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Italy is obviously one of Europe’s most beloved countries, whether it’s taking a deep dive into history, indulging in unforgettable meals, or bearing witness to some of the world’s most renowned art.
If you’re a traveler who takes a “been there, done that” approach to Italy, having already visited the Colosseum, hopped around the Amalfi Coast or tried to gain answers to world secrets at The Vatican, then there’s an epic journey waiting for you.
Despite being off most travelers’ radars, the Centovalli Railway has been around for over a century, carrying passengers from some of Italy’s prettiest hidden gems nestled in the countryside and crossing into Switzerland.
The Centovalli Railway: One Of The World’s Most Scenic Rail Routes
The Centovalli Railway has been named one of the ‘greatest railway journeys‘ in the world, and rightfully so.
Passing through vivid lakes on both sides of the Italy-Switzerland border as well as picturesque villages, this historic train route gives travelers the chance to experience a side of Italy not often showcased.
Not that I’m the best language tutor when I’ve visited Mexico hundreds of times and can barely say, “un cerveza por favor”, the name ‘Centovalli Railways’ is an ode to the 100 valleys it whizzes by.
cento = hundred
valli = valley
Simple enough.
The trains may be relatively small, given the full journey only takes two hours in total, but you’ll want to snag a window seat and have your camera ready for the astounding scenery ranging from flowing waterfalls to vast vineyards.
Starting In Domodossola, Explore Italy’s Storybook Towns & Countryside
If you’re venturing from Italy to Switzerland, your starting point will be Domodossola, a town you’ve likely never heard of oozing Medieval charm with a picture-perfect Old Town and timeless plazas.
From here, you’ll continue on through seven Alpine valleys, where your next stop will be Masera, beholding remnants of Romans’ past and multiple churches dating back ages.
There are 24 stops between the starting point of Domodossola and the endpoint on the Swiss side, Locarno.
Before reaching the Swiss border, you’ll encounter more hidden gems as worthy get-off points, such as Dissimo, a tiny village straight out of a fairytale with easy access to lush nature within the Monte Dissimo mountains and marked by the unmissable Chiesa Parrocchiale di S.Caterina.
Another thing that Country Living highlighted was Druogno, a great spot to disembark the train to explore on foot or by bicycle.
For a full list of stops on the Centovalli Railway, click here.
Best Of Both Worlds: Visit Italy And Switzerland’s Shared Alpine Lakes
Once you reach Camedo, you’re in Swiss territory. Switzerland is known for 4 things – high prices, superb cheese, stunning lakes, and the one country famed traveler Anthony Bourdain refused to visit due to a bizarre fear of yodelers and feathered hats.
The good news for you is he was really missing out. While yodeling may be a pastime cure for boredom before iPads and Playstations, once you cross the Swiss border, your screentime hours are sure to dissipate.
Ponte Brolla is the train stop you should target to discover otherworldly alpine lakes and stunning gorges.
Depending on the season (preferably summer), you’ll find swimmable waterfalls, vibrant grottoes, and an array of charming small towns lining the Maggia Valley.
One of which is Locarno, the rail’s end point and a perfect spot to rest up and enjoy Switzerland’s delights while not spending as much as you would in Switzerland’s major cities like Basel and Zurich.
For sample size, the cozy Residenze dell’Angelo hotel is only $60 per night.
Ticket Prices & How To Get Here
The Centovalli Railway makes it really easy to plan your trip ahead of time. You can reserve seats when booking and also include which stopovers you’re interested in.
Just know the Domodossola-Masera section is out of commission until March 14, 2025, but will be replaced by a bus as an alternative method of transit.
That being said, you can choose 1st Class seats for roughly $41 and 2nd Class seats for roughly $31 on their website.
To reach Domodossola, the nearest airport is Milan (MXP) approximately 40 miles away.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
