In the lush green heart of Ticino, where waterfalls tumble into crystal-clear pools and mountains frame a turquoise river, lies one of Switzerland’s most original hiking experiences: the BoBosco Kugelbahn trail in the Verzascatal.
It’s not just a walk—it’s a magical journey through the forest, filled with creativity, laughter, and the gentle sound of wooden marbles rolling through handcrafted tracks.
What Makes BoBosco So Unique
The word BoBosco combines bosco (forest) and bòccia (marble), and that’s exactly what it is: a forest filled with marbles! Along the trail, hikers discover more than twenty charming wooden Kugelbahn installations—each one a unique piece of craftsmanship made from local chestnut wood.
At every stop, children can place their wooden marble at the top of a slope and watch it race through loops, bridges, and spirals. The marbles are available for purchase at local shops or tourist offices, and they quickly become a treasured souvenir of the trip.
The concept is simple, yet brilliant. It transforms hiking—sometimes a challenge for little legs—into a playful outdoor game that keeps kids motivated from start to finish. Every station feels like a reward, turning the BoBosco trail into a joyful adventure rather than just another mountain path.
The Setting – The Verzasca Valley (Verzascatal)
The Verzascatal, or Verzasca Valley, is one of Ticino’s most scenic regions. The valley stretches from Tenero, near Lake Maggiore, deep into the mountains north of Lavertezzo, Brione, and Sonogno. The river Verzasca, with its brilliant emerald waters, winds through granite gorges and natural pools that shimmer under the sun.
This valley is not only famous for the BoBosco Kugelbahn trail but also for its historic stone villages and breathtaking landscapes. The Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo—a double-arched Roman bridge—is one of the most photographed spots in Switzerland. During summer, visitors swim beneath it in the refreshing river pools, framed by smooth rocks and alpine vegetation.
Walking the BoBosco trail gives families a reason to slow down and truly enjoy this spectacular valley. The air is clean, the forest quiet, and the combination of play and scenery is simply unforgettable.
How to Experience the BoBosco Kugelbahn Trail
You can start your BoBosco adventure at different points in the valley. Wooden marbles can be bought for around CHF 5 at:
- Tourist offices in Lavertezzo and Sonogno
- Village cafés and souvenir shops in Brione or Motta
- Campsites and guesthouses throughout the Verzasca Valley
Each marble fits perfectly into the tracks, so you can carry it along the hike and use it at every station. The installations are numbered and marked with the BoBosco logo, making the route easy to follow even for children.
Families can choose between short, stroller-friendly sections or full-day hikes. The shorter segment between Brione and Motta is about 2 km, while the longer trail from Lavertezzo to Sonogno can take 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace. There are picnic areas, benches, and riverside spots where you can rest, eat, and even dip your feet into the cool Verzasca water.
A Hike That Teaches and Inspires
What makes the BoBosco Kugelbahn so special is how it blends play, education, and nature. Children learn about gravity, balance, and motion through hands-on discovery, while parents appreciate the eco-friendly craftsmanship.
All installations are made from local chestnut wood, resistant to weather and perfectly integrated into the landscape.
The project behind BoBosco was developed by local artists and community volunteers who wanted to create a trail that encourages families to spend more time outdoors. The result is a sustainable attraction that supports local tourism while staying completely in harmony with nature.
Every rolling marble adds a small melody to the forest—a soft rhythm that connects visitors with the environment in a unique way.
Exploring More of the Verzascatal
Beyond the BoBosco trail, the Verzasca Valley offers countless other experiences. You can:
- Visit Sonogno, a charming mountain village with stone houses, a small museum, and local craft shops.
- Stop at Brione for a coffee and local chestnut cake.
- Watch thrill-seekers jump from the Verzasca Dam, made famous by the James Bond movie GoldenEye.
- Swim or picnic along the river’s natural rock pools.
Each part of the valley is easy to reach by public transport or car, and every bend in the road reveals another breathtaking view.
Camping Lago Maggiore – The Perfect Base for BoBosco
If you’re staying near Lake Maggiore, you’re in the ideal position to explore the Verzasca Valley and the BoBosco trail. The entrance to the valley lies just outside Tenero, a lakeside town only a few minutes’ drive from the lake’s northern shores.
This makes camping Lago Maggiore the perfect starting point for families who want to combine relaxation by the water with adventure in the mountains.
Many modern campgrounds around Lake Maggiore—on both the Swiss and Italian sides—offer a combination of comfort and nature. Sites such as Lakeview Cannobio Camping & Resort provide direct lake access, clean facilities, and family-friendly services. Campers can wake up to the sound of waves, enjoy breakfast under palm trees, and still reach the Verzascatal within 30 minutes.
During the day, explore the BoBosco trail or swim in the Verzasca River. In the evening, return to your camping Lago Maggiore pitch for a barbecue, a lakefront walk, or a sunset boat ride. It’s a perfect mix of activity and tranquility.
For electric car travelers, many campsites now even include EV charging points, making sustainable travel easy. The region’s infrastructure is modern yet surrounded by unspoiled nature—an unbeatable combination for eco-minded holidaymakers.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Best season: April to October. The weather is mild, and the BoBosco installations are fully accessible.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, even for short routes.
- Bring swimwear: The Verzasca’s clear pools are too tempting to resist.
- Get your marbles early: Each child will want their own, and they’re sold at multiple valley points.
- Respect nature: BoBosco relies on visitors leaving the installations and the forest clean and undamaged.
Why BoBosco and Camping Lago Maggiore Are a Perfect Match
Families often describe the BoBosco trail as one of the most memorable activities during their Lake Maggiore holiday. It offers something rare: a day of pure connection—between parents and children, between play and learning, between people and nature.
Staying at a camping Lago Maggiore site enhances that experience. You can enjoy sunny mornings by the lake, take a short drive into the Verzasca Valley for your adventure, and return for a peaceful evening under the stars. The balance between lakeside leisure and mountain discovery is what makes this region truly special.
Many visitors extend their stay just to explore more: hiking trails, mountain viewpoints, and boat trips to the Brissago Islands or across the lake to Cannobio and Ascona. From every perspective, Lake Maggiore and the Verzascatal create a perfect pairing for families seeking nature, fun, and sustainability.
Conclusion – A Rolling Adventure in the Heart of Ticino
The BoBosco Kugelbahn trail in the Verzascatal is more than a hike—it’s a celebration of imagination, craftsmanship, and the simple joy of play. Watching a wooden marble dance down a handcrafted track beneath the trees reminds us how beautiful slow, mindful travel can be.
And with the freedom of camping Lago Maggiore as your base, it’s easy to combine mountain adventure with lakeside serenity. Together, they form a perfect family holiday: inspiring, sustainable, and full of wonder.
So pack your hiking shoes, grab your marble, and let the forest of Ticino surprise you—one roll at a time.
