Located in the Bavona Valley, the charming, peaceful Ticino village of Foroglio, Switzerland can be visited all year long. This is part of the Vallemaggia District that’s well worth a day of exploring in Ticino. This very scenic Swiss village of Foroglio is one of the most photographed in the canton, which we can understand why. With historical stone houses, surrounded by nature and a huge waterfall, Foroglio is a place you must add to your travel bucket list. Our article shares more information, how to visit and what you can see in Foroglio. Read on!
ABOUT FOROGLIO SWITZERLAND
The village of Foroglio Switzerland is home for only approximately 100 inhabitants at the elevation of 697 meters above sea level. Foroglio is known for its beautiful, historical village with lots of character. It’s very unique to visit, even if you only have 1 hour to spare.
It’s one of the most beautiful villages to visit in Ticino!
We have personally visited a few times to Foroglio Switzerland and the waterfall, in rain and sunshine, with every time being amazing. It’s a place you should visit at least once when in the Ticino canton of Switzerland, even with bad weather.
HOW CAN I VISIT FOROGLIO?
The Foroglio village is reachable easily by car, bike and public transport, such as from Lugano, Locarno or Bellinzona.
By Car
Visiting by car is the easiest, so that you are also flexible with your visit as well as seeing the Bavona Valley along the way. It’s quite special to be able to just stop and see other highlights along the valley towards Foroglio.
There is paid parking near the village, however it can get busy and full so keep this in mind if visiting on a weekend during touristic season.
From Locarno, driving will take you 40 minutes to reach Foroglio.
By Bus
If you don’t have a car, not to worry as you can reach the Foroglio Switzerland also by bus!
From Locarno you can take bus 315 towards Cavergno and then change to bus 333 to Foroglio. This will take just under 1 hour 10 minutes.
When choosing to visit by bus, please plan ahead and make sure you know the timetable for the way back home. During off season, the bus is less frequent and you don’t want to be missing the last bus!
By Bike
For the more adventurous type, you can choose to cycle here! There are some routes along the way of the Vallemaggia District that you can go off the road, else stick the road and you’ll enjoy the route just as much.
WHEN IS BEST TO VISIT FOROGLIO?
We personally think that both Summer time or Autumn is the best time to visit Forolio. We love dipping our toes in the waterfall and riverside when its hot, with the sun shining right down. Whereas in Autumn, the village is practically empty, hardly any tourists, with the most beautiful fall colours to hike in.
There is a sweet black cat also living in Foroglio. If you’re a cat lover, keep a look out!
Here are a few of our Autumn photos from November 2023:
We have a fully-loaded, high content Ticino Guide listing local things to see, do and explore with each season: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. CLICK HERE
FOROGLIO VILLAGE
In our opinion, the Foroglio Village is one of the most charming places to visit in Ticino Switzerland. It is at the very end of the Bavona Valley within the Vallemaggia District, well worth the journey by car, bike or public transport.
It has mostly historical stone houses, surrounded by wildflowers, a few little shops, a local museum and a restaurant or two for refreshments. The locals are very friendly in our experience, and the grotto is well worth stopping at for a refreshment when open.
It is well worth at least a wander though the main cobblestoned street as well as exploring some side pathways. Many houses have the most stunning flowers all year round, making it a very picturesque village and popular to visit for photographers.
Where To Eat In The Village – La Froda
For a bite to eat after visiting, find a little table at La Froda, the local restaurant in Foroglio Switzerland. Here they provide local Ticino cuisine and drinks such as polenta and fizzy gazzosa lemonades. Well worth a stop to relax and enjoy a break here.
Keep in mind that this grotto is open during the right season, so during late Autumn and Winter this place will be closed up.
FOROGLIO WATERFALL – CASCATA DI FOROGLIO
What makes the village of Foroglio special is that it has a 110 meters high waterfall just a short 10 minute walk from the village. This is one of the main highlights also in the Ticino region, which you can visit all year round.
It’s a local highlight that everyone also visits on a hot Summers day, so it can get very busy to visit on a weekend. So we advise that you visit during the week for a more peaceful yet still enjoyable moment.
For more information and photos about the Foroglio Waterfall, check our detailed post!
FOROGLIO SWITZERLAND HOTEL
If you wish to spend a lot longer at the village of Foroglio, you can choose to stay the night at Casa Serafina. This is not officially a hotel, but perfect for those looking to spend a night or more right in Foroglio village. This gorgeous stoned home is big enough for 4 persons to visit, with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It is 70m2 total and absolutely perfect to spend the night, not far from the waterfall while relaxing at the fireplace. It has a view right towards the Foroglio waterfall where you can relax while eating dinner too. Since it’s a very small village, theres is little electricity here for charing your mobile devices only.
Want to book? check here for more info!
