Set on the banks of emerald-green waters and surrounded by trees, Verzasca Valley offers an amazing family trail. It is known as Boccia al Bosco.
From Boccia al Bosco, it was shortened to BoBosco; hence, it is known as the BoBosco Trail. Located in Verzasca Valley, the BoBosco Trail has a 5-kilometer length, starting in Brione and finishing in Lavertezzo.
Overview of BoBosco Trail
| Age Group | Pre-school, School age |
| Category | Nature, Hikes |
| Expected Duration | 2-4 hours |
| Cost | CHF 7 per ball |
| Address | Brione Verzasca, 6634 Brione Verzasca |
| Website | https://bobosco.ch/ |
| Opening Hours | Always open |
Boccia Balls at BoBosco Trail
Boccia is a precision ball game similar to bocce and pétanque. Individuals, pairs, or three-person teams can play the sport. The game usually takes place on a smooth and flat court that has playable space around it.
As for the BoBosco Trail, it isn’t done on a playing court. Children do not compete with one another to use the balls. In this case, the ball itself has been removed from its original context and incorporated into the BoBosco trail.
Boccia balls are wooden balls the size of a child’s palm. As the children explore the BoBosco Trail, they will use the boccia balls to play. And while children play and explore, adults can enjoy the beauty and peace of these surroundings.
The Boccia balls can be bought at the following places:
- Info Point Tenero
- Info Point Diga
- Info Point Sonogno
- Lavertezzo Kiosk
- Grotto al ponte, Lavertezzo
- Brione Verzasca Paese food stores
Additionally, there is an automatic vending machine at Brione Verzasca Piee that is open 24/7.
The BoBosco Trail Boccia balls cost CHF 7. These are sold from mid-March until mid-November.
BoBosco Trail in Verzasca Valley
The Verzasca Valley is a well-known valley in Ticino, located near Locarno. There are many things it’s famous for, notably its emerald green waters. A scene from Bond’s jump in Verzasca Dam also appears at the beginning of the official James Bond movie.
Verzasca Valley also has the following special features:
- Corippo – The village of Corippo sits on a hilltop and has a picturesque setting. It is also the least populous municipality in Switzerland.
- Sonogno – a beautiful village with amazing stone houses can be found at the end of the valley. From there, you can go on several hikes.
- Lago di Vogorno – There is a reservoir known as Lago di Vogorno in Gordola. It is used to generate electricity.
BoBosco Trail in Detail
The BoBosco Trail starts in Brione, Verzasca. After 11 stations, it is completed. At all 11 stations, you must use the boccia ball. The endpoint of the BoBosco Trail is located in Lavertazzo, not far from the Ponte dei Salti bridge.
The BoBosco Trail is divided into three sections:
1. The first section (0.9 kilometers) – Brione, Verzasca to Ganne – for ages 7 and up
2. The second section (1.5 kilometers) – Ganne to Motta
3. The third section (3.1 kilometers) – Motta to Lavertazzo
The first kilometer of the trail is the most challenging. I wouldn’t recommend this path for very small children. Because that path is completely narrow and it falls into the Verzasca River. In addition, if your child loses his or her ball, he or she might instinctively run after it and fall into a river.
Families with young children should start in the second section – in Ganne. Family members with small children can do the second section very easily. There are four BoBosco Trail stations in this section.
As for the last section, it is also a simple one. Five BoBosco Trail stations are located here.
Our BoBosco Trail Trip
BoBosco Trail Arrival
Four different access points can be used to begin the BoBosco Trail. Though it states that it starts in Brione, you can actually access it from Lavertezzo and work your way back.
The four points of access are:
- Brione Verzasca Piee
- Brione Verzasca Ganne
- Brione Verzasca Motta
- Lavertezzo
Every access point has a bus stop. The one near Brione Verzasca Motta, however, takes about 5 to 7 minutes by foot from the BoBosco Trail.
Bosco Trail Impressions
The BoBosco Trail is an easy-to-follow trail suitable for all ages
Children and adults alike will enjoy the BoBosco Trail. Even adults will find this place fun because of its beauty. Additionally, it is open every day of the year, so it does not matter what time you arrive. Start whenever you want, any day of the week. Although that is the case, they still perform some maintenance every so often. This is probably done during the winter, off-season when not a lot of guests come.
BoBosco Trail was made with natural materials – a big plus!
Associazone BoBosco, which created the trail, did a wonderful job in creating something that does not disturb the beauty of nature. This fun family trail was built using all-natural materials, mostly wood.
BoBosco Trail is good for primary-aged school children and older
BoBosco Trail is best suited to primary school students and older. The trail will be fascinating to them, and they will be able to do things independently.
Smaller children may also enjoy it. Parents, however, will need to help them. There are also a few sections of the track that are not really stroller-friendly, as there are a few small uphill climbs (nothing too difficult).
BoBosco Trail is open for everyone
The trail is open to dogs as well. The fact that it’s an added bonus is very important. You should just keep them on leashes.
What We Liked
- We enjoyed the beauty of nature
- The children were pleased with the different boccia ball tracks
- A fun activity for the whole family
What We Didn’t Like
- The trail is not circular, so either you walk back or take a bus back (and plan accordingly)
- The trail does not have portable toilets, even just in the middle
- Can get very busy especially during summer (especially in Lavertezzo and Ponte dei Salti bridge)
Tips and Tricks
- If you can, arrive early. Parking can fill up quite quickly in Lavertezzo.
- If you cannot arrive early, take public transportation since you will definitely have trouble finding a place to park your car. Make sure you check the bus schedule and plan accordingly.
- In Lavertezzo, you can take the Post Bus to Brione and walk the path back to the parking lot. Or do it the other way around (walk to Brione and take the Post Bus back to Lavertezzo).
- Despite being open year-round, this trail has the potential to be snowy or icy during the winter months. Visiting it during icy or snowy conditions is not recommended.
- The majority of the trail rests in nature, so it is hot and sunny at certain places. The best time to come on a hot summer day is later in the afternoon to avoid the extreme heat.
- On colder days (spring or autumn), it is best to come before it gets too dark.
- The trail is not peppered with stations for eating and drinking, so you’ll need your own food and water. On the way, you will find several picnic and grilling areas.
- The trail does not have restrooms. It would be advisable if you used the restroom before you started your hike. There are restrooms in Lavertezzo.
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