The Verzasca is a 30-kilometre (19 mi) long Swiss Alpine river originating at Pizzo Barone and flowing into Lake Maggiore.[1] It is known for its clear turquoise water and vibrant colored rocks, as well as its treacherous currents. The Verzasca Dam is a few kilometers upriver from Lake Maggiore.
| Verzasca | |
|---|---|
 The Verzasca at Lavertezzo | |
 | |
| Location | |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Pizzo Barone |
| • coordinates | 46°23′27″N 8°44′36″E / 46.3908°N 8.7433°E |
| • elevation | 2,864 m (9,396 ft) |
| Mouth | Lake Maggiore |
• location | Lake Maggiore, Switzerland |
• coordinates | 46°09′51″N 8°51′10″E / 46.1642°N 8.8528°E |
| Length | 30 km (19 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Lake Maggiore→ Ticino→ Po→ Adriatic Sea |
Geography
editThe Verzasca River valley (Valle Verzasca) is in Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Chestnut trees thrive at the bottom of the valley. The river's water is crystal clear, and the depth does not exceed 10 metres (33 ft). Its average temperature is 7 to 10 °C (45 to 50 °F).
Recreation
editThe river is a popular scuba diving location and the valley is used for bungee jumping. The diving conditions are usually best from late spring to early autumn.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Verzasca, Ticino". The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, General Secretariat, Presence Switzerland. swissworld.org. Retrieved 2010-11-04.
- ^ "River Verzasca". picture-newsletter.com. Retrieved 2010-11-04.
External links
edit
- Daniela Pauli Falconi: Verzascatal in German, French and Italian in the online Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, 15 January 2014.