Hiking holidays Ticinos 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.