| Verzasca Valley | |
 | |
Location  | |
| State | Switzerland |
|---|---|
| Region | Canton Ticino |
| Capital | Lavertezzo |
| Surface | 230 km² |
| Institutional website | |
Verzasca Valley is a valley of the Canton Ticino, in Switzerland.
To know
Geographical notes
Located between the Leventina Valley and the Val Maggia, includes Brione Verzasca, geometric center of the canton; it is the only valley in the canton that does not include a state border. Surrounded by high mountains, it is located north of the Lake Maggiore and extends from south to north for about 25 km. It houses an artificial basin, the Vogorno lake, formed by the Contra dam 220 meters high and 380 wide.
Background
The first settlements in the area, in particular at the mouth of the Verzasca, date back to the Neolithic (18th century BC). It dates back to the 8th century BC. the "Sass di Striöi" (witches stone) of Berzona (a fraction of Vogorno), a boulder on which cupels, crosses and two foot shapes have been engraved. TO Tender there is an important Roman necropolis of the first centuries after Christ: discovered in 1880, there were found amphorae and bronze objects now kept at the Visconti Castle in Locarno. Due to the difficulties of access, the Verzasca Valley was never considered politically relevant. For this reason, it is considered one of the places that has best kept its oldest characteristics.
Territories and tourist destinations
Urban centers
How to get
By car
The only access point to the valley for motor vehicles (including postbuses) is in the south, via Tender or Gordola. The cantonal road on the east side of the valley, built only between 1866 and 1871, passes by Vogorno, Corippo, Lavertezzo, Brione Verzasca, Gerra Verzasca, is Frasco to finally arrive at Sonogno. Access is also possible on the west side, where the road from Locarno enters the valley at Tenero, ending at Mergoscia.Coming from the north or south, take the A2 (or A13) and exit south of Bellinzona, from here take Tenero and follow the signs for Valle Verzasca.
On the train
There is no train service in the Verzasca valley. The nearest railway stations are at Tender is Locarno.
By bus
Post bus every 2 hours from Locarno or Tenero.
How to get around
What see
Each year, the Verzasca Valley attracts about 300,000 tourists, most of whom reach the valley within a day from the rest of the Canton of Ticino or from the Italian provinces Como is Varese.
- 1 Verzasca Dam, Verzasca. This dam is spectacular and is one of the highest dams in Europe (220m). The construction of the dam was started in 1960 and completed in 1965. The water blocked by the dam forms Lake Vogorno. It is possible to walk along the wall of the dikes (380m) and enjoy the view of the valley from there.
- 2 Ponte dei Salti, Lavertezzo. This old double arch bridge is erroneously known as the "Roman bridge".
What to do
The numerous peaks overlooking the Valais and on Bernese Alps, and the steps that lead to the adjacent valleys, make the Verzasca Valley a very popular place for lovers of trekking:
- The Sentierone Valle Verzasca, marked in red and white, crosses the valley from Tenero to Sonogno. Divided into various stages, it first runs along Lake Vogorno (passing through Mergoscia) and then goes up the Verzasca river;
- There Via Alta della Verzasca (VAV) is one of the wildest tracks in the whole of Switzerland: it connects five huts through desolate mountain pastures, steep gullies, and side valleys that are difficult to access. The path is marked in white and blue, and is only recommended for more experienced hikers; the most difficult points are equipped with ropes or metal handles;
- Three stages of the path pass through the Verzasca Valley Trekking 700 which unites Mesocco (Grisons) with Formazza (Italy). They are the fourth (Biasca – Capanna Efra), the fifth (Capanna Efra – Sonogno), and the sixth (Sonogno – Prato Sornico).
The Verzasca stream it attracts canoeists as well as divers. However its descent is rather difficult and, in some places, dangerous due to the currents; 35 people died between 1990 and 2000.
At the table
The restaurants are located adjacent to the hotels. Sandwiches are offered in the shop near the dam.
- 1 Grotto Efra, Via Redorta - Sonogno, ☎ 41 917461173, @[email protected].
Safety
 | ATTENTION: The river can be very inviting, but the current is known to be dangerous. The rocks are sometimes slippery. Be sure to look for any warning signs and ask locals for information on safe swimming areas. |
Hiking equipment (hiking boots, poles, backpack, windbreaker, goggles, hat, gloves, etc.) for high altitude ascents.
Around
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Verzasca Valley
Commons contains images or other files on Verzasca Valley
