The most transparent water stream is Verzaska (the river in Switzerland)

Verzaska is a small river that flows in Switzerland. Its length is only 30 km. The river crosses its way through picturesque places - valleys, chestnut forests and vineyards. Such beautiful landscapes will not leave anyone indifferent. This is why every year the country hosts a large number of tourists hurrying to see the beauty of a mountain miracle.

Where is the river of Verzaska?

The path of the water flow passes in the canton of Ticino. This locality is the territorial unit of Switzerland. The river flows through the valley, which has the same name. The canopy frames the mountain slope, gracefully descending to its foot. Throughout the length of the coastline there are picturesque places. Flowing stream in the south, flowing into Lake Maggiore.

Short description of the river

Verzaska is a river that descends from the mountains. It is this factor that is decisive for the nature of the watercourse. It is worth noting that in some places there is a very strong current, as it originates at the summit of 3000 m high.

However, not only the picturesque nature attracts tourists here, but also the unique property of the river. The fact is that the water in Verzaska is absolutely transparent, just incredibly crystal! Looking at it, it seems that this is just a painted picture, so everything is perfect here. This mountain stream beckons divers, jumpers, and just fans of thrill. However, as in any mountain river, and it has its pitfalls.

Depth

Ten meters is the average depth of the mountain stream of Verzaska. The river is quite complex in character, so the structure of the bottom is unpredictable: there are areas where this parameter reaches up to 15 m. The danger is that Verzaska is "insidious" and differs by turbulent underwater currents. That is why the most beautiful place in the world is also the most dangerous, in particular for divers. But it does not stop lovers of adventure, it's so incredible to watch from a 10-meter depth, through crystal water, behind trees, banks and clouds ...

Features of the mountain stream

Those tourists who come here to watch the underwater world of the mountain stream, will be disappointed. The fact is that Verzaska is a dead river, in the sense that the plant and animal life is not there. For a long time it was believed that this feature is due to the content of increased acidity in the water. However, at the present time this hypothesis is refuted. Studies have been carried out which confirmed that the acidity level is within the permissible limits. Perhaps, the fish are frightened off enough cold water here (the temperature does not rise above the mark at +10 ⁰ ) and dangerous rough currents. There is no reliable information yet, so there may be other uncharted secrets of the local world.

Unique opportunities for holidaymakers

The river Verzaska (photo of its unique beauty can be seen in the article) together with the surrounding landscapes, clear water with unique properties is just an ideal place for the development of tourism. The most common here are extreme sports, such as diving, bungee jumping.

Actually, the impetus for the development of bungee jumping in this place was made by none other than Agent 007 himself! In one of the episodes, starring P. Brosnan jumps from a high dam to the lake. Then, in 1995, this trick won the prestigious BAFT award and, according to film critics, is the most spectacular in the history of cinema. And it's all in the place where the episode was shot.

Another kind of extreme sport on Verzaska is rafting. Descent on the mountain rivers is carried out in an amount of 6-8 people on an inflatable boat - raft. Also quite a dangerous hobby, but often found on the mountain slope of Switzerland.

Fortunately, even non-fans of extreme in this area have something to visit. Incredible beauty of nature, coniferous forests have hiking routes with signs and even places equipped for camping. And in the valley of the river there is an ancient village, the houses of which are made of gneiss (stone). No one lives there, but the place is in demand among tourists.

Dam

Very close to the mouth of the river Verzaska is blocked by a high dam with the same name. Its purpose is to reduce the speed of the current in front of Lake Maggiore. Due to the fact that the river is mountainous and has a direction from the top to the foot, the dam was built at a height of 220 meters.

Unique structure on the river

Another beautiful place in the valley is a stone arch bridge. It was built in the XVII century, called Roman. What affected the name is not known. There are two versions:

• The construction was done by the Romans;
• Architectural feature.

Being on the bridge, you can see the landscapes from a completely different perspective.

Bathing in a mountain river is prohibited because of the temperature of the water and dangerous currents. Almost at every step is a sign with a warning. But tourists are not scared of this, and local residents consider it their duty to "keep watch" off the coast and notify people about the dangers ahead.