Valle Verzasca • Hike along Swiss green water trail

This hike in the Verzasca valley follows a beautiful river with clear emerald green water, ending at the famous bridge and swimming area at Laverterzzo. The path follows the river the entire way, dipping in and out of the forest, crossing through fields and charming tiny villages of rustic farm houses.

There are many places to stop to splash in the water, skip rocks or have a picnic away from the crowds you’ll find later at the bridge. Since the trail parallels the bus line, you can easily cut your hike short if necessary and simply ride to the end. This hike is also a great choice for spring and fall because of the lower elevation and warmer temperatures in this area.  

Hiking map

The full trail is from Sonogno (1) to Lavertezzo (2), about 13.4 km, posted hiking time 3h45. You can easily shorten this by starting lower down the river, like in Brione (3). Suggestions for that below.

Here is the detailed trail map for the Verzasca river trail.

See interactive trail map on Komoot – SchweizMobil – OutdoorActive

The path is a narrow, lumpy dirt and stone path but not particularly difficult, mostly gradually downhill following the river. The water is icy cold, even on the hottest days of summer. So if you want to swim, go on a hot day in August, so it’s warm enough to justify the cold water.

Your hike ends at the famous Valle Verzasca bridge and swimming area in Lavertezzo. More about that my Valle Verzasca post.

Shortening the hike

Since the trail parallels the bus line, you can shorten this hike as necessary. 

Here are a few bus stops near the trail:

• Sonogno to Gerra, Paese – 4.2km, about 1h15
• Sonogno to Brione, Piee – 8km, about 2h15
• Brione, Piee to Lavertezzo – 5.3 km, about 1h30

On our first visit, our kids (aged 4 and 7 at the time) only made it 6.5 km near Brione in about 3 hrs, so we took the bus the rest of the way to Lavertezzo. Another time, we started at the Brione, Ganne bus stop and hiked to Lavertezzo, about 4 km. We enjoyed this second half of the trail better than the first half.

How to get there

The Verzasca valley is located in southern Switzerland, in the Ticino region. You can reach the hike by car or a bus from Locarno. 

By car:

Since this is a one way hike, we suggest parking at the end of the hike in Lavertezzo and riding the bus to the start of the hike.

We recommend parking in Lavertezzo, in the longer term parking lot just north of the village – see on Google Maps. Last time we visited, parking cost CHF 10/day, coins only. But I’d guess they are using the parking apps now.

There is a bus stop near the parking called Lavertezzo, Monda. From there, ride Bus 321 to where you’d like to start your hike, usually Sonogno or Brione (Verzasca), Piee. The bus runs about once an hour, so check the schedule before heading out. Then hike down river back to your car. 

By public transport:

Take a train to Locarno, Stazione. Then catch bus 321 up the Verzasca valley to where you’d like to start your hike, usually Sonogno or Brione, Piee. The bus ride is about 50 mins – 1h10, depending on how far you ride.

At the end of the hike in Lavertezzo, catch the bus at the Lavertezzo, Paese stop and ride back to Locarno. In 2024, the round trip bus fare from Locarno costs about CHF 26.

Check current schedule and bus prices on SBB.ch. Bus is free with Swiss Travel Pass and Saver Day Pass.

Planning your day

Costs

The costs for this hike include bus fare and parking fees if you drive.

Here are some sample bus fares to help with your planning. It’s best to purchase your bus tickets on the SBB Website or Mobile App before your journey. 

• round trip bus Locarno – Sonogno – CHF 26/adult
• one way bus Lavertezzo, Monda – Sonogno – CHF 5.20/adult
• one way bus Lavertezzo, Monda – Brione, Piee – CHF 4/adult

Bus free with Swiss Travel Pass, SBB Day Pass and GA. Discount with Swiss Half Fare Card.

These prices were updates in 2024 and may change without notice. See SBB.ch for current prices.

Where to eat

I’d suggest bringing a picnic to eat along the river. If you need picnic supplies, best to get those in Locarno as there is only one tiny grocery in Brione. 

There are a few small cafes along the river. I haven’t eaten at any of them, so I can’t make a suggestion. At the end of your hike, Grotto al Ponte seems popular.

Where to stay

Unless you are staying in Ticino, this valley is quite far from the rest of Switzerland. So if possible, it’s better as a weekend getaway than a day trip, perhaps staying overnight in Locarno. There are several camping areas on Lake Locarno; we’ve camped at Camping Tamaro, which was pleasant enough.

Photo story of the trail

1. Starting the hike – Sonogno to Brione

We started our hike at the end of the valley in Sonogno, a very small but charming village. There are a couple cafes and shops, but don’t plan on getting all your picnic supplies here. 

Once in Sonogno, follow the yellow trail signs to Lavertezzo. Below you’ll see the “Top 12-Wanderungen” sign, a special honor for trails like this one.

A few of the wooden sculptures near the beginning of the trail.

Cross this first bridge to start the trail.

The river is small and quiet at first, but it quickly grows.

The path is not difficult, but too bumpy for strollers.

One of the many traditional “rustico” houses along the way. Some of these are for rent, typically with minimal amenities, but promoted as “romantic.” We teased our boys that we were staying over night in one and they were not amused.

Taking a break to soak sore feet in the river. It was too icy to leave them in for long.

Sometimes the trail left the river’s edge to wander through the fields and houses.

The trail was quite varied, sometimes lush, sometime rocky, sometimes wet, sometimes a bit barren.

Here’s the bridge we took at about 6.5km to access the Brione, Alnasca bus stop. These stairs led directly to the road and the bus stop. It only runs once an hour, so plan accordingly so you don’t have to wait on the road for a long time.

2. Brione to Sonogno

Here’s the bus stop at Brione, Ganne where we started hiking on our second visit. We slightly preferred this second half the trail, but both sections are very nice. 

We explored under the bridge before starting the hike.

We could have just stayed here all day and not hiked, it was so pretty.

The trail passes through tiny villages are that are so attractive with their stone buildings.

You can rent “rustico” houses like this that have no electricity or water.

Sometimes a stone path.

Sometimes a dirt path.

A few sculptures along the way.

Mountain views too.

The closer you get to Lavertezzo, the more people you’ll see lounging and swimming.

I guess people just park on the side of the road and scramble down to the river. There aren’t very few bridges, so you can’t cross over until you get to Lavertezzo.

The river gets really dramatic in some areas. Be careful and don’t fall in at these dangerous areas.

3. Arriving in Lavertezzo

As you approach Lavertezzo, there are more buildings and a restaurant.

You’ll see the famous bridge where brave souls jump off into the icy water.

Always crowded on a hot day.

More details about this swimming area in my Valle Verzasca post.

I hope you enjoy it!!!

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