Along the Valle Verzasca from Tenero

The tour is fantastic. Steep ascent from Gordola, then it goes up moderately first along the Verzasca lake, then further along the river into a wild and romantic valley with many impressions. Waterfalls and streams line the route. The road ends in Sonogno. Cars - except for residents - are not allowed. A dream of a place, today on Sunday with market stalls in front of the houses. There is a lot of homemade things. It's good that I was only there with the racing bike .... 😊

This tour is just a dream. I drove it last year and this time it was even nicer. It is best to drive on a working day (less traffic). The entrance is steep (10%), then it becomes moderate. After the large dam you drive along the Verzasca reservoir with its wonderfully clear water. From the barrage, the road leads through 7 tunnels, the longest 450 m. The Verzasca flows into the lake. It is fed again and again by roaring waterfalls that tumble down the steep slopes. The course of the river shimmers green, rushing its way through imposingly towering rocks. Before it shrinks into a torrent, it passes the Ponte sei Salti in Lavertezzo, an old Roman bridge consisting of two stone arches, so narrow that just 2 people can pass each other and with a low parapet so that the donkeys used to be able to carry their sacks unhindered. There is always a lot of activity there, but from now on the traffic will be significantly less. The road continues uphill in moderate gradients, always accompanied by the sound of the torrent, which cheerfully seeks its way over smooth pebbles. Finally, after passing other picturesque villages with the typical stone houses, you arrive in Sonogno, a picturesque mountain village at the end of the valley, surrounded by imposing peaks and dense forests. Vehicles are not allowed there. It's really worth staying there for a while before heading back down to Lago Maggiore. Because I took a break in Sonogno, Komoot switched off. So I had to book the return trip as another tour. 🤷🏼‍♀️