Switzerland's most secluded areas are to be found in the side valleys of Ticino. Time seems to stand still between pointed church towers and stone houses. And while life pulsates just a few kilometres away on Lake Maggiore, one feels as if one has stepped into another world as soon as one arrives here.
In Verzasca Valley, steeply sloping flanks of the valley and countless waterfalls wait for you. Contrast this with the Maggia Valley a little further afield: typical rusticos and turquoise-blue pools are waiting to be discovered. Mule trails characterise the Onsernone Valley and Centovalli, before a last trail high above Lake Maggiore concludes the tour through Ticino's valleys.
Luggage drop-off in Locarno and bus ride to Sonogno. Both Sonogno and Lavertezzo with its famous stone arch bridge are worth the trip. The stretch in between is also scenic: you hike through a piece of unspoilt, stone-rich mountain Ticino and stop for refreshments in a typical grotto.
The section of the trail between Corippo ( listed as a national heritage site) and Mergoscia is spectacular. Along the mountain trail you will come across architectural evidence of the struggle for existence that the farmers waged a hundred years ago. Hike to Contra and continue by bus to the centre of Locarno.
Bus ride to Lodano. At the very beginning you dive into the silence of the small villages of Lodano, Mogheghno and Aurigeno. On relatively flat paths through lush green forests, down in the valley the Maggia river digs deeper and deeper into the rock. Beautiful basins above Ponte Brolla and unique rock formations mark the end of today's hike.
Bus ride to Loco. First a steep descent down to the river Isorno. Then through chestnut woods and past scattered houses and settlements on old mule tracks towards Centovalli. The highest bell tower in Ticino greets from afar in Intragna.
For a long time this mule track was the only connection through the Valle Vigezzo to Domodossola. After a long climb you reach the small village of Verdasio. Through the forest of Gaggio to Palazzo Tondù in Lionza, a listed building. Then you pass the Parco dei Mulini above Borgnone and reach the stone houses of Camedo in the upper Centovalli.
Short train ride to Verdasio. By cable car up to the small village of Rasa. Don't start the walk too early, because the typical grotto in this village is a highlight. You leave this sunny terrace and hike through dense, shady forest up to Casone. Wonderful views of Lake Maggiore spice up the descent to Ronco sopra Ascona. Take the bus to Locarno, collect your luggage and departure.
approx. 3.5 h
approx. 10 km
520 m
1'050 m
Tour characteristic
Partly many metres in altitude and long stages. Especially in spring and autumn, paths on north-facing slopes can be slippery. Good physical condition is necessary for the steep climbs.
Ticino Ticket with numerous inclusive services and discounts
Carefully elaborated route description
Detailed travel documents (1x per room)
GPS data available
Service hotline
Note:
Bus ride Locarno - Sonogno and train ride on day 5 not included in the tour price.
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
Reservation fee of CHF 15 per adult (incl. legally required customer money protection)
Information
Arrival/Departure:
Arrival by public transport to Locarno. Drop off your luggage at the luggage counter by 10:00 a.m. at the latest.
Departure by public transport from Locarno. Suitcases will be handed over at the luggage counter by 5.00 p.m. at the latest.
Other important information:
The distance travelled is approximate and may differ from the actual distance.
Travel cancellation insurance, including travel interruption insurance is recommended.
Travel Documents
Travel documents "digital”
In future we will reduce the amount of printed documents. You will receive instructions to help you find your way around using the SwitzerlandMobility app. We will provide you with further information online. In advance you will receive a small package of documents with the following contents:
On the way, you can easily find your way with the SwitzerlandMobility app and other freely accessible aids. Background information and all other documents are delivered electronically and can be downloaded to your mobile phone in advance.
Let us know if you don't want to do without maps. We will send them to you free of charge.