Cardada-Mergoscia Trail

In just 5 minutes, you can reach Cardada from Orselina by cable car through a fascinating alpine landscape. A short pine-lined paved path leads to the departure station of the chairlift to Cimetta.

At Cimetta, 1,670 meters above sea level (the ideal starting point for this trail), you will find, besides a mountain hut, the geological observatory where the Insubric line is displayed, and from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Magadino plain, the mountains, and numerous alpine peaks.

From Cimetta, the trail continues on a comfortable, steadily ascending path to the Cima della Trosa. After admiring the magnificent panorama, you can either return to Cimetta and then the same way back to Cardada or continue from Cima della Trosa along the sunny slope of the Mergoscia valley, passing the Alpe di Bietri (known for its typical small fresh cheeses) and several other alpine pastures made up of groups of stone houses down to the charming village of Mergoscia in the Verzasca valley. The last section before the village, which is located above Lake Vogorno, mostly runs through the forest. Mergoscia is also known for its beautiful church dedicated to Saints Gottardo and Carpoforo.

From Mergoscia, there is the possibility to return to Locarno by bus.