Explore the Energy Within: A Half-Day Journey into the Heart of the Verbano Hydroelectric Plant

Visit the Verbano Power Plant and the Vallemaggia Museum in Cevio

An Exclusive Tour through History, Technology, and Sustainability Inspired by the Exhibition “Metamorphosis of a Valley”

The itinerary offers a unique opportunity: access to infrastructure of the Officine Idroelettriche della Maggia (OFIMA) that is normally closed to the public.

You’ll depart from the Locarno SBB train station with organized transport to the Verbano Hydroelectric Power Plant in Brissago. 

Accompanied by an expert museum guide, you’ll gain exclusive access to the Verbano Hydroelectric Plant, where you’ll have the chance to enter the heart of the mountain and see up close how water is transformed into sustainable energy. The plant, located on the shores of Lake Maggiore, uses the water one last time—turning it into clean energy—before releasing it back into its natural cycle as it flows into the lake.

You’ll complete the experience with a visit to the exhibition at the Valmaggia Museum, where you’ll delve into the historical, economic, and social aspects of hydroelectric energy development in the region. Through historical documents, photographs, and personal accounts, you’ll reflect on the impact these plants have had on the local community and landscape, exploring the radical transformations that took place between 1950 and 1966, when the valley underwent profound changes due to the construction of these facilities.

Places are limited – book now and experience this one-of-a-kind tour!

GUIDED TOURS OF THE VERBANO POWER PLANT AND THE VALLEMAGGIA MUSEUM

HALF DAY TOUR

LIMITED NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

ROUND-TRIP TRANSFER BY PRIVATE BUS FROM/TO LOCARNO SBB TRAIN STATION

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ENTER A HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT

DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

Itinerary

13:30 | Pick-Up at Locarno (Muralto) SBB Train Station

You will meet your guide at the P+R lot of the Locarno (Muralto) SBB train station. The guide will be waiting near the parking ticket machine, next to the entrance of the Centovallina station.

14:30 | Visit to the Verbano Hydroelectric Power Plant

During the visit to the Verbano Hydroelectric Power Plant in Brissago, you will discover how the plant harnesses a 255-meter water drop to generate electricity. Water from the Palagnedra reservoir powers vertical-axis turbines before flowing into Lake Maggiore. Get ready for a unique experience: the plant is nestled inside the mountain, and to reach it you will pass through a fascinating tunnel carved into the rock, leading to the impressive halls housing the turbines — the true beating heart of the facility.

15:30 | Bus Transfer to the Vallemaggia Museum

During the bus transfer, the guide will explain the impact of the hydroelectric plants on the Maggia River, its floodplain areas, and the issue of minimum flow requirements.

16:30 | Visit to the exhibition "Metamorphosis of a Valley – The Hydroelectric Exploitation of the Maggia"

During the guided visit at the Valmaggia Museum, you will discover the remarkable history of the hydroelectric plants on the Maggia River. You’ll retrace the stages of their construction and understand the impact they have had on the territory and the life of the local community. Seventy-five years after their completion, you will also have the opportunity to look toward the future by exploring the upcoming river restoration and the enhancement project involving the raising of the Sambuco dam. A journey through past, present, and future that will make you see energy in a whole new light!

18:00 | 18:00 | Transfer back to Locarno

After a day full of discoveries, the bus will comfortably take you back to the starting point. Arrival at the Locarno station is expected between 6:30 PM and 6:45 PM.