Hiking Trail recommended route

Sentiero Salèi e Pizzo Zucchero (SvizzeraMobile 638)

Hiking Trail · Ascona-Locarno
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  • Valle Onsernone
    Valle Onsernone
    Photo: Andre Meier, Switzerland Tourism
A scenic hike through the wildest valley in the Lake Maggiore region. Enjoy the Onsernone Valley's tranquillity on old paths. Dense forests, waterfalls and hidden rustici line the route. The views extend over the deep valleys to Lake Maggiore.
moderate
Distance 11.8 km
5:20 h
1,150 m
1,100 m
1,976 m
1,085 m
Three hundred bends lead up to Spruga, the last village of the Onsernone Valley at an altitude of 1,100 metres. The picturesque Ticino village sits on a sunny terrace above the deep gorge of the Isorno river. The valley has retained its original character with its rustic stone houses, high-altitude alps, steep paths and primaeval forests.

From Spruga, the steep trail winds its way up to Al Piansécc. Continue on the old path under shady larch trees to Alpe Pescéd. After another 200 metres in altitude difference, you cross the hike's highest point and reach the Munzzelümm massif. The scenic mountain trail leads past the Laghétt di Salèi mountain lake, where you can cool off on hot summer days. Shortly afterwards, you come to Alpe Salèi and the hut of the same name. The Capanna Salèi sits surrounded by expansive meadows, where black grouse mate in spring and cows graze in summer. The sunny terrace is well worth a break. The panoramic views stretch to Lake Maggiore. Those who prefer to do without the 1,100-metre ascent can reach the hut by cable car from Vergeletto.

At the Capanna Salèi begins a 30-minute climb to Pizzo Zucchero. The trail ascends gently at first and then gets steeper. The summit offers views over the Valle di Vergeletto and the Valle Onsernone to the Magadino plain. In good visibility, you can see the Monte Rosa massif in the distance. The Swing the World makes the views twice as delightful.

The return to the hut follows the ascent route. The trail then branches off to the left and leads through the enchanting Val Lavadina, past the sun-kissed hamlet of Lig'ünc to Comologno. The last section down to the village once again includes many steps.

Profile picture of Mariano Berri
Author
Mariano Berri 
Update: January 25, 2024
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Highest point
1,976 m
Lowest point
1,085 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Path 99.71%Road 0.28%
Path
11.8 km
Road
0 km
Show elevation profile

Rest stops

Mountain hut Salei

Start

Spruga
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'687'183E 1'117'177N
DD
46.200410, 8.568145
DMS
46°12'01.5"N 8°34'05.3"E
UTM
32T 466681 5116405
w3w 
///gratitude.fearfully.reminds

Destination

Comologno

Turn-by-turn directions

Spruga-Piansecco-Al Pescéd-Al Laghétt di Salèi-Capanna Salei-Pizzo Zucchero-Capanna Salei-I Lig'ünc-Comologno

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

From Locarno: take the B 314 bus in the direction of Spruga.

Return from Comolgono: take the B 314 bus in the direction of Locarno, Stazione.

Further information: www.sbb.ch  

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'687'183E 1'117'177N
DD
46.200410, 8.568145
DMS
46°12'01.5"N 8°34'05.3"E
UTM
32T 466681 5116405
w3w 
///gratitude.fearfully.reminds
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

  • Spruga-Alpe Saléi-Comologno
  • Comologno-Alpe Salèi-Vergeletto
  • Comologno-Monte Comino
  • Vergeletto and the Salei alpine lake
  • Vergeletto-Capanna Alzasca
 These suggestions were generated by our system
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
11.8 km
Duration
5:20 h
Ascent
1,150 m
Descent
1,100 m
Highest point
1,976 m
Lowest point
1,085 m
Public-transport-friendly Linear route Scenic Refreshment stops available Insider tip Summit route

Weather at the route's trailhead

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Features
Maps and trails
  • 4 Waypoints
  • 4 Waypoints
  • Route
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 km Distance
: h Duration
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 m Descent
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