The Verzasca valley path

The Verzasca is the most photographed river in Switzerland: emerald water, rock polished like marble and the Ponte dei Salti at Lavertezzo, two Romanesque arches over the pools. The Sentierone is the historic path linking the valley's villages halfway up the slope, away from the road and the weekend crowds.

The experience

From Lavertezzo we start at the bridge, cross it and take the Sentierone north: chestnut woods, dry-stone walls, the hamlets of Motta and Aquino with their stone houses and slab roofs.

We reach Brione Verzasca, with the Marcacci castle and the fourteenth-century frescoes in Santa Maria Assunta. We return to Lavertezzo by bus.

This is not a swimming day: the Verzasca has strong currents and slippery rock, and there are accidents every year. If we go down to the water, we do it where the coordinator says. The return bus ticket is not included (a few francs). On summer weekends the Lavertezzo car park fills up by nine.

A valid ID in your pocket, not in your rucksack: Switzerland is not in the European Union and border checks do happen.

Mountain rescue is charged for: in Switzerland the helicopter is billed to the person who calls it. Guiddy accident insurance is included, but a Rega card (about €40 a year) or a policy covering rescue costs in Switzerland is what we suggest to everyone.

Swiss francs: huts and cable cars almost always take cards, but a few valley huts are still cash only. The European health card is valid in Switzerland for emergency care.

If your dog comes along: Switzerland requires a microchip, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination, given at least 21 days beforehand. Without them the dog is turned back at the border.

A9 to Bellinzona, then Tenero and the Verzasca road to Lavertezzo: two hours from the ring road. By train to Locarno, then bus up the valley.

By car you need the Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40, valid for the calendar year) if you use the motorway: you buy it at the border, at petrol stations near the crossing, or online.

How hard is it, really

What's included in the price

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Day

11 km · D+ 380 m · 4 h

Meeting point 9:00approximate

Meeting at Lavertezzo, Lavertezzo, Canton Ticino, Svizzera. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.

Paid parking

Trekking fee 12 CHF. Payable at the parking meter (cash/card), with ParkingPay or Twint, or with a Parkingcard at the points of sale.

HOW TO GET THERE

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A

09:00MEETING

Meeting at Lavertezzo

We meet the Guidders at the Ponte dei Salti, before the coaches arrive.

B

10:00MULE TRACK

The hamlets of Motta and Aquino

Stone houses, slab roofs and dry-stone walls: the path goes right through the hamlets.

C

12:00CHURCH

Brione and its frescoes

The church with its fourteenth-century frescoes and the Marcacci castle. Lunch.

D

14:00WATER

The river pools

Down to the riverbed where the rock is polished by water: a photo stop where it is safe.

E

15:00RETURN

Back to Lavertezzo

Bus from Brione and we finish at the bridge.

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Questions?