From Locarno to Corippo: on the 2nd stage of the Sentiero Verzasca

What is the recipe for a successful trip? If you ask me, it’s a mix of sporting activity, culture and fine dining. And, of course, the right weather. Apart from the weather (Peter is responsible for that), the tip presented in this blog post easily meets all these requirements. In addition, there is a unique accommodation that gives you a holiday feeling – even if you only check in for one night like we did. We are talking about the Corippo Albergo Diffuso in a sun-drenched spot in the Verzasca Valley.

Start Sentiero Verzasca, Stage 2

We take advantage of the detour to what was once the “smallest village in Switzerland” to complete the Sentiero Verzasca. In 2016, we hiked the first 14 kilometres of the 35-kilometre hiking trail that leads from Sonogno to Locarno. Our destination at the time: the well-known stone arch bridge “Ponte dei Salti” in Lavertezzo.

Now we start the second stage at the actual destination of the Sentiero Verzasca – in Locarno – and hike the remaining 21 kilometers uphill to Lavertezzo. The whole thing is divided into two stages with an overnight stop in Corippo. Because, as written in the introduction, enjoyment should not be neglected. And so, in order to overcome the first 180 metres of altitude up to Orselina, we use the “Funicolare Locarno – Madonna del Sasso” without any guilty conscience. Once at the top, we first admire the panoramic view with the striking pilgrimage church in the foreground. Always nice here! Then we follow the signs of the signposted Sentiero Verzasca further up into the hills.

Along the Collina Alta to the Monti di Lego

For the first 5.5 kilometres, the Sentiero Verzasca follows the course of the Sentiero Collina Alta. A leisurely panoramic hike that leads from the Monti della Trinità along the outskirts of the village to Contra, Paese.

After a first short, crisp ascent, there is a mostly flat passage through the wooded slopes above Locarno. Here and there we catch glimpses of Lake Maggiore, the Magadino plain and the Riviera del Gambarogno. Another positive side effect of the winter season: Thanks to the still bare trees, the warming rays of the sun penetrate to us.

Shortly before Tendrasca, the first highlight is the “El Pont del Sipp“. This is also an old stone arch bridge from Roman times. Shortly after the previously yellow-marked hiking trail turns into a red-and-white marked mountain hiking trail, the somewhat hidden Grotto al Ritrovo (if it is open) would be a good place to stop for refreshments.

However, we continue to hike quickly and tackle the steep ascent to the Monti di Lego directly. In a zigzag it goes uphill through the forest. Once at the top, a magnificent view over Locarno and Ascona to the peaks of the Valle Vigezzo awaits us. Beautiful! From April to October, you can also enjoy typical Ticino specialities up here.

The most strenuous part of the tour is now behind us. Now it goes through the extensive chestnut forests into the Verzasca Valley. Some of the leaves are currently still ankle-deep on the hiking trails, which requires special attention.

Zwischenhalt im Corippo Albergo Diffuso

The last stretch of the road between Mergoscia and Corippo is particularly impressive. Steep, shady slopes. Deep views into the reservoir and in front of us – exactly where the sun shines the longest – Corippo. From a distance, the compact village resembles an eagle’s nest.

Corippo, which has been a listed building since 1975, suffered for many years from a strong exodus. In 2018, only a handful of the 80 or so rustici built in traditional construction were still inhabited. In this context, the idea was born to implement an Albergo Diffuso in Corippo, following Italian examples. After a long planning and construction phase, the Albergo Diffuso started operations last year. The centrepiece: a former osteria on the main square, which has now been converted into a restaurant and reception.

Here we get the key to our room, which is right next to the Osteria. A small refuge with a low-lying ceiling and a cosy, creaking wooden floor. The standard is simple but functional and above all one thing: rustic.

