Armchair Traveler
Lavertezzo (Switzerland)
In the age of social media, travelers are always discovering new destinations. That’s what happened in 2017 to Lavertezzo, a small village tucked away in the Swiss Alps, after a short video on Facebook showed off the beauty of the village’s river.
Locals complained about the sudden influx of tourists – so many! And so untidy! – but hopefully now the fuss has died down and Lavertezzo is less crowded.
The main attraction is the 17th-century Roman-style Ponte dei Salti, or “jumping bridge.” This double-arch bridge is striking because its main span rests on a pile of craggy rocks in the middle of the Verzasca River. In summer, teenagers dare each other to jump from the rocks by the river or even the bridge itself. The water is a beautiful emerald color – but also cold, so no one stays in for long. The currents can be strong, so be sure to check in with locals before diving in.
Once you’re done seeing the bridge, there’s a lot to keep you busy. Do the 3 1/2-hour hike along the river, crossing suspension bridges to reach sleepy villages where you can try local risottos and sausage dishes – a wonderful blend of Italian and German flavors. At the end of the hike, you’ll be in Sonogno, well known for its stone houses and a nearby waterfall.
After all this, you can get your blood pumping with a bungee jump from the top of the Verzasca Dam. This is the same jump featured in the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye, and ever since, people have been trying to recreate movie magic for themselves. (T)
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