Hiking in the Centovalli and Onsernone Valley

Photo: Alessio Pizzicannella, Ascona-Locarno Tourism

When you think about the Centovalli, the first thing that comes to mind are the many curves, gorges and bridges over which the historic Centovalli Railway still winds today, connecting Switzerland with Italy. The shimmering green Melezza River flows through the valley and can be seen every now and then. But the Centovalli (including the Terre di Pedemonte) is also an interesting valley for hiker and nature lovers. 141 km hiking trails leads to the farthest corners of these "thousand valleys", which is where the name Centovalli comes from. Trade goods used to be smuggled along many of these routes. The Onsernone Valley was also known for its smuggling routes. The Onsernone Valley is considered the wildest valley in the region and stretches from Auressio to Spruga, with a secondary valley leading to Vergeletto. 300 bends lead to Spruga, the furthest village in the valley. 135 km of hiking trails to get to know this unspoilt valley, which seems to be from another time, and its charm.

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Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

Tegna-Castelliere-Ponte Brolla-Tegna

recommended route Difficulty easy closed

Distance 4.6 km

Duration 1:50 h

Ascent 322 m

Descent 322 m

Exciting hike to the ruins of „Castelliere“ above Tegna. Red and white tour with rewarding views far over Lake Maggiore.

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

Verscio - Oratorio Sant'Anna – Verscio

recommended route Difficulty easy

Distance 3.7 km

Duration 1:20 h

Ascent 229 m

Descent 229 m

Hike to the Oratorio Sant’Anna, from Verscio, home of the Teatro Dimitri. Those who like it exciting but still gentle are in the right place for ...

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

Tegna-Colma-Streccia-Verscio

recommended route Difficulty moderate closed

Distance 6.4 km

Duration 2:50 h

Ascent 586 m

Descent 566 m

Scenic hike between the Centovalli and the Vallemaggia with culturally interesting stops (red-white).

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

Intragna-Calascio-Mosogno

recommended route Difficulty moderate closed

Distance 8.4 km

Duration 3:50 h

Ascent 899 m

Descent 459 m

Over hill and dale from Centovalli to the Onsernone Valley. Red and white mountain hike where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature far ...

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Long-Distance Hiking

Vergeletto-Capanna Ribia-Vergeletto

recommended route Difficulty moderate Multi-stage route

Distance 17.7 km

Duration 7:30 h

Ascent 1,402 m

Descent 1,402 m

Challenging two-day circular hike to Capanna Ribia with start and finish in Vergeletto. Varied vegetation and untouched nature are typical for the ...

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

Rasa-Corona di Pinz-Intragna

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 12.6 km

Duration 4:40 h

Ascent 692 m

Descent 1,245 m

Up and down the Centovalli. Red and white mountain hike through dense beech forests and with views as far as Lake Maggiore.

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

Auressio – Cresmino – Gerbi - Cavigliano

recommended route Difficulty easy

Distance 6.7 km

Duration 2:45 h

Ascent 398 m

Descent 722 m

You could also call it the bridge tour, this historically interesting hike that leads from Auressio in the Onsernone Valley to Cavigliano in the ...

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

Loco – Mulegn - Auressio

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 5.1 km

Duration 1:50 h

Ascent 314 m

Descent 376 m

Red and white hike in the steep nature of the Onsernone Valley. A beautiful tour with panoramas.

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

Loco – Sella – Salmone - Auressio

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 10.5 km

Duration 5:00 h

Ascent 1,048 m

Descent 1,112 m

Hike between the Onsernone Valley and the Vallemaggia. A tour to Pizzo Salmone, the region's viewpoint par excellence.

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

Gresso – Passo della Bassa – Passo della Maggia – Berzona

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 11.8 km

Duration 5:45 h

Ascent 1,119 m

Descent 1,395 m

Hike on the cutting edge of the Onsernone Valley and the Vallemaggia. The red and white tour promises varied intact nature and many metres in ...

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

Gresso-Alpe di Biètri-Alpe Bassa-Gresso

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 7.9 km

Duration 4:25 h

Ascent 965 m

Descent 965 m

Round trip above Gresso. Day trip through the untouched nature of the Onsernone Valley, which convinces with its diverse landscape and charm.

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

Russo-Mosogno

recommended route Difficulty easy

Distance 2.5 km

Duration 1:00 h

Ascent 158 m

Descent 179 m

Along the hillsides of the Onsernone Valley from Russo to Mosogno. A short hike to discover the varied landscape of this still very original valley.

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

La Via del Mercato (SvizzeraMobile 631)

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 12.2 km

Duration 4:30 h

Ascent 721 m

Descent 933 m

On the market route, known as the "Via del Mercato", the old mule track takes you on an exciting journey through the Centovalli.

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

Loco - Vosa - Intragna

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 6 km

Duration 2:10 h

Ascent 277 m

Descent 621 m

The exciting hike on the ”Via delle Vose”, the old market path of the Onsernone Valley. Red and white linear tour where culture meets wild landscape.

Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Hiking Route · Ascona-Locarno

Monte Comino – In di Mètri – Monte Comino

recommended route Difficulty easy

Distance 6 km

Duration 2:20 h

Ascent 425 m

Descent 425 m

Leisurely circular hike in the Centovalli on the popular excursion mountain Monte Comino. A beautiful hike to enjoy nature and do something good ...

Ascona-Locarno Tourism