Sentiero Verzasca, Stage 1/2

The stage's starting point, Sonogno, and its destination, Lavertezzo, alone are worth a trip. But the stretch in between is also charming. The route leads – flanked by mountain peaks – along the Verzasca through swaths of unspoilt and wild Ticino and ends in Lavertezzo with its famous stone arch bridge.

The hike begins at the Sonogno bus stop in the heart of the village. Right at the start, the trail passes the late Neoclassical church of Santa Maria Lauretana. A short ascent leads to the route’s highest point at around 920 m, after which it heads mostly downhill through the valley.

The yellow-marked hiking trail alternates between shady stretches of woodland and open meadows. Along the way, it passes small settlements such as Frasco, Lorentino and Gerra. The steady ups and downs remain moderate, but at 14 kilometres in total, the route requires a certain amount of stamina. Roughly halfway along, the Cappella Grande di Irt stands directly beside the trail.

Towards the end, the route continues via Motta and Aquino to Lavertezzo. The destination is reached after a little over three and a half hours and around 640 metres of descent. The Lavertezzo, Paese bus stop is just a few minutes’ walk from the finishing point.