Verzasca Valley

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.

The nearest big city would be Locarno and the nearest town just at the end of the valley is Tenero.

By public transport

There is no train service in the Verzasca valley. The nearest train stations are in Tenero and Locarno. From both of those stations, there are buses going to the valley.
The postal bus leaves approx. every 2 hours from Locarno 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.
An exception to this is the village of Mergoscia which is reachable by a bus from Locarno operated by FART. There are around 10 trips a day.

By car

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

• Verzasca DamThis 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

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

In Lavertezzo

• Ponte dei SaltiThis old double-arched bridge is mistakenly known as "Roman Bridge".

In Brione

• Castello MarcacciThis manor used to be former summer residence of the Mercacci family from Locarno.

In Gerra

• The bell tower

In Frasco

• The Efra waterfall

• Sentiero per l'ArteA 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!

  phone: +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.

• Diving

  phone: +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

  phone: +41 91 746 11 73
  address: Via Redorta, Sonogno
  A small restaurant out in the green outside the village of Sonogno.

In Vogorno

• Al Lago

  phone: +41 91-7453232
  address: Berzona

• Pizzo Vogorno

  phone: +41 91-7451256

• Holiday Village Rustici della Verzasca

  phone: +41 91-7451684
  address: Berzona
  A number of holiday apartments at different prices.

In Lavertezzo

• Posse

  phone: +41 91-7461796
  address: Via Cantonale 1

• Vittoria

  phone: +41 91-7461581
  address: Via Cantonale

In Brione (Verzasca)

• Ai Piee

  phone: +41 91-7461544

In Gerra (Verzasca)

• Froda

  phone: +41 91-7461452

In Sonogno

• Alpino

  phone: +41 91-7461163

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.

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