As the Centovalli Express leaves the station, passengers are slowly led into a world of red, orange and yellow tones, creating a warm and lasting impression of the Vigezzo Valley.
Having connected Switzerland and Italy for over a hundred years, the slowly trundling Foliage Train on the Vigezzina-Centovalli railway line has become something of a phenomenon. In fact, its 52 km railway route passing through Vigezzo Valley has made it to list of one of the most scenic train routes in Europe by the Lonely Planet in 2024!
![A train coming on the rails bowered by a canopy of foliage in autumn]( "A foliage train in autumn")
Hop on the magic of the Foliage Train
The 2-hour long railway journey’s intimate and enveloping atmosphere, made up of centuries-old woods, unique valleys, 83 bridges and 31 tunnels, is best enjoyed seated comfortably and looking out the train’s panoramic glass windows. Passengers can board the train from either terminus, the city of Domodossola in Piedmont (Italy) or Locarno in Ticino (Switzerland), with many beautiful, in-between stops to get off and get back on.
This year the magic of fall colours returns from 12 October to 17 November 2024. So, let’s hop onto the phenomenal Foliage Train and journey through beautiful stops on the Domodossola-Locarno Railway Line!
Locarno, Lake Maggiore
![People on bicycles in the beautiful Piazza Grande of Locarno on Lake Maggiore, Switzerland]( "Piazza Grande of Locarno on Lake Maggiore, Switzerland")
A bright sunny day to soak up the charming atmosphere of Piazza Grande in Locarno What to do in Locarno?
Since passengers can get on or off the train at Locarno, the beautiful little Swiss city on Lake Maggiore is perfect as a base, offering a variety of experiences and plenty to see on a short trip.
The famous Piazza Grande is a good starting point to admire impressive architecture, colourful buildings, and its historic centre with scores of terraces. Talking about the history of the city, the 12-13 century Visconteo Castle with its museum is the perfect spot for history buffs and is just a few steps from the centre. Near the city centre is also the Locarno Falconeria, perfect for lovers of magnificent birds of prey, and Parco delle Camelie, blooming with a fabulous 850+ varieties of camellias!
![The most important site of pilgrimage, Madonna del Sasso, in the Locarno area, Lake Maggiore, Switzerland]( "Madonna del Sasso, in the Locarno area, Lake Maggiore, Switzerland")
The peaceful sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso in Orselina, Locarno
One can also make a trip to the most important pilgrimage sites in Ticino, Madonna del Sasso: take the funicular up to the sanctuary’s stunning hillside location above the city of Locarno and be enveloped in soul-soothing peace and alpine sceneries.
Tip: While in Locarno, travellers can also visit Ascona for a fun pre-winter break!
Domodossola, Italy
![The atmospheric Piazza Mercato of Domodossola, Piedmont, Italy]( "The atmospheric Piazza Mercato of Domodossola, Piedmont, Italy")
Relax in the open-air terraces in the historic Piazza Mercato of Domodossola, Vigezzo Valley If you are asking: Is Domodossola worth visiting? Then…
The atmospheric city of Domodossola charms not only with its historic infrastructure but also with its vibrant, medieval Piazza Mercato lined with open-air shops selling fresh produce, kitchen utilities and everything in between. In fact, the city is quite popular for those who want to shop at a lower price than in the neighbouring Swiss cities! Alongside some chill-out sessions, the piazza is graced by upper-class buildings with loggias and balconies, alongside the historic Via Briona with the 12th-C Briona Tower a minute’s walk away.
![Located in Domodossola, the famous sanctuary of Sacro Monte Calvario, a UNESCO-world heritage site]( "The sanctuary of Sacro Monte Calvario, a UNESCO-world heritage site, Domodossola")
Find peace at the most famous attraction in Domodossola, Sanctuary of Sacro Monte Calvario
However, the most famous attraction of Domodossola is the UNESCO-World Heritage Site of Sacro Monte Calvario, a serene Baroque-style complex with 12 chapels, located close to the train station.
Santa Maria Maggiore, Italy
![Alps surrounding the beautiful Santa Maria Maggiore, in Italy, enroute Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway Locarno]( "Santa Maria Maggiore, in Italy, enroute Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway Locarno")
Alps surrounding the beautiful Santa Maria Maggiore
With one of the most beautiful surroundings full of beech forests and lakes, Santa Maria Maggiore in Val Grande National Park presents dreamlike scenery in any season! The village is perfect for those interested in the history of the region as it is home to two important museums: The Chimney Sweep Museum, dedicated to one of the oldest professions of the valley, and the Rossetti Valentini School of Fine Arts, home to some of the finest artworks from the “Valley of Painters”!
The Chimney Sweep Museum located in Villa Antonia is particularly interesting as it brings together the long-gone history of the most common profession in the Vigezzo Valley; the ground floor of the museum is dedicated to the photographs and tools of the profession while the first floor gives a one-of-its-kind sensory experience of how it was like to be a chimney sweeper!
Intragna, Switzerland
![Intragna, a stop on The Foliage Train on the Centovalli-Vigezzina railway connecting Locarno and Domodossola]( "Intragna, a stop on The Foliage Train on the Centovalli-Vigezzina railway connecting Locarno and Domodossola")
Every route is scenic, and every turn is lush when you are trekking through Intragna
If the views from the Foliage Train leave you wanting, then soak them up with some picturesque hiking trails that you can wander into at Intragna, an enroute stop. With the cable car at this quiet Swiss village, you will be able to access several autumnal hiking routes into different valleys!
Tickets and timings
The Centovalli railway tickets, along with the Centovalli railway timetable, can be found on their official website. Please note that children under the age of 6 do not need a ticket for the journey and advance reservation is important to ensure your trip. The tickets go on sale from September 2024, with validity for 1-2 days allowing easy access to enroute destinations! What’s more, after 2020, every passenger ticket for the Foliage Train includes a discount voucher of 5 Swiss francs that can be redeemed in the daily market selling local products at the railway station of Locarno in Switzerland.
How to reach Locarno?
Locarno draws tons of travellers during the summer holidays. However, the little jewel truly shines in autumn when it becomes the starting/endpoint of the Foliage Train and the quiet beauty of Lake Maggiore surpasses the business of summer. Here are some key destinations from where you can easily reach Locarno for the autumn holidays and The Foliage Train.
Milan to Locarno
The easiest way to reach Locarno from Milan is by train. The Swiss-Italian train line
TILO starts from Milan Centrale and takes around two hours to reach Locarno. You can also drive down from Milan to Locarno, which takes about 90 minutes.
Como to Locarno
The shortest way is driving down from
Como to Locarno because it is a direct 75-minute drive on the highways. However, hopping on a train (TILO) is a good option, if you plan to go on The Foliage Train, giving you more flexibility. That train starts from Milan Centrale and goes to Locarno, stopping at Como.
Lugano to Locarno
The most efficient way to reach Locarno from
Lugano is via TILO, which takes just 20 minutes to reach Locarno.
Start planning an unforgettable journey by booking these comfy, beautiful holiday homes in Locarno for a wonderful trip this Autumn!
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