we recommend consulting public transport timetables to help plan in advance.

    Public transport

    Public-transport-friendly

    Bus 324 from Locarno, direction Spruga.

    Coordinates

    SwissGrid
    2'687'806E 1'117'544N
    DD
    46.203626, 8.576275
    DMS
    46°12'13.1"N 8°34'34.6"E
    UTM
    32T 467310 5116759
    w3w 
    ///loved.overgrown.random
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Similar routes nearby

    • Monte Comino: Verdasio-Pian Segna-A Dröi-Verdasio
    • On the traces of Mr. Geiser
    • Centres of energy in the Centovalli
    • The path of the three rivers
    • Lodano Cultural and Natural History Trail
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    13.4 km
    Duration
    5:20 h
    Ascent
    1,076 m
    Descent
    1,076 m
    Highest point
    1,975 m
    Lowest point
    1,083 m
    Public-transport-friendly

    Weather at the route's trailhead

    Statistics

    • Content
    • Show images Hide images
    Features
    Maps and trails
    Push the arrows to change the view
     km Distance
    : h Duration
     m Ascent
     m Descent
     m Highest point
     m Lowest point

    Plan your stay