Verzasca Valley

The double-arched bridge "Ponte dei salti" in Lavertezzo, Verzasca Valley Verzasca Valley [1] 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. Understand Villages around the valley 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. Get In The nearest big city would be Locarno and the nearest town just at the end of the valley is Tenero. By train Nearest train station is Tenero. Other train stations are Locarno and Bellinzona. From all those stations, there are buses going to the valley. By bus The postal bus leaves approx. every 2 hours from Locarno, Bellinzona, or Tenero. Having 18 stops around the valley, the bus passes all villages and the surrounding area, making it easy for travellers to hop in and out at any point. In Lavertezzo, the bus stops near the church tower. By car Take highway A2 Basel to Chiasso, exit at Bellinzona South. Get Around On foot There are several hiking paths along the valley. Hiking from Tenero to Sonogno takes 10-11h, from Sonogno to Mergoscia 4:45h. The path is suitable for practised walkers. By bus Postal bus passes the villages approx. every 2 hours. Swiss Pass is valid. By car To go all the way to Sonogno, one should take the road on the east side of the valley. The road on the west side only goes up to Mergoscia. There are possibilities to park in some areas along the road. Do The Verzasca Dam Bungy Jump...James Bond style!. 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. Contact "Trekking Team AG", Casa Rosina, 6652 Tegna, Tel. +41-91-7807800, Fax. +41-91-7807801, Mobile +41-79-6007007, email: tessin@trekking.ch . Price: CHF255. Diving 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 (Tel. +41-91-7451256). 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. See In Vogorno Verzasca Dam. This dam is spectacular as one of the highest dam in Europe (220m). Access to the dam is possible by postal bus (stop: "Diga Verzasca") and by car. 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 Bernardo, the oldest in the valley (built in 13th century), decorated in Byzantine style. In Lavertezzo The old double-arched bridge Ponte dei Salti which mistakenly known as "Roman Bridge". Sentiero per l'Arte (art trail), 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). In Brione Castello Marcacci, a castle used to be former summer residence of family Mercacci from Locarno. In Gerra The bell tower In Frasco The Efra waterfall Eat Restaurants can be found adjacent to hotels. Sandwiches are offered in the shop nearby the dam. Buy Souvenir shops can be found in Sonogno or nearby the dam. Sleep In Vogorno Al Lago, Tel. +41-91-7453232, Fax +41-91-7451198. Rates: Single CHF75-85, Double CHF120-140. Pizzo Vogorno [2], Tel. +41-91-7451256, Fax +41-91-7451256, Rates: With communal shower/toilet: Single CHF45-60, Double CHF80-100; With private shower/toilet: Single CHF60-80, Double CHF90-120. Verzasca, Tel. +41-91-7451597, Fax +41-91-7454055. Rates: CHF80-100. In Lavertezzo Posse, Tel. +41-91-7461796, Fax +41-91-7461726. Rates: Single CHF60-90, Double CHF100. Vittoria, Tel. +41-91-7461581, Fax +41-91-7461008, Rates: Single CHF70-100, Double CHF120-140. In Brione (Verzasca) Ai Piee, Tel. +41-91-7461544, Fax +41-91-7461558, [3]. Rate: CHF110 Jeanne & Marco Togni, Tel. +41-91-7461606, [4]. Rate: CHF40 pro person In Gerra (Verzasca) Froda, Tel. +41-91-7461452, Fax +41-91-7461862. Rates: Single CHF55-70, Double CHF110. In Sonogno Alpino, Tel. +41-91-7461163, Fax +41-91-7461017. Rates: Single CHF35-50, Double CHF70-100. Get Out Warning sign Locarno Ascona Tenero is a small town situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Stay Safe 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. This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!