There are corners of the world that remain in the heart at first glance, and the Verzasca Valley is undoubtedly one of these. Immersing yourself in this enchanted gorge in the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland, means suddenly finding yourself projected into an almost fairy-tale landscape, dominated by the spectacular, indigo shades of the Verzasca river. Between enormous boulders smoothed by time and natural pools with crystal clear water, this Swiss valley welcomed us with its wild and regenerating beauty, giving us an intense travel experience, just a short distance from the Italian border.
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The imposing Verzasca Dam and the myth of James Bond
Our itinerary began with a long shiver 220 meters high. Reaching the majestic Contra Dam, also known as the Verzasca Dam, the feeling of vertigo walking on its edges is immediate.
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Built in the 1960s and the fourth tallest in Switzerland, the structure gives rise to Lake Vogorno and has entered cinematic myth thanks to Pierce Brosnan’s initial leap in the film Agent 007 – GoldenEye. Today the dam hosts the second highest bungee jumping station in the world: a leap into the void worth 255 Swiss francs for seven seconds of pure adrenaline.
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The rural charm of the typical holiday villages
Going up the road between gorges and panoramic curves, we were fascinated by the svendorf, the traditional holiday villages integrated into nature. In these typical mountain hamlets, such as in the picturesque village of Corippo, Alpine architecture shows its most authentic face through the characteristic stone cottages with stone roofs. Walking among these perfectly preserved historic houses offers a journey through time, where the harmony between the work of man and the mountain landscape appears intact and evocative.
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The Ponte dei Salti and the atmosphere of Lavertezzo
But the glimpse that left the biggest impression on us came when we reached Lavertezzo, the pulsating soul of the valley. Here waiting for us was the famous Ponte dei Salti, a double-arched stone structure of medieval origin that crosses the transparent currents and rests on monumental rocks.
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Walking along its narrow passage is a unique emotion, enriched by the presence of the many young people who during the summer challenge the heights by throwing themselves over the low parapets for a refreshing swim. Wonderful trekking routes also start from this hub, including the famous Sentierone della Verzasca, which connects the dam to the town of Sonogno.
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Watch out for parking!
Planning this stage requires some small logistical foresight. Not being served by trains, the valley can be reached by car or via the convenient post buses departing from Locarno or Gordola. Those who choose their own vehicle must pay particular attention to paid parking, rare and crowded on summer weekends, payable in Swiss francs or via mobile application. Precisely for all these reasons, for convenience we opted to get on a motorbike, ideal not only for parking but also for tackling roads that are not always wide. Finally, for those arriving from Italy, it is good to remember that entering Swiss motorways requires the annual motorway vignette, which can be avoided by setting only secondary roads on the navigator.
An indelible memory
Having said that, know that leaving the Verzasca Valley is not easy and leaves an indelible memory. The feeling of peace breathed among its woods, the delicate roar of its waterfalls and the unmistakable color of its waters are memories that will continue to keep us company for a long time, confirming why this extraordinary place is deservedly guarded as the precious green heart of Ticino.
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