Hiking Trail recommended route

Palagnedra-Rasa-Sacro Monte di Brissago

Hiking Trail · Ascona-Locarno
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    Rasa
    Photo: Fabio Bernasconi, Ascona-Locarno Tourism
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    From the secluded village of Palagnedra to Brissago on the lake.
    moderate
    Distance 22.2 km
    8:30 h
    1,539 m
    1,867 m
    1,643 m
    214 m
    Before setting off in the direction of Brissago, it is worth visiting the church of San Michele in Palagnedra. The church contains frescoes by the great Lombard painter Antonio da Tradate, which are among his absolute masterpieces. From Palagnedra, the trail leads through the impressive forest reserve to Bordei, a pretty restored hamlet. Continue up and down the steep slopes to Terra Vecchia, an ancient settlement that has also been restored over time. A short climb and you reach Rasa, the only car-free village in Ticino. Now the trail climbs to Pizzo Leone, from where you can enjoy a fantastic view over Lake Maggiore. The long descent zigzags down to Brissago, or more precisely to the Sacro Monte di Brissago pilgrimage site, whose history dates back to the 17th century. The chapel houses valuable frescoes and other art treasures. The descent to Brissago leads along the Way of the Cross, whose chapels are decorated with frescoes by Fryer Roberto.
    Profile picture of Mariano Berri
    Author
    Mariano Berri 
    Update: October 07, 2024
    Difficulty
    T3 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Highest point
    1,643 m
    Lowest point
    214 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 21.83%Forested/wild trail 2.29%Path 66.55%Road 9.31%
    Asphalt
    4.8 km
    Forested/wild trail
    0.5 km
    Path
    14.8 km
    Road
    2.1 km
    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    Sentieri Svizzeri - Escursioni sicure

    Start

    Palagnedra
    Coordinates:
    SwissGrid
    2'692'106E 1'112'884N
    DD
    46.161136, 8.631068
    DMS
    46°09'40.1"N 8°37'51.8"E
    UTM
    32T 471515 5112017
    w3w 
    ///traps.firework.darts

    Destination

    Brissago

    Turn-by-turn directions

    Palagnedra-Boladée-Bordei-Terra Vecchia-Rasa-Termine-Pizzo Leone-Naccio-Comasca-Corte-Cartogna-Sacro Monte-Brissago

    Public transport

    Public-transport-friendly

    Coordinates

    SwissGrid
    2'692'106E 1'112'884N
    DD
    46.161136, 8.631068
    DMS
    46°09'40.1"N 8°37'51.8"E
    UTM
    32T 471515 5112017
    w3w 
    ///traps.firework.darts
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    • Hiking daypack (approx. 20 liters) with rain cover
    • Comfortable and sturdy footwear
    • Adequate and durable outdoor clothing in multiple layers
    • Telescope sticks if necessary,
    • Sun and rain protection
    • Snacks and drinking water
    • First aid kit
    • Penknife
    • Mobile phone, headlight if necessary
    • Maps

    Similar routes nearby

    • La Via del Mercato (SvizzeraMobile 631)
    • Camedo-Bordei-Terra Vecchia-Rasa
    • Rasa-Corona di Pinz-Intragna
    • Rasa-Ronco s/Ascona
    • Monte Comino-Comologno
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    T3 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    22.2 km
    Duration
    8:30 h
    Ascent
    1,539 m
    Descent
    1,867 m
    Highest point
    1,643 m
    Lowest point
    214 m
    Public-transport-friendly Linear route Scenic Refreshment stops available

    Weather at the route's trailhead

    Statistics

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     km Distance
    : h Duration
     m Ascent
     m Descent
     m Highest point
     m Lowest point

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