After checking in, we walk through the winding streets of Corippo just before dark and then enjoy an aperitif outside in front of a blazing fire bowl. Later, we taste our way through the restaurant’s seasonal menu. Chef Jeremy Gehring, who runs Albergo Diffuso together with his partner Désirée Voitle, brings experience from his work with Michelin-starred chefs, among other things. And yes, what we are served makes us want more. For me, there’s fine, homemade tagliatelle as a primi, followed by fritto misto made from winter vegetables with bergamot mayonnaise. For starters, the friend ventures into the crispy calf’s head with cauliflower cream. His main course: pork belly with baked pumpkin and black cabbage. For dessert, we share the in-house interpretation of a gianduiotto with fresh blood orange coulis.

Conclusion: Very fine! Also worth mentioning: the friendly and very attentive service.

And on to the Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo

I was already amazed the evening before how long Corippo would continue to benefit from the sunshine, while the rest of the Verzasca Valley was already swallowed up by the shade. “Presumably, it just takes forever in the morning for the sun’s rays to make it over the high peaks down into the narrow valley…”

Shortly after eight o’clock, the sun peeks out from behind the mountain flanks. So if you want to go outside in March, you’ve come to the right place. But the breakfast is really great regardless of the weather. A fresh muesli, butter, homemade jam and bread are served directly to the table. If you like, you can also be served cheese, eggs or cold cuts. Everything is nicely arranged and without plastic packaging. Chapeau!

We then do another lap through the village and then shoulder the backpacks to cover the remaining 3.5 kilometers to Lavertezzo. An entertaining section of the trail that leads slightly uphill following the banks of the Verzasca.

Practical tips for your hike to Corippo

Below you can see the route of the second stage of the Sentiero Verzasca from Locarno to Lavertezzo. We divided the hike into two stages with a stop in Corippo. The routes between Orselina and Tendrasca and Mergoscia and Corippo are marked in yellow with a difficulty level of T1/T2. Due to the large amount of leaves, certain parts of the trail are a little more difficult to walk than is usual on yellow marked paths (risk of slipping). The section over the Monti di Lego is signposted as a mountain hiking trail, although no particularly technically demanding routes await you here either. Only the descent from the Monti di Lego to Mergoscia is a bit sloping in sections. If you plan to hike the entire route like we did, you should have a certain basic level of fitness due to the distance and the altitude difference.

Unfortunately, GA/Half-Fare travelcards are not valid at Funicolare Locarno- Madonna del Sasso. Adults pay 4.80 CHF for the ascent (or the route price).

The Corippo Albergo diffuso is open all year round. During the winter season, from November to March, the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. On Wednesdays it is only open in the evening. From Thursday to Sunday it is open for lunch and dinner. There are currently ten guest rooms distributed throughout the village. We stayed in the room «Osteria Corippo II» (from 180 CHF per night incl. breakfast).

All rooms are described in detail on the Albergo Diffuso website and can also be booked directly online. Tip: If you plan to eat in the restaurant, it is recommended to note this directly in the comment field when booking.

Day 1: Locarno – Monti di Lego – Corippo

Starting point	Orselina Funicular (398 m ü. m.)
Reachability	Starting point can be reached by funicular (alternative starting point: Locarno railway station)
Length	15.4 kilometres
Elevation gain	↗ 1,090 m 905 m ↘
Duration	5:30 p.m.
Destination	Corippo (530 m a.s.l.)
Catering	Grotto al Ritrovo and Capanna Grotto Monti di Lego (only during the summer season)

Day 2: Corippo – Lavertezzo

Starting point	Corippo
Reachability	Bus stop (Corippo, Bivio) 1 km away
Length	3.5 kilometers
Elevation gain	↗ 135 m 160 m ↘
Duration	1:00 p.m.
Destination	Lavertezzo, Village
Catering	During the high season, small kiosk between the Ponte dei Salti and the bus stop

By the way: You can read the route description for stage 1 of the Sentiero Verzasca here: From Sonogno to Lavertezzo
More excursion tips around Locarno-Ascona await you here: Sights, excursions and hikes in Ticino