Film - Series (4) The James Bond jump still characterizes the Verzasca Valley today
The mighty dam wall in the Verzasca Valley in Ticino became world-famous thanks to the James Bond film "Goldeneye". (archive picture)
Image: Keystone
Ian Sharp, responsible for action scenes in the James Bond film "Goldeneye", during the filming of the famous entrance scene on the dam wall in the Verzasca Valley in Ticino.
Image: Keystone
The mighty dam wall in the Verzasca Valley in Ticino became world-famous thanks to the James Bond film "Goldeneye". (archive picture)
Image: Keystone
Ian Sharp, responsible for action scenes in the James Bond film "Goldeneye", during the filming of the famous entrance scene on the dam wall in the Verzasca Valley in Ticino.
Image: Keystone
007 once jumped from this dam wall, today adventure-seekers plunge into the depths on the "Golden Eye Bungee Jump". The fact that the opening scene of the 17th Bond adventure was filmed in the Verzasca Valley in Ticino still resonates today.
15.01.2026, 06:30
SDA
Shortly after Gordola, the road winds its way up the Verzasca Valley. And then, after another bend, you catch sight of it: The mighty gray dam wall, which slides into the valley like a bar. At 220 meters, it is the fourth highest in Switzerland.
Pierce Brosnan, alias James Bond, jumped from it into the depths in 1995. It is the opening scene of "GoldenEye" and the first Bond film in which Brosnan played the secret agent. It was directed by New Zealander Martin Campbell.
Like many Bond films, this one begins with a gloomy scene: 007 runs breathlessly across the Ticino dam under a cloudy sky, attaching a rope to the railing and foot, before the camera takes in the dam wall as a whole and moves from the very bottom to the top. Then Bond comes back into the picture and there is a brief flash of Lake Maggiore in the background. Just a second or two of concentration before the world's most famous secret agent jumps head first into the depths.
"Symbol of adventure and adrenaline"
The opening scene of "GoldenEye" is considered the best stunt scene in film history and holds the Guinness World Record for the highest bungee jump from a structure in a film, writes the communications manager of the Lago Maggiore e Valli tourism organization at the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency.
The filming helped to "redefine the image of the Verzasca Valley and the Lago di Vogorno reservoir as a tourist destination." Before the film, the dam was primarily known for its hydroelectric function. "After 'GoldenEye', it became a symbol of adventure and adrenaline."
Since then, thousands of visitors have come every year to marvel at the dam or take the 220-metre bungee jump. One jump costs 255 francs for adults, the second 125 francs. The bungee jump facility, which is open during the summer months, is the second highest permanently installed facility in the world.
After "GoldenEye", new tourist offers were created, such as the bungee jumping platform, but also special "incentive" or incentive programs for groups. Since then, the region has become more visible internationally, the media manager continues. In this respect, the effects are primarily of an "economic and advertising nature", and experience-oriented tourism has increased since the film.
Filming went almost unnoticed
The filming itself went almost unnoticed in the valley, says Ivo Bordoli, mayor of the merged Verzasca municipalities, when asked. "It all happened behind the scenes."
It was only later that it became public knowledge what kind of film had been shot at the entrance to the valley. However, the film itself left "a footprint" and was important for the valley, says Bordoli. Bond was a "good affiche for tourism" - although the Verzasca Valley was already very well known before that.
Since "GoldenEye", many people have traveled to see the dam wall, says municipal president Bordoli. During the inspection in December, two men are also on the dam wall in the cold and damp weather. They study and photograph the inscription with the year of construction and take a selfie.
Before Bond's visit, the Verzasca Valley was primarily known for its beautiful wild river, great hiking trails and the so-called "Roman Bridge" or "Ponte dei Salti". The daring also jump from the latter - but only a few meters deep into the ice-cold waters of the Verzasca.
*This text by Eva Pfirter was realized with the help of the Gottlieb and Hans Vogt Foundation.
