As we headed south, we decided to stop by the Landwasser viaduct (railway bridge), from which we had seen stunning pictures. This majestic stone bridge, standing 65 meters high, sees trains emerge from a tunnel within the rocky cliffs. We visited the area beneath the bridge along the riverbank, where the bridge looks truly impressive, as well as on the hillside facing the tunnel. However, we might have missed the best spot for watching trains emerge from the tunnel onto the Landwasser Railway Bridge, which would presumably be this viewing terrace. The scenery is truly magnificent, making this a highly recommended stop, especially if you’re passing through the area. But now onto the main destination of the post.
The Fairytale Atmosphere of Foroglio
Did you know that Switzerland is home to a small, fairytale-like village where time seems to stand still? We stumbled upon this beautiful village in pictures online and just had to see it for ourselves. Foroglio is located in the Bavona Valley, in southern Switzerland near the Italian border, conveniently situated on our route as we were coming from eastern Switzerland and heading towards Nice (France) via Italy.
As you approach Foroglio, you notice the landscape becoming more rural, with fewer villages and houses. The road to the village winds through the valley floor surrounded by mountains. Just before reaching Foroglio, there’s a nice spot by the river with crystal-clear water, a small stone bridge, and stunning mountain views.
Foroglio has a good parking lot with clean restrooms. Across the road is the village itself, which looks just like in the pictures. All the houses are charming stone cottages, and the village is completely surrounded by mountains, with a large waterfall visible on the outskirts, adding to the beauty. Between the houses, you can stroll along small stone paths, and the residents have decorated them beautifully with flowers here and there. The place seems to be a tourist attraction during the peak season, but during our visit, there were only a few people besides us. During the peak season, we imagine there would be more visitors, judging by the size of the parking lot and the restroom facilities. The houses in the village are actually inhabited, and there’s one restaurant in the village as well.
The architectural style is unique to this valley, with other houses even before Foroglio being of similar style. Continuing past Foroglio, you encounter another similar village with what would have been a beautiful bridge by the river, but we didn’t get to explore this village further as there were large film/TV shoots taking place there, so we just drove by. The road continues for a short distance until it ends at another village and a cable car, with a couple of small hotels at the top, an artificial lake, and hiking trails starting from there. In the valley, there are several large warning signs about floods, apparently related to the dam at the artificial lake above, so if it breaks, it’s best to hurry out.
Towards Italy
Foroglio was our last destination in Switzerland, so it was time to bid farewell to Switzerland and head towards warmer weather! Just before the Italian border, we drove through the city of Locarno, located on the shores of Lake Maggiore. This city looked really cozy and immediately exuded a southern atmosphere, quite different from what we’re used to in Switzerland, mainly the Alps and alpine villages.Our next night was spent in a very local small family hotel in the Italian village of Pollino. The accommodation was at Albergo Canetta, priced at 61 โฌ per night, and it was okay for just one night, but the staff was really friendly. As we were driving here at night, we almost collided with a wild boar. Luckily, we didn’t, but it was a bit surprising! So, beware of wild boars in these areas ๐
