Verzasca Dam bungee jumping

This is the spot that was made popular by the opening scenes of James Bond flick ‘Goldeneye’ where the glamour sleuth breaks into a Russian secret base within a dam. Against the immense arch of the dam, Bond was a tiny entity and from his POV we can see the dam and its bowl spread out hundreds of metres below, steep hills on all sides and even steeper wall below him! Yet Bond dives off the lip, plunging some 220 metres down the gigantic concrete wall on a bungee cable. In a flash he arms himself and shoots into a pylon and lands in safety.

If you want to relive the 007 experience (the act was even adjudged the ‘Best Movie Stunt of All Time’ in 2002), Verzasca Dam could be your ultimate destination. In the movie, the stuntman jumped from a platform suspended out from a wall to prevent him from getting hit to the wall and there is a similar gantry, a support, built on the spot today.

Verzasca is in Switzerland and is clearly one of the topmost thrill game destinations. You would almost make a Bond by travelling at high speed and dealing with wind pockets pushing off the bowl of the dam. Some say that being strapped to the gantry at the top is like walking the plank or off a gallows one has been strung up to. Verzasca is one of world’s highest bungee jumping spot and runs between October and April.

About Verzasca Dam:

Verzasca or Contra Dam is a 220-metre high arch hydroelectric dam located in Val Verzasca, Ticino, Switzerland. It was constructed between 1960 and 1965. Designed by Lombardi Engineering, Verzasca dams Verzasca River. The water blocked by the dam forms Lake Vogorno.

Bungee jumping at Verzasca Dam:

Verzasca dam authorities lease out access to a commercial bungee jump operator. Charge is around €170 per jump. Verzasca is the highest permanent bungee jumping spot in the world, which is made without guide ropes.

The jump here lasts about 7.5 seconds. It is always advisable to undertake the jumping here with help of a reputable operator. (one can contact: ‘Trekking Team AG’, Casa Rosina, 6652 Tegna, Tel. +41-91-7807800, Fax. +41-91-7807801, email: tessin@trekking.ch).

Reaching Verzasca:

• The nearest big city is Locarno and the nearest town is Tenero, located just at the end of the valley.
• By rail: Tenero is the nearest rail head. Other train stations are Locarno and Bellinzona. Buses are available from all the stations.
• By bus: The postal bus leaves every 2 hours from Locarno, Bellinzona and Tenero. The bus route passes through all villages and the surrounding area, hence helping the travelers’ cause. In Lavertezzo, the bus stops near the church tower.
• By car: Take highway A2 Basel to reach Chiasso. Exit at Bellinzona South.

Accommodation:

• Al Lago: Tel. +41-91-7453232, Fax +41-91-7451198.
• Pizzo Vogorno: Tel. +41-91-7451256, Fax +41-91-7451256.
• Verzasca: Tel. +41-91-7451597, Fax +41-91-7454055.