The Verzasca Valley is a long narrow valley located in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. This valley offers a wild and fascinating landscape, with the Alps on one side and a lake on the other. The river has an emerald green color, and thanks to its good visibility, it is famous as a river diving destination.
- Mergoscia - Altitude = 731m
- Corippo - Altitude = 563m
- Vogorno - Located at an altitude of 490m, Vorgono is the main village of the Verzasca Valley. It is where the famous dam is located. The dam belongs to the hydroelectric power station and is 380 metres long and 220 metres high.
- S.Bartolomeo - Altitude = 490m
- Lavertezzo - At the altitude of 536m, this village is the preferred spot for sunbathers, swimmers and divers.
- Aquino - Altitude = 592m
- Motta - Altitude = 615m
- Brione (Verzasca) - Altitude = 756m
- Gerra (Verzasca) - Altitude = 826m
- Frasco - Altitude = 885m
- Sonogno - At the altitude of 919m, this is the last village situated at the end of the valley.
- Verzasca Dam. This dam is spectacular as one of the highest dam in Europe (220m). The construction of the dam was started in 1960 and completed in 1965. The water blocked by the dam forms the Lake Vogorno. It is possible to walk along the dam wall (380m) and enjoy the view of the valley from there.
- Church San Bartolomeo, San Bartolomeo. The oldest church in the valley (built in 13th century), decorated in Byzantine style.
Verzasca Dam. This dam is spectacular as one of the highest dam in Europe (220m). The construction of the dam was started in 1960 and completed in 1965. The water blocked by the dam forms the Lake Vogorno. It is possible to walk along the dam wall (380m) and enjoy the view of the valley from there.
Church San Bartolomeo, San Bartolomeo. The oldest church in the valley (built in 13th century), decorated in Byzantine style.
- Ponte dei Salti. This old double-arched bridge is mistakenly known as "Roman Bridge".
Ponte dei Salti. This old double-arched bridge is mistakenly known as "Roman Bridge".
- Castello Marcacci. This manor used to be former summer residence of the Mercacci family from Locarno.
Castello Marcacci. This manor used to be former summer residence of the Mercacci family from Locarno.
- The bell tower
- The Efra waterfall
- Sentiero per l'Arte. A permanent collection from 21 Swiss and international artist blend with nature. Located in a path from Lavertezzo to an area called Ganne (approx. 4 km).
- Bungy Jump...James Bond style!, +41 91 7807800. A jump from the Verzasca Dam was the opening scene of James Bond's "Golden Eye". The jump lasts 7.5 seconds, as the height of the dam is 220m -- it is supposed to be the highest bungy jump place in the world. Only do it with a reputable operator. Fr. 255.
- Diving, +41 91-7451256. In River Verzasca. Best to do late spring to early autumn. There are several diving sites. The hotel Pizzo Vogorno offers reasonable accommodation for divers.
- Hiking is suitable for practised walker. No mountaineering skills required. The postal bus stops at several places along the valley, making it possible to hop in and continue your trip whenever you feel tired. Ask for a hiking map at the Tourist Information in Tenero, Locarno, or Bellinzona.
Sentiero per l'Arte. A permanent collection from 21 Swiss and international artist blend with nature. Located in a path from Lavertezzo to an area called Ganne (approx. 4 km).
Bungy Jump...James Bond style!, +41 91 7807800. A jump from the Verzasca Dam was the opening scene of James Bond's "Golden Eye". The jump lasts 7.5 seconds, as the height of the dam is 220m -- it is supposed to be the highest bungy jump place in the world. Only do it with a reputable operator. Fr. 255.
Diving, +41 91-7451256. In River Verzasca. Best to do late spring to early autumn. There are several diving sites. The hotel Pizzo Vogorno offers reasonable accommodation for divers.
Hiking is suitable for practised walker. No mountaineering skills required. The postal bus stops at several places along the valley, making it possible to hop in and continue your trip whenever you feel tired. Ask for a hiking map at the Tourist Information in [[Tenero]], [[Locarno]], or [[Bellinzona]].
Souvenir shops can be found in Sonogno or nearby the dam.
Restaurants can be found adjacent to hotels. Sandwiches are offered in the shop next to the dam.
- Grotto Efra, Via Redorta, Sonogno, +41 91 746 11 73. A small restaurant out in the green outside the village of Sonogno.
Grotto Efra, Via Redorta, Sonogno, +41 91 746 11 73. A small restaurant out in the green outside the village of Sonogno.
The river may be very inviting, but it is known that the current can be dangerous. The rocks are sometimes slippery. Make sure to look for any warning sign and ask locals for information on safe areas for swimming.