Gondo: smuggler's path to Bugliaga

By post bus or car, you travel over the Simplon and start your hike in Ramserna. At the signpost next to the road, follow the upper path. The path now ascends in several switchbacks. The ground changes from stone to forest soil and back to stone. The landscape offers views into the Gondo gorge, the Zwischbergental, and as far as the coniferous forest. After about an hour you reach Presa Bruciata – the first 400 meters of elevation have been climbed. A large house including a pretty pergola bears witness to the heyday of this smuggler's path. Now it goes a bit more leisurely along the hiking trail past Presa Pioda to Presa Cima. The buildings at Presa Cima have a special charm. If you do not want to leave Switzerland during your hike, you could branch off here in the direction of Corwetsch/Alpje. Directly below the stone steps at the end of the long building, some pillars are stuck into the ground. The newly laid out hiking trail from 2017 starts towards Bugliaga. The descent follows in narrow switchbacks. Along the way, several artificial constructions like iron steps and handrails for safety are affixed. In the narrow “Greji” ravine you briefly must use your hands for help – it's unimaginable how smugglers mastered such paths in the past! Shortly before the border marker to Italy appears, the vegetation changes. Instead of conifers, deciduous trees now line the route. In Bugliaga Dentro is located the Agriturismo Bugliaga Dentro. With authentic goat products, Licia and Massimo's agriturismo knows how to shine. Reinforced, you hike on a forest road into the village of Bugliaga. In Bugliaga, there is a scheduled summer bus to Varzo. On the road you now continue towards Trasquera. Along the way, a signpost shows the trail to the “Ponte di Diavolo,” perfect for adventurous hikers. If you prefer it more leisurely, you can walk on the road, which leads carved into the rock, through a tunnel and a mighty stone bridge – thus no less interesting. In Trasquera, at the church, a signpost shows the way to Iselle di Trasquera, where you can start your return journey by public transport.