Sentiero Verzasca
Overview
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Distance 21 km
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Duration 7 h 10 min
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Ascent 1100 m
Intro
The section of the trail between Corippo (under conservation order) and Mergoscia is particularly impressive. Hiking along the mountain trail, you see evidence of land use indicating the farmers’ struggle for survival a century ago.
Description
Lavertezzo is world-famous – not least thanks to social media – for its Ponte dei Salti, also known as the Roman Bridge. It leads in a double arch over the Verzasca. However, the stone bridge was only constructed after the Roman period in the Middle Ages and rebuilt in 1960 after its partial destruction.
After crossing the famous bridge, the route continues through a beautiful forest, always close to the Verzasca. Ticino's Verzasca Valley is unspoilt and partly rugged, boasting many waterfalls and steep slopes. In summer, the crystal-clear and emerald-green water invites you to swim.
At Ponte di Corippo, you leave the riverbank and climb up to the village. Corippo was included in the Federal Inventory of Protected Heritage Sites. Narrow alleys connect the stone houses in the village centre, and the centre of what was once the smallest village in Switzerland remains preserved today. A visit is certainly worthwhile.
The ascent to Mergoscia, with views of the valley, comes next. The path between the villages of Corippo and Mergoscia was already mentioned in 1741 as a mule track. It's an impressive stretch with many vantage points – including the reservoir with the famous dam wall. This is where James Bond (or his stunt double) in the film GoldenEye plunged 220 metres using a bungee rope. Daredevils can emulate the secret agent and book a jump on the elastic rope.
After Mergoscia comes the hike's second and more strenuous part to Sotto Cresta. Once you've made it to the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking lake views. After a little over four hours of hiking, you deserve a break here.
Next up is the 500-metre descent to Tendrasca, continuing along a seemingly endless high-level trail above Tenero, Minusio, Muralto and Locarno.
You will already be very close to your destination at the Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage church. The church is one of Ticino's most important religious and historical sites. From the spectacular rocky outcrop on which the church was built, you have magnificent views over the entire city and Lake Maggiore.
A short while later, you arrive at the lakeside in Locarno, where you can cool your feet in the lake and enjoy a gelato after this demanding stage.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Lavertezzo
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Locarno
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
1100 m
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| Descent |
1450 m
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| Distance |
21 km
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| Duration |
7 h 10 min
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| Duration back |
7 h 25 min
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Theme |
Along Water
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Quick Facts
Route number
