Forogolio might just be the most enchanting and beautiful village in the Swiss Alps. Tucked away off the beaten track in an isolated valley, it is an incredibly peaceful place that is packed full of charm, calm, and nature.
You might not have heard of Foroglio but chances are you have seen some pictures of it on Insta or in travel journals. It is about as picturesque as the Swiss Alps gets with beautiful stone houses, the Foroglio waterfall, and more – it is a slice of heaven on earth.
By now, a visit to Foroglio is probably on your mind but what about the details? Join me as I run through everything you need to know about going to Foroglio from where it is, to how to get there, things to do, and more!
Where is Foroglio, Switzerland Located
Foroglio is located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in the Val Bavona or Bavona Valley. This little village sits on the valley floor beneath the walls of what is one of the rockiest and steepest valleys in the area, and maybe in Switzerland.
The Bavona Valley is actually a part of the larger Maggia Valley. It is known for huge rock slides, of which the locals then build their stone houses. The backdrop from the peaceful village is full of drama with a touch of a quaint stone bridge and the waterfall.
How to get to Foroglio, Switzerland
From Zurich, Bern & Geneva
Getting to Foroglio from any of the major hubs in Switzerland such as Geneva, