Verzasca Valley by roadster: tour from Locarno

Route guide: the Verzasca Valley by roadster from Minusio

The Verzasca Valley in Ticino is one of those valleys that open-top cars seem to have been invented for: the road follows the river, winds past stone villages and keeps revealing crystal-clear green water. Exploring the Verzasca Valley by car means you can stop wherever it’s beautiful, and at the end you simply drive back out the same road. From Locarno to Sonogno at the head of the valley it’s about 25 km. That’s short enough for a relaxed half day and varied enough that the drive never gets dull.

Starting point: Minusio

Your Verzasca Valley trip starts at our base on Via San Gottardo 164 in Minusio. Before you set off, you get a personal briefing on the Vanderhall: automatic, 185 hp, two seats, three wheels. After a few minutes you’ll feel at home, and you’re already rolling towards Tenero and Gordola, where the road turns off into the valley.

Stop 1: Verzasca Dam

Right at the mouth of the valley comes the first highlight: the Verzasca Dam, also known as the Contra Dam. It became famous for the bungee jump in the James Bond film GoldenEye. Even without jumping, it’s worth stopping: the massive wall, the view down into the gorge and the reservoir on the other side make a first photo moment hardly anyone skips.

Stop 2: Lago di Vogorno

Beyond the dam, the road runs along Lago di Vogorno. Depending on the light, the water glows anywhere from turquoise to emerald green, and the bends above the shore are especially fun in an open roadster. Take it slow here, the view is the real programme.

Stop 3: Corippo

Clinging to the slope above the lake is Corippo, a village of tightly packed stone houses and one of the valley’s best-known photo spots. The view from the road is already lovely. If you walk up, remember that people live here: keep quiet, stay on the paths and don’t enter private gardens.

Stop 4: Lavertezzo and the Ponte dei Salti

Lavertezzo is home to what may be Ticino’s most famous bridge: the double-arched stone Ponte dei Salti. Beneath it, the Verzasca flows in a green that looks almost unreal in photos. A short walk to the bridge and across the smooth, water-polished rocks is part of every trip to the Verzasca Valley.

Stop 5: Brione Verzasca

Further up the valley, things get quieter. Brione Verzasca sits where the valley widens a little and is a good place to take a breather before the last few kilometres to the head of the valley.

Stop 6: Sonogno at the head of the valley

The road ends in Sonogno. The village centre, with its stone houses and narrow lanes, is best explored on foot. Then you head back along the same road, and you’ll notice: in the other direction, the valley looks completely different.

Which rental duration is right for you?

• Morning Ride (3 hours): Ideal for the dam, Lago di Vogorno and Lavertezzo. You can make it to Sonogno too, but with shorter breaks.
• Valley Ride (5 hours, 1 pm to 6 pm): The relaxed choice for the whole valley up to Sonogno, with time for walks and a bite to eat.
• Day Ride (9 hours, 9 am to 6 pm): Enough time to combine the Verzasca Valley in the morning with the Maggia Valley in the afternoon.

You’ll find all prices and available dates right in the booking section.

Best time of day and year

Mornings in the valley are usually quieter, and the light on the water is clear and soft. On hot summer days, the area around Lavertezzo gets lively around midday, so it pays to start early. Spring and early summer bring lush greenery and plenty of water in the river, while autumn colours the hillsides and often offers pleasant temperatures for an open-top drive.

Stop at a grotto

No Ticino outing is complete without a break at a grotto: simple rustic eateries with stone tables in the shade, local food and a laid-back atmosphere. You’ll find several in the Verzasca Valley and at its entrance. If you want to plan the stop in advance, the best option is our Roadster & Grotto package: a 4-hour drive plus a grotto voucher worth CHF 50.

Tips for your drive

• Photo stops with care: Only stop in car parks or wide passing places, never on bends or on the narrow road itself.
• Take it easy in narrow villages: Drive through villages at walking pace, especially where there are pedestrians. You’ll also meet buses on the valley road, so look ahead and pull over early.
• Swim only with caution: The Verzasca looks inviting, but it’s cold and has treacherous currents. Water levels can change quickly. Stay in shallow, calm water, follow the signs and never jump from rocks or bridges.
• Allow enough time: The route is short but winding. Take it easy and you’ll enjoy it more and come back relaxed.

Ready for the Verzasca Valley by roadster? Book your date now and experience the valley the way it’s meant to feel: with wind, sunshine and views.

Frequently asked questions