Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From Brione, a village of stone houses, the old valley path follows the river south. It runs past small hamlets, chapels and stone bridges, with the clear green water sliding over smooth granite below. Works of art have been placed beside the path along this stretch. At Lavertezzo the path reaches the Ponte dei Salti, a double-arched stone bridge over deep pools.
It is 6.4 km one way with 46 m of ascent and 261 m of descent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: a gentle valley path, mostly downhill, with some rocky and rooty stretches.
The river looks calm but can rise very quickly after rain or when water is released upstream, and its pools are cold and deep. Take care on the smooth rocks by the water, which are slippery. The valley is busy on summer weekends, and parking at Lavertezzo fills early.
PostBus 321 from Locarno station runs up the valley and stops in both villages, so the walk is easy without a car. Brione has a small free car park.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The Verzasca runs clear and green over smooth granite; at Lavertezzo the double-arched Ponte dei Salti crosses it
- The old valley path follows the river past hamlets, chapels and small bridges, and works of art stand beside it between Brione and Lavertezzo
- PostBus 321 from Locarno stops in both villages
Getting there
Start: Brione Verzasca · Free parking. 46.29705, 8.79105
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Ticino: Booking.com → Expedia →
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Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.