For families traveling in Ticino, Switzerland, the BoBosco marble run trail is one of the most creative outdoor experiences imaginable. Hidden in the Verzascatal (Verzasca Valley), this playful Bobosco Verzasca Kugelbahn hiking route turns the forest into a living playground—where imagination meets the rhythm of nature.
If you’re staying by Lake Maggiore, a day trip to BoBosco offers the perfect mix of fun, learning, and adventure.
A Forest of Wooden Marbles
The name BoBosco combines bòccia (marble) and bosco (forest)—literally “the marble forest.” Along this enchanting trail, visitors encounter more than two dozen wooden installations, each forming a small section of an enormous natural Kugelbahn.
Every few hundred meters, a new wooden structure appears: bridges, ramps, tunnels, and spirals—all handcrafted from local chestnut wood. Children drop their small BoBosco marbles at the top, and watch them roll, bounce, and spin through the track before landing gently in a wooden bowl below.
The result? A hike that feels like play from start to finish. The marbles can be purchased at the start of the trail for just a few francs, and families often keep them as souvenirs—a reminder of one of Ticino’s most joyful outdoor adventures.
The Verzasca Valley – A Jewel of Nature
The Verzascatal is one of the most spectacular valleys in southern Switzerland. Flowing down from the mountains above Sonogno toward Lake Maggiore, the Verzasca River glows with an otherworldly shade of emerald green.
The valley’s stone villages, such as Lavertezzo, Brione Verzasca, and Sonogno, seem untouched by time. Traditional slate roofs, flower-decked balconies, and narrow cobbled lanes create a postcard-perfect setting. The famous Ponte dei Salti, a double-arched bridge in Lavertezzo, is one of Switzerland’s most photographed landmarks—and just a short distance from several BoBosco stations.
Hiking here feels like walking through a natural paradise. The trail winds along the river, through chestnut forests and meadows, with plenty of places to stop for a picnic or a dip in the cool, clear water.
How the BoBosco Kugelbahn Trail Works
The BoBosco trail stretches between Brione Verzasca and Sonogno, making it easy to tailor your hike to your family’s pace. Shorter sections are perfect for young children, while the full route offers a full-day adventure.
You can buy your official wooden marble at several points:
- Lavertezzo Tourist Office (near the stone bridge)
- Cafés and shops in Brione
- Sonogno Visitor Center
- Local campsites and restaurants along the valley
Each installation is numbered and marked with the BoBosco logo. Simply follow the signs, release your marble at each station, and watch gravity do the rest. The route is well-maintained, family-friendly, and accessible by public transport from Locarno or Tenero.
An Adventure for All Ages
While BoBosco was designed for children, it delights adults just as much. Parents often find themselves racing marbles alongside their kids, laughing as they guess whose reaches the bottom first.
Grandparents enjoy the gentle terrain and shaded forest paths, while teenagers are drawn to the valley’s photogenic bridges and river pools.
Unlike an amusement park, BoBosco is completely powered by nature. The movement of each marble is driven only by gravity, wood, and a little human curiosity—no electricity, no screens, just pure fun.
The project also promotes sustainability: all tracks are built from locally harvested wood and maintained by local volunteers. It’s an inspiring example of how tourism and ecology can work hand in hand.
Beyond the Trail – Discovering the Verzascatal
After completing the BoBosco hike, visitors can explore other treasures of the Verzasca Valley:
- Swim under the Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo, one of Switzerland’s most iconic natural pools.
- Visit the Ethnographic Museum in Sonogno, which showcases the history and crafts of the valley.
- Watch thrill-seekers bungee jump from the Verzasca Dam, a scene made famous by James Bond’s GoldenEye.
- Try local specialties such as chestnut honey, alpine cheese, or polenta in rustic mountain restaurants.
The combination of play, culture, and landscape makes the Verzascatal one of the most memorable destinations in southern Switzerland.
Camping Lago Maggiore – The Ideal Base for BoBosco Adventures
If you’re traveling with your family, staying near Lake Maggiore is the smartest way to explore both the mountains and the lake. The valley entrance at Tenero lies only minutes from the shoreline, so camping Lago Maggiore becomes a natural home base for day trips into the Verzasca Valley.
Imagine waking up to a view of palm trees and water, then driving just half an hour to the cool mountain forests of BoBosco. Many campsites—on both the Swiss and Italian sides—offer the perfect blend of comfort and nature.
For example, Lakeview Cannobio Camping & Resort on the Italian side of the lake provides direct beach access, playgrounds, restaurants, and modern facilities. Other campsites in Tenero and Locarno feature private beaches, bike rentals, and even EV charging stations.
Families appreciate the freedom of camping: kids can play outdoors, parents can relax by the lake, and everyone enjoys easy access to hiking, swimming, and sightseeing.
After a fun-filled day exploring the BoBosco Kugelbahn in the Verzascatal, returning to your camping Lago Maggiore site feels like coming home—barbecue sizzling, waves lapping, and mountains glowing in the evening light.
Camping also allows flexibility. You can combine several day trips—from the BoBosco trail to the Brissago Islands, or even a visit to Ascona or Cannobio across the border—without ever leaving the natural surroundings you love.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
- Best season: April – October, when the weather is mild and the installations are open.
- Bring your own marble: Buy it at the start—each child will want one!
- Wear sturdy shoes: Even though it’s family-friendly, some paths are uneven.
- Pack swimwear: The Verzasca River is perfect for cooling off after hiking.
- Start early: Parking can be limited, and the valley gets busy in summer.
- Stay green: Keep the installations clean and respect the natural environment.
Why BoBosco Belongs on Every Family’s Itinerary
There are hundreds of hiking trails in Switzerland—but none quite like this. BoBosco invites families to rediscover the simple joy of play while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. It’s a digital detox wrapped in Swiss craftsmanship, offering lasting memories for travelers of all ages.
And when paired with a stay at camping Lago Maggiore, the experience becomes complete. In one trip, you can enjoy lakeside relaxation, mountain exploration, and creative outdoor play—three kinds of freedom in one holiday.
Conclusion – Roll, Relax, and Reconnect
The BoBosco Kugelbahn trail in the Verzascatal is a masterpiece of imagination and sustainability—a reminder that the best adventures are often the simplest ones. A wooden marble, a forest, and a family ready to explore: that’s all it takes to create a perfect day.
Staying at camping Lago Maggiore puts you right at the crossroads of lake and mountain, making it effortless to visit BoBosco and the many other wonders of Ticino.
So pack your hiking shoes, grab your marble, and let the laughter roll through the forest—the BoBosco trail is waiting to spark joy, one spin at a time.