Verzasca Dam
Ticino
The Verzasca Dam, also known as the Contra Dam, is a monumental concrete arch dam located on the Verzasca River in the Val Verzasca region of Ticino, Switzerland. Completed in 1965, it stands 220 meters tall, making it the fourth tallest dam in Switzerland. Its slender elliptical arch design efficiently channels water pressure into the valley walls. The dam creates Lago di Vogorno, a reservoir with a capacity of 105 million cubic meters, supporting a 105 MW hydroelectric power station. Notably, the dam gained international fame when it was featured in the opening bungee jump scene of the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye, regarded as one of the best movie stunts ever. The construction of the dam involved innovative techniques such as year-round concrete pouring and cooling pipes to control curing. Shortly after the reservoir filled, induced seismic activity occurred due to water load changes, which ceased by 1971 without causing damage. Today, the dam remains a significant feat of engineering and a popular tourist attraction for its dramatic height, scenic location, and cultural significance.
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Tip: Visitors interested in experiencing the dam should consider visiting during the warmer months when access is easier and the surrounding landscape is at its most vibrant. While bungee jumping is a famous activity here, it requires booking with authorized operators in advance. Purchasing tickets or arranging tours ahead of time is recommended to ensure availability. The dam is accessible by road, and guided visits may provide deeper insight into its engineering and history. Check the official website or local tourist information for current opening hours and visitor services.
Interesting facts
- •The dam is the fourth tallest in Switzerland at 220 meters high.
- •It gained worldwide fame from the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye, featuring a bungee jump off the dam.
- •During the first filling of the reservoir, induced seismic activity occurred, with up to 25 shocks per day.
- •The dam's concrete contains high-quality gneiss aggregate sourced locally.
- •The dam's elliptical arch design efficiently transfers water pressure to the abutments, reducing structural stress.
History
The Verzasca Dam was constructed between 1961 and 1965 by Verzasca SA as part of the Verzasca Hydroelectric Complex.
Its construction was overseen by Lombardi & Gellaro Ltd.
Due to its relatively low elevation, construction could proceed year-round.
The dam's reservoir began filling in August 1964, which led to a series of induced earthquakes until 1971, attributed to the rapid water load changes and existing geological faults.
Despite these seismic events, no damage occurred, and the dam has operated safely since completion.
The dam's design and construction methods were pioneering for their time, incorporating cooling pipes within the concrete to manage curing and prevent cracking.
Place Guide
Dam Structure1961-1965
An impressive slender arch dam standing 220 meters tall and 380 meters long, featuring elliptical horizontal arches and a thickness varying from 7 meters at the crest to 25 meters at the base. The dam contains 660,000 cubic meters of concrete and is designed to efficiently distribute pressure to the surrounding rock formations.
Lago di Vogorno Reservoir1965
The reservoir created by the dam, with a capacity of 105 million cubic meters and a surface area of 160 hectares. It collects water from a 230 square kilometer catchment area and supports the hydroelectric power station.
Contact
Phone: 091 759 77 44