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Intro

A thrilling hike to the prehistoric Castelliere castle ruins above Tegna, with spectacular views of Lake Maggiore, the Centovalli and extending as far as Italy. Past the impressive Orrido Gorge, you follow the Maggia to Ponte Brolla.

Description

From Verscio, the flagstone trail winds its way up to the Oratorio Sant'Anna. The steep path with plenty of steps is lined with gnarled chestnut trees, birch trees and old beech trees. When you arrive at the tiny 17th-century chapel, enjoy magnificent views over Lake Maggiore, the Maggia delta and the wild Centovalli.

After a short descent, a final strenuous climb takes you to the Castelliere. The prehistoric ruins, perched on a rocky plateau above the village of Tegna, are one of the most interesting archaeological sites of the Locarnese region. Recovered stone and pebble tools indicate the first human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period (5500-2200 BC). Restoration work revealed the remains of walls and impressive finds from the Roman era and the Middle Ages. The views of the Maggia and Melezza rivers and Lake Maggiore are fantastic.

The route continues down the valley in a sweeping loop. On the way down, you pass rustici and cosy grotti. The view extends over the impressive valley entrance. Deep down in the Orrido di Ponte Brolla gorge, with its finely polished granite stones and bizarre rock formations, the Maggia River rushes by. Small bays and hidden natural pools are lovely places to cool off before you reach Ponte Brolla railway station soon after.

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

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Ponte Brolla
Destination
Verscio
Ascent
460 m
Descent
440 m
Distance
6 km
Duration
2 h 20 min
Duration back
2 h 20 min
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Medium
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 637

Distance

6 km

Duration

2 h 20 min

Ascent

460 m

Travel information: Tegna-Ponte Brolla

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