Verzasca Valley

Villages around the valley

Mergoscia elevation – 731 m

Corippo elevation – 563 m

Vogorno - at an elevation of 490 m, 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 elevation – 490 m

Lavertezzo - at an elevation of 536 m, this village is the preferred spot for sunbathers, swimmers and divers.

Aquino elevation – 592 m

Motta elevation – 615 m

Brione (Verzasca) elevation – 756 m

Gerra (Verzasca) elevation – 826 m

Frasco elevation – 885 m

Sonogno - at the elevation of 919 m, this is the last village situated at the end of the valley.

By Car / Road

Coming from both north or south, take A2 (or A13) and exit at Bellinzona south, from there drive to Tenero and follow the signs to Valle Verzasca.

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.

In Vogorno

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Verzasca Dam

( Access to the dam is possible by postal bus (stop: "Diga Verzasca") and by car ).

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.

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Church San Bartolomeo ,

San Bartolomeo .

The oldest church in the valley (built in 13th century), decorated in Byzantine style.

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In Lavertezzo

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Ponte dei Salti .

This old double-arched bridge is mistakenly known as "Roman Bridge".

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In Brione

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Castello Marcacci .

This manor used to be former summer residence of the Mercacci family from Locarno.

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In Gerra

The bell tower

In Frasco

The Efra waterfall

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Sentiero per l'Arte

( Art trail ).

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).

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Bungy Jump...James Bond style! ,

☏

+41 91 7807800 ,

[email protected] .

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 .

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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 .

Restaurants can be found adjacent to hotels. Sandwiches are offered in the shop next to the dam.

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Grotto Efra ,

Via Redorta, Sonogno ,

☏

+41 91 746 11 73 .

A small restaurant out in the green outside the village of Sonogno.

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Swiss wine, beer, and hot chocolate are widely available. Cafés and bars in Verzasca Valley offer a range of local and international beverages.

In Vogorno

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Al Lago ,

Berzona ,

☏

+41 91-7453232 ,

fax : +41 91-7451198 .

Rates: Single Fr.

60-85, Double Fr.

100-140 .

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Pizzo Vogorno ,

☏

+41 91-7451256 ,

[email protected] .

Single Fr.

75-85, Double Fr.

100-140; With private shower/toilet: Single Fr.

60-80, Double Fr.

90-120 .

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Holiday Village Rustici della Verzasca ,

Berzona ,

☏

+41 91-7451684 ,

fax : +41 91-7454055 ,

[email protected] .

A number of holiday apartments at different prices.

Weekly rentals from Fr.

400 .

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In Lavertezzo

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Posse ,

Via Cantonale 1 ,

☏

+41 91-7461796 ,

[email protected] .

Single Fr.

60-90, Double Fr.

100 .

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Vittoria ,

Via Cantonale ,

☏

+41 91-7461581 ,

[email protected] .

Double Fr.

120-140 .

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In Brione (Verzasca)

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Ai Piee ,

☏

+41 91-7461544 ,

[email protected] .

Single Fr.

70-100, double Fr.

120-140 .

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In Gerra (Verzasca)

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Froda ,

☏

+41 91-7461452 ,

fax : +41 91-7461862 .

Rates: Single Fr.

55-70, Double Fr.

110 .

In Sonogno

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Alpino ,

☏

+41 91-7461163 ,

fax : +41 91-7461017 .

With shower Fr.

55, without shower Fr.

45 .

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Souvenir shops can be found in Sonogno or nearby the dam.

Locarno

Ascona

Tenero is a small town situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore .

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