Locarno-Mergoscia

From Locarno above the lake to Tenero. A four-kilometer climb leads to Contra, from where there is a beautiful view of Lake Maggiore. The steepest section follows immediately after Contra, with an average gradient of 9%. It is recommended to avoid the 1300-meter tunnel by taking the old road on the right. The climb flattens out until just before Mergoscia, then becomes steeper again towards the end. The view from Mergoscia over Lake Vogorno and the entrance to the Verzasca Valley is fantastic. On the way back to Locarno, the route passes through the hill villages of Brione s. Minusio and Orselina. In Brione s. Minusio there is a nice well with a small waterfall next to the road where you can refresh yourself. In Orselina it is worth making a short stop at the Cecchettin Bakery.

• Average gradient Tenero-Mergoscia: 6 %

• Climb from Tenero: 8.7 km

• Altitude difference from Tenero: +528 m / -18 m