Until 15 November, the Ferrovia Vigezzina-Centovalli transforms into the Treno del foliage, offering a slow journey through autumn colours and charming villages from Domodossola to Locarno.
Autumn is a season of wonderful colours that reach their most spectacular in the mountains: the romantic, poetic atmosphere created by leaves in warm, golden tones is increasingly referred to even in Italy by a French term, foliage. To enjoy this natural spectacle to the full, you can board the Ferrovia Vigezzina-Centovalli and travel roughly 50 kilometres from Piedmont to Switzerland, immersed in these dreamy shades.
On board the Ferrovia Vigezzina-Centovalli – the international narrow-gauge line connecting Domodossola to Locarno, Italy to Switzerland, through the Valle Vigezzo and the Centovalli – large windows allow passengers to admire the magnificent mountain scenery throughout the entire journey. This is perhaps the defining feature of the white and blue train, which has been declared the most beautiful scenic train in Italy. The train covers 52 kilometres in just under two hours, with plenty of time to savour the places it passes through. Dating back to 1923, the Vigezzina has carried millions of visitors through 31 tunnels and across 83 bridges. You can depart from Domodossola or Locarno, and it is possible to make an intermediate stop to visit the charming mountain villages along the route.
Stops worth planning include Santa Maria Maggiore, an Orange Flag village recognised by the Touring Club Italiano, full of character and well known for hosting the international chimney sweeps' gathering in September and the distinctive Christmas markets in December; also worth a visit are the Vigezzino villages of Malesco (a splendid Orange Flag village recognised by the Touring Club that is home to the Museo della pietra ollare e degli scalpellini), Villette (the village of sundials) and Re (celebrated for the majestic Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sangue). In the Centovalli, Intragna is a must, with its Museo etnografico delle Centovalli e Pedemonte. These territories are also home to the "circuito dei santi", a trail weaving through art and religious heritage that leads to the discovery of churches, sanctuaries and oratories of great evocative power, not only for the faithful.
A not-to-be-missed excursion, starting from the Prestinone di Craveggia train stop, is the one to the Piana di Vigezzo, reachable by cable car: from up here the views are truly breathtaking and the patchwork of shifting colour even more spectacular. Once you finally cross into Switzerland, Locarno will be a magnificent discovery: in addition to pleasant walks along the lake, the town famous for its Film Festival is home to a wonderful camellia park, well worth a visit even at this time of year.
The recommended period to admire the foliage from the train is from 10 October to 15 November, and to board you need to purchase tickets online on the official website, starting from 36 euros. Children under 6 travel free; those aged 6 to 16 pay half price. You can choose between international trains, the most historic, scenic trains, with larger windows, and scenic trains plus, the newest.
Every ticket includes a return journey along the entire line and covers an intermediate stop, allowing passengers to visit the most charming villages dotted along the railway route. For those who, beyond the scenery, wish to discover local traditions, food produce and crafts, presenting the ticket at participating operators entitles them to special offers at shops, restaurants and patisseries. For those staying overnight in Domodossola or Locarno, the train ticket is valid for two days.