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A Guide to Incredible Lavertezzo, Switzerland

08/14/2017 by Kristin 16 Comments

A guide to visiting incredible Lavertezzo, Switzerland, known for the crystal clear turquoise river that runs through it and makes for perfect swimming and sunbathing. #Lavertezzo #Switzerland
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It felt like standing in the Mediterranean sun that day, atop a rock, ready to jump into the clearest water I had ever seen.

I thought that photos of Lavertezzo were highly edited, then I saw it for myself and realized that no, this is probably some of the clearest, cleanest water on earth.

In this sunny, Italian-speaking area of Switzerland, the cold river running through Lavertezzo is perfection.

valle verzasca lavertezzo
Hey, perfection

I visited with Swiss friend of mine, Patrice, whom I met in Mozambique and then again in Austria, and again in Indonesia. We love adventures that involve water and the sun so it seemed only appropriate to form a plan to see some of the places that he hadn’t seen yet (and me neither) in his home country.

Lavertezzo seemed perfect. It’s in a warm part of the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, and it had water that looked like this running through it. I ask you, is there a better summer activity?

valle verzasca lavertezzo
I don’t know who this kid is but he just melted into that rock like it was home and I think that’s beautiful

The Valle Verzasca is charming as well, with a small population of around 1350 and little buildings made mostly of stone.

While we’re on the topic of stone, the 17th century Roman double arch stone bridge at Ponte dei Salti that runs over this pristine river is one of the biggest draws to the area.

valle verzasca lavertezzo
A shot of the bridge in the top left
valle verzasca lavertezzo
People jump off of it into the water!

If you are in the area, or even if you aren’t, if you’re in Switzerland in the summer do yourself a favor and go here! Here’s how:

Getting There

The nearest train station to the valley is Tenero, and from there you can access a post bus right across the street with a kiosk where you can purchase your ticket for 6.50 Francs. It takes credit cards. Catch bus 321 towards Sonogno and get off at Lavertezzo, Paese. This bus runs infrequently so check timetables on Google maps before you go.

valle verzasca lavertezzo
SO BEAUTIFUL

We took off from the Zurich area, using public transport to go the whole way. It’s painful, at a total of about 8 hours RT and 155 Francs for the train and bus, but then the rest of the day was totally free, and worth it, I’ll add. You can also save a lot of money by booking the tickets ahead of time instead of last minute like I did.

valle verzasca lavertezzo

Be cautious

One of the wonderful things about this river is it’s free in many senses – you don’t have to pay to enjoy it and nobody’s there monitoring what you can and can’t do.

The signs on display make it clear that you enjoy at your own risk. The bridge jump is about 15 meters, the rocks are slippery, and the current can be strong.

valle verzasca lavertezzo
Can’t get over it

Always make sure that where you’re jumping in is deep and not near a waterfall. It’s also advisable to float feet-first. The current is fast!

It’s not rocket science to come out unscathed, though.

Bring sunscreen

valle verzasca lavertezzo
It’s sunny!

If you want to hang out right on the river and regularly jump into the water and climb on rocks (and why wouldn’t you?) you’ll be right in the sun. Definitely bring along some sunscreen!

I didn’t think of doing so but at a high elevation and in a part of Switzerland that’s known for being sunny, after three hours in the sun I got a bit burned.

valle verzasca lavertezzo

Bring food and beverages

there’s not a lot in the village near the river, so might as well bring your own lunch and drinks and make it into a picnic. You’re allowed to do so there, but obviously, clean everything up after yourself.

valle verzasca lavertezzo
So clear!

In the future, I’d love to leave some extra time and stay in the area, camping and hiking. I can only imagine how beautiful the surroundings to this old bridge and river are, and how much less crowded it could be as well!

But even if you only have a few hours like we did, this valley is incredible. Go for a swim, lay on the rocks, and soak it all in.

This is a side of Switzerland I never knew existed. I’m blown away.

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Switzerland
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I'm Kristin, and my vision of a better world is one where more women are empowered and living out their dreams. Solo traveling is the best method I've found to become the best, bravest version of me. This site is all about how YOU can have the adventure of a lifetime in an easy, fun, approachable way, so that you can feel empowered, too. Want to learn more about me?

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Comments

  1. Brianna says

    08/18/2017 at 9:35 am

    This looks absolutely amazing! I can’t believe how clear the water is. Is the water pretty cold?

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      08/21/2017 at 1:01 am

      Yes it’s cold but I thought it was really nice on a hot day!

      Reply
  2. Izy Berry says

    08/20/2017 at 8:59 am

    Such clear waters! And I love how there aren’t too many people. Looks like it was definitely worth the 8 hours of travel 😉

    Reply
  3. Becke Quillin says

    08/22/2017 at 5:54 pm

    I’ve never seen pictures of this place until now. I feel so left out! But now I’m yearning with everyone else. Also, I love these summer posts about Switzerland you’re doing! Not all mountains and frostbite!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      08/23/2017 at 12:58 am

      Don’t worry I didn’t know about these awesome places until my friend Patrice took me! I think Switzerland must be just perfect in every season.

      Reply
  4. vittoria fiori says

    09/15/2017 at 12:38 am

    Thank you Kristin! As usual you are such an inspiración to me! Do you think we can do canyoneering in that river? My friends and I are looking for some cool spot for doing out favourite sport!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      09/15/2017 at 8:32 pm

      That I’m not sure about. The rocks are pretty slick.

      Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    04/12/2018 at 1:31 pm

    Hi,
    I’m planning a big Europe trip for all of July and I’m dying to get to this little town ever since I saw photos of it from a nature/landscape photographer. Your website is the only one I’ve seen with actual directions on how to get to Lavertezzo – so thank you! But I’m wondering at what time did you leave Zurich to travel for 8 hrs? And then did you spend a night in Lavertezzo? For my own trip, I’m wondering if the 8hr travel time can be done overnight at all because that would help cut down on time and money spent if traveling by day. Looking forward to hearing back – thank you!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      04/13/2018 at 5:03 pm

      Sorry for being unclear, it was 8 hours round trip from Zurich, and we left in the late morning.

      Reply
  6. Sarah says

    05/10/2018 at 8:08 am

    Hey Im going to switzerland end of May! Do you think it will be hot enough to visit and swim here?

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      05/11/2018 at 6:59 am

      Each year is different but this is a pretty sunny part of the country. The water is really cold regardless of time of year but still so worth a swim!

      Reply
  7. Dina says

    12/16/2019 at 5:28 am

    Hi Kristin,
    I plan to visit Lavertezzo at the end of January.
    I just want to see the nice village there. Not swimming:)
    Do you think, it will be good ?
    Thanks.
    Dina

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/16/2019 at 2:15 pm

      I’m sure it will be wonderful, but you might not be able to see the river if it’s covered in snow.

      Reply
  8. Lauren P says

    01/24/2020 at 7:19 am

    Hi Kristin,

    Any recommendations on where to stay in this area? We really want to go while visiting the country in August. Our next stop would be Lake Como. Is it easy to get there from Lavertezzo?

    Thanks!

    Lauren

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/24/2020 at 7:33 am

      You can get just about anywhere on the train system and it works like clockwork. You can stay in Lavertezzo!

      Reply
  9. Leigh Sharp says

    01/22/2022 at 5:25 am

    It would be cool if you could include a little of the history of the place.

    Reply

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