Lake Maggiore: Smugglers Trekking Across the Border

Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Maggiore, a unique trekking experience beckons adventurers to retrace the steps of historical smugglers. For those willing to challenge themselves, this 4-hour hike offers a glimpse into the treacherous journeys undertaken by those who once crossed the border, often carrying heavy loads. While the physical demands may be daunting, the stunning vistas and insights into the region’s past promise a truly immersive adventure. Whether you’re a history buff or an avid hiker, this opportunity to walk in the footsteps of those who came before is one not to be missed.

Key Points

• This trekking experience in the Lake Maggiore region offers a historical re-enactment of the smuggling activities that occurred from 1940-1950.
• Participants will carry a traditional smuggling sack (bricolla) weighing 30-40 kg, providing insight into the physical challenges faced by historical smugglers.
• The trek includes a challenging 100-meter stretch at an elevation of 1100 meters, simulating the difficulties in crossing the border and evading detection.
• The route passes through Alpe Frignago and abandoned Italian border guard barracks, offering a tangible connection to the historical context.
• This unique trekking opportunity is available on select dates, with limited group sizes to ensure an intimate historical experience.

Activity Overview

The ‘Lake Maggiore: Smugglers Trekking’ activity offers participants a unique opportunity to retrace the footsteps of historical smugglers and partisans.

This 4-hour trekking experience costs €50 per person and is suitable for groups of 4 to 7 participants.

The tour is available in multiple languages, including French, English, Italian, German, Spanish, and Russian.

Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Hotel pickup is provided in the Locarno-Ascona-Brissago region.

To participate, guests must wear appropriate trekking shoes and clothing and carry a valid ID.

The activity isn’t recommended for children under 12, those over 80, or those with low fitness levels or motion sickness.

Historical Context

The ‘Trekking del Contrabbandiere’ (Smuggler’s Trek) allows participants to relive a significant historical moment from 1940-1950. During this period, the route was used for smuggling goods and by partisans and Jewish refugees fleeing to Switzerland. This activity offers the chance to experience the challenges of crossing the border, carrying a typical smuggling sack (bricolla) weighing 30-40 kg.

Year	Activity
1940-1950	Smuggling goods and transporting partisans and Jewish refugees
1940-1950	Crossing the border with a 30-40 kg smuggling sack (bricolla)
1940-1950	Navigating the challenging terrain along the trekking route
1940-1950	Evading detection by border authorities

Trekking Details

The trek begins at 6:45 a.m. from the municipal car park (autosilo comunale) in Ascona.

Participants will embark on a 5 km route, with only a 100-meter stretch posing a challenge as they cross the border at 1100 m above sea level.

The trek includes the following stops:

1. Alpe Frignago
2. The Italian border guard barracks
3. The starting point, with an estimated return time around 11:45 a.m.

The route is suitable for individuals with trekking shoes and clothing for T2/T3 (Switzerland) or EE (Italy) class routes.

Participants must carry a valid identity document and ensure personal insurance coverage.

Participant Requirements

Participants must have suitable trekking shoes and clothing for T2/T3 (Switzerland) or EE (Italy) class routes.

They’ll need to carry a valid identity document and ensure personal insurance coverage.

The activity isn’t suitable for children under 12, people over 80, those with low fitness levels, or those prone to motion sickness.

Participants should be prepared for a challenging 100-meter stretch as they cross the border at 1100 m above sea level.

Following the guidelines ensures everyone can safely and comfortably experience this historical smugglers’ trek along the picturesque shores of Lake Maggiore.

Upcoming Trekking Dates

Upcoming Trekking Dates for the Lake Maggiore Smugglers Trek include 10.2.2024, 23.3.2024, 21.4.2024, 18.5.2024, 22.6.2024, 27.7.2024, 31.8.2024, 28.9.2024, 26.10.2024, 30.11.2024, and 28.12.2024.

The trek offers a chance to relive history, as you will carry a typical smuggling sack weighing 30-40 kg and cross the border at 1100 m above sea level. The route takes trekkers through Alpe Frignago and past the Italian border guard barracks.

Participants must meet the following requirements:

1. Suitable trekking shoes and clothing
2. Valid identity document
3. Personal insurance coverage
4. Not suitable for children under 12, people over 80, or those with low fitness levels.

Contact Information

Interested participants can contact the organizers at [email protected] or reach Raphael directly on his mobile/WhatsApp number 0041 79 292 69 03.

He’ll be happy to provide more details about the "Lake Maggiore: Smugglers Trekking" experience and assist with any questions or concerns.

The organizers offer this unique historical trekking opportunity on select dates throughout the year, allowing visitors to retrace the steps of past smugglers and refugees along the border.

Those interested should act quickly to reserve their spot, as group sizes are limited to provide an intimate and immersive experience.

Crossing the Border

As participants embark on the "Lake Maggiore: Smugglers Trekking" experience, they’ll have the chance to cross the border at 1100 meters above sea level, just as past smugglers and refugees once did.

The route follows a challenging 100-meter stretch, requiring trekkers to carry a typical smuggling sack (bricolla) weighing 30-40 kg.

The crossing takes participants through:

1. The scenic Alpe Frignago.
2. The abandoned Italian border guard barracks.
3. Undulating terrain that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
4. A sense of connection to the historical significance of this clandestine passage.

Crossing the border is a pivotal moment in the trekking adventure, allowing participants to experience the difficulties and risks faced by those who traversed this route in the past.

Carrying the Smuggler’s Sack

Carrying the smugglers’ sacks is a key part of the "Lake Maggiore: Smugglers Trekking" experience. Participants will don a traditional smuggling sack, known as a "bricolla," weighing a hefty 30-40 kg. This simulated load allows them to better understand the physical challenges faced by historical smugglers as they crossed the border. The trek’s organizers emphasize the importance of this activity, as it provides a tangible connection to the past and the sacrifices made by those who risked their lives to transport goods and assist refugees.

Weight	Length	Width	Height
30-40 kg	50 cm	30 cm	20 cm

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Age of the Participants on the Trek?

The activity is not suitable for those over 80 years old, indicating the average participant age is likely between 12 and 80 years old. The exact average age is not provided in the details given.

How Many Breaks Are Scheduled During the Trekking Route?

The activity overview indicates there are two scheduled stops during the 5 km trekking route – at Alpe Frignago and the Italian border guard barracks. The return is scheduled for approximately 11:45 a.m.

Is First Aid Equipment Provided by the Organizers?

The organizers do not provide first aid equipment. Participants must ensure they have their own personal first aid supplies and take responsibility for their own safety and well-being during the trekking activity.

Are There Any Refreshments or Snacks Available During the Trek?

The activity does not provide any refreshments or snacks during the trek. Participants are responsible for bringing their own food and drink to sustain themselves throughout the 4-hour excursion.

Can Participants Take Pictures or Videos During the Trekking Activity?

Participants can take pictures and videos during the trekking activity. However, they should avoid capturing sensitive areas or disturbing the natural environment. Discretion is advised to respect the historical significance of the smuggling route.

Recap

The "Lake Maggiore: Smugglers Trekking Across the Border" experience offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by historical smugglers. Participants trek a demanding route, carrying a heavy sack to simulate the arduous journeys of the past. This immersive activity provides a compelling way to explore the region’s intriguing history while appreciating the rugged natural beauty of the landscape.