Maggia (river)

Maggia delta near Locarno

The Maggia springs from the Lago del NARET and other smaller mountain lakes on the Passo del NARET and flows south-west of Locarno with a delta into Lake Maggiore. They drained a large part of the Ticino Alps. Its length is 58 km. Hydropower ( Maggia power plants) is used to generate electrical energy. In mid-year are produced with water from the Maggia 144 megawatts.

Entering the partially dry river bed of the Maggia can be dangerous. Depending on the weather or sudden water discharge to the reservoirs in the headwaters of the Maggia, the water level can rise extremely rapidly within a short time and the Maggia be a raging river. There have been a number of accidents by drowning.

A special feature of the Maggia is the waterfall that cascades down from the Maggia shortly before Ponte Brolla few hundred meters after the exit of Avegno in the granite gorge under a pedestrian bridge. At low tide the water falls from a height of about four meters into a pot of about five feet in diameter and four meters deep, before it (see 2nd picture ) up to a sort of lake of about 15 feet of water flows through the gorge mentioned. Here Spring events are annually held, in which participants jump from a platform over 20 feet in depth.

If after snow melt or after heavy thunderstorms suddenly swells at higher altitudes, the water level, a dangerous situation can occur: Springer, who do not immerse themselves in the outflow direction of the pot at the waterfall, are pressed by the force of the water on the rocks and drown. Despite warnings, it always comes back to death.

Below Ponte Brolla there is a dive site that is suitable for river diving. The Maggia is there between five and ten feet deep and has a spectacular rocky landscape below the water surface. The crystal clear water usually offers greater visibility than tropical waters.

Maggia at Ponte Brolla

Maggia delta in Lake Maggiore

Maggia delta between Locarno and Ascona