Valle Verzasca: the Verzasca Valley in Ticino
A world-famous spot for divers, hikers and food lovers – a day trip for the whole family
Valle Verzasca / Verzasca Valley (Ticino, CH)
The Valle Verzasca / Verzasca Valley is a rugged valley with many steep slopes and numerous waterfalls. Typical of the Verzasca Valley are the rustici, grey stone houses with heavy stone slabs on the roof. The many churches and chapels along the road bear witness to the deep faith of the valley's inhabitants. Incidentally, the small village of Mergoscia at the valley entrance is the geographical center of Ticino. From Lakeview, you can reach the valley in just under an hour.
Verzasca Valley at a glance
- Location: north of Locarno, valley entrance near Gordola, Ticino (Switzerland)
- From Cannobio: just under an hour by car
- Valley road: around 25 km to Sonogno
- Highlights: Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo, the dam with the James Bond bungee jump, BoBosco marble runs
- Hiking: Sentierone from Tenero to Sonogno
- No parking hassle: PostBus from Locarno and Tenero
Location and getting there
The Verzasca Valley lies between the Leventina and the Maggia Valley, north of Lake Maggiore. The entrance to the valley is reached via the small town of Gordola. An easy-to-drive road runs about 25 km from south to north to Sonogno, a small village at the end of the road, where you can buy wonderfully fresh stone-baked bread every day.
Hiking the Sentierone
The Sentierone Valle Verzasca takes you from Tenero to Sonogno on well-marked hiking trails. Regular PostBuses (scheduled buses) from Locarno / Tenero also make it possible to hike in stages and save you the search for a parking space, which is often not so easy in the Valle Verzasca, especially in summer.
Ponte dei Salti and swimming in the Verzasca
Around the double-arched stone bridge Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo, often called the “Roman bridge”, there are many picturesque swimming spots and an impressive backdrop of rock formations. Divers appreciate the crystal-clear water; tourists and locals love the many hidden coves for swimming, relaxing and sunbathing. Jumps from the rocks into the Verzasca are also popular, but only for experienced swimmers who know the spot well. Caution: the water is very cold even in summer, the river has dangerous currents and can rise quickly. Never leave children unattended!
The dam and the James Bond bungee jump
A special feature of the Valle Verzasca is the 220-metre-high dam. It can be reached by PostBus or by car; there are plenty of parking spaces in front of the dam, available for a surprisingly small fee. The dam holds back Lago di Vogorno, and the water is used to generate electricity for Ticino. Right in the middle of the dam in the Verzasca Valley, you can take the original James Bond bungee jump yourself and relive GoldenEye. In peak season, jumps take place from Wednesday to Sunday.
For families: the BoBosco marble runs
For the whole family, the Verzasca Valley is a wonderfully scenic day-trip destination. Quite new and really great is the BoBosco hiking trail with marble runs (Boccia al Bosco). There are two routes: from Sonogno to Gerra Verzasca, and from Brione Verzasca (car park opposite Hotel Ai Piee) down to Lavertezzo. At the start, you buy a fist-sized wooden ball at the kiosk or vending machine, which you can roll along more than 20 large marble runs. The BoBosco Trail is great fun for families and is also suitable for younger children. You can walk it in sections or do the whole route, and the PostBus takes you comfortably back to the car park.
From our resort, you can reach the Verzasca Valley in just under an hour. Back at Lake Maggiore, you can stay with us in Cannobio in a mobile home on Lake Maggiore, in a holiday apartment on the lake, or on a pitch for your motorhome.
Questions and answers
One of the most beautiful valleys in Ticino, with an emerald-green river, swimming spots, rock formations, and famous landmarks such as the dam and the Roman bridge.