BoBosco Ball Track: Family Hike in the Verzasca Valley

Two different hiking trails - ideal for families

The BoBosco ball track in the Verzasca Valley can be experienced on two different routes. Both are family-friendly, well signposted, and offer numerous rest areas and bathing spots in the river.

Route 1: Sonogno – Gerra Verzasca

The first route leads from Sonogno to Gerra Verzasca. It is about 4.3 kilometers long and can also be hiked in two sections: Sonogno – Frasco (approx. 2 km) and Frasco – Gerra (approx. 2.3 km). The route mostly follows the old mule track along the Verzasca, through small villages, over bridges, and past 10 BoBosco ball track stations. Along the way, picnic areas, waterfalls, and shallow spots in the river invite you to linger and splash around. At the starting point in Sonogno, there is a lovely children's playground; the old mountain village of Sonogno is beautiful and well worth seeing as a starting point. Parking is available in abundance in Sonogno. The BoBosco hiking trail from Sonogno to Gerra is rather flat and spacious and manageable even for small children. With play breaks, you should plan about 4 hours for the entire route.

Route 2: Brione Verzasca – Lavertezzo

The even more beautiful option for us is the second BoBosco hiking trail from Brione Verzasca to Lavertezzo. This route covers about 5.5 kilometers and can be walked in three sections: Brione – Ganne (approx. 0.9 km), Ganne – Motta (approx. 1.5 km), and Motta – Lavertezzo (approx. 3.1 km). There are more ups and downs here; for the entire route, you should plan 4 to 5 hours including play breaks at the wooden ball tracks. The 13 ball track elements are a little closer together here, so children can always discover something new. At the destination, the famous Ponte dei Salti awaits you, the double-arched stone bridge of Lavertezzo—a highlight and perfect photo stop. In summer, the Verzasca invites you to swim here, but along the route you will also find beautiful and often secluded bathing spots. The route from Brione to Lavertezzo is a bit narrower, but scenically even more beautiful for us than the first route. There is a large parking lot in Brione; in Lavertezzo, the parking situation is very difficult, especially in summer.

The following applies to both hiking routes

You need good footwear. The trails are not suitable for strollers; it's better to carry the little ones in a carrier. Please watch your children everywhere—the trails are easy to walk, but many rocks invite climbing, which should not happen unsupervised. The Verzasca is a wild river and can rise unexpectedly and quickly due to tributaries or rain at higher elevations. Especially when swimming and splashing, children should never be left unsupervised!

Dogs are allowed on a leash. Grilling is permitted at picnic areas unless there is a fire ban. Toilets are available in Sonogno and Gerra Verzasca.

Back to the Starting Point by Postauto

The hiking trails can be walked one way; the Swiss Postauto makes it easy and affordable to get back to the starting point. The buses run from Locarno through the entire valley to Sonogno. You can find the timetables here.

Why BoBosco is a paradise for children and families

The BoBosco experience in the Verzasca Valley is more than just a hike - it's a real adventure in the countryside. Children are full of enthusiasm when they let their ball roll, look for the next course and have proudly mastered all the stations at the end. Parents appreciate the combination of exercise, nature and peace and quiet - without digital distractions, but with lots of fun.

Thanks to the many shady spots, streams and picnic areas, the hike is also pleasant in summer. Families spending their vacation on Lake Maggiore or Lake Maggiore in particular like to take advantage of a day trip here - the Verzasca Valley is close to places like Locarno, Ascona or Cannobio in less than an hour.

Our tip: Combine the hike with a stop at the dam at the valley entrance or a swim at the Ponte dei Salti. More excursion ideas for the valley can be found on our page about the Valle Verzasca.

Conclusion – A Day Trip for the Whole Family

The BoBosco ball track in the Verzasca Valley is a highlight for families with children and an ideal excursion destination for anyone who wants to combine nature, exercise and fun. The steep cliffs, clear water and handmade wooden tracks create an atmosphere that can only be found in Ticino.

Anyone spending their camping vacation at Lake Maggiore or Langensee should not miss this experience. A day on the BoBosco hiking trails will stay in your memory—with shining children's eyes, beautiful photos, and a small wooden ball as a souvenir of a special piece of Swiss nature.

Dogs are allowed on the BoBosco trails on a leash, so the trip also fits well with a vacation with your dog at Lake Maggiore. With us in Cannobio, about an hour away, you can stay in a mobile home with private beach, in a holiday apartment with lake view, or on a pitch for campers and tents.

Further information can be found on the website of the BoBosco association
Pictures: Alfio Tommasini