Trail Running recommended route

Valle Verzasca Trail

Trail Running · Ascona-Locarno
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  • Valle Verzasca
    Valle Verzasca
    Photo: Tom Malecha, Ascona-Locarno Tourism
Although the tour in the Verzasca valley appears flat, in reality it is a varied route with numerous ups and downs. The route runs from south to north along the river – great for refreshing yourself in the pools. Along the way there is much to see, including the stunning Verzasca dam, Lavertezzo bridge and numerous villages and picturesque passageways.
moderate
Distance 24.3 km
5:00 h
1,070 m
630 m
923 m
474 m

You can start either from Mergoscia (735 m) or from the Verzasca dam (478 m). If starting from Mergoscia, you reach Corippo (563 m) on a path about a hundred metres above the reservoir, then descend to the Bivio di Corippo. The second variant from the dam negotiates various parts of Vogorno on a long path through the forest before returning to the forest and finally reaching the Bivio di Corippo. From there, follow a flat path to the village of Lavertezzo (536 m), famous for its double-arched bridge and wonderful green pools.

You penetrate further into the valley to Brione (756 m) on a path transformed into the Sentiero per l'arte (art path) a few years ago, which still features a few sculptures by contemporary artists. The selection of works is varied in terms of style, technique and materials (ceramics, wood, metal, glass and stone). As was envisaged, some of the sculptures have "merged" with nature, while others have retained their original state.

The path continues between old buildings and chapels to the last village – Sonogno (917 m). This route features wolf traps installed only recently. Sonogno is home to the Casa della lana (House of Wool) and ethnographic museum, where the history of the valley and its chimney sweeps is preserved. The return leg from Sonogno is by PostBus.

Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
923 m
Lowest point
474 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Asphalt 10.26%Forested/wild trail 14.50%Path 70.10%Road 5.12%
Asphalt
2.5 km
Forested/wild trail
3.5 km
Path
17 km
Road
1.2 km
Show elevation profile

Safety information

Good phone reception throughout the trip.

Start

Diga Verzasca (Selvatica)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'709'012E 1'116'934N
DD
46.195044, 8.850832
DMS
46°11'42.2"N 8°51'03.0"E
UTM
32T 488490 5115729
w3w 
///impulse.prospers.doll

Destination

Sonogno

Turn-by-turn directions

Diga Verzasca (Selvatica)-Fontöbbia-Berzona-Vogorno-S.Bartolomeo-Ponte di Corippo-Campiòi-Oviga di Fuori-Lavertezzo-Oviga-Piano-Listra-Piee-Alnasca-Motta-Lorentino-Al Cortásc-Frasco-Alnedo-Sonogno

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

From Locarno railway station: bus 321 towards Sonogno. Alight at Diga Verzasca.
Return from Sonogno: bus 321 towards Locarno Stazione. Alight at Locarno station.
Further information: www.sbb.ch 

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'709'012E 1'116'934N
DD
46.195044, 8.850832
DMS
46°11'42.2"N 8°51'03.0"E
UTM
32T 488490 5115729
w3w 
///impulse.prospers.doll
Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

Author’s map recommendations

Equipment

  • Light running backpack (approx. 5 to 10 liters) with rain cover if necessary
  • Trail running shoes
  • Special running socks if necessary
  • Adequate and breathable clothing in multiple layers
  • Trail running sticks if necessary
  • Sun and rain protection
  • Snacks and drinking water
  • First aid kit
  • Penknife
  • Mobile phone
  • Headlight and reflectors if necessary
  • Maps

Similar routes nearby

  • Contra-Alpe Cardada
  • Locarno Trail
  • Cimetta Trail
  • Pizzo Leone Trail
  • Gambarogno Trail
 These suggestions were generated by our system
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
24.3 km
Duration
5:00 h
Ascent
1,070 m
Descent
630 m
Highest point
923 m
Lowest point
474 m
Public-transport-friendly Refreshment stops available Out and back Insider tip

Weather at the route's trailhead

Statistics

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Maps and trails
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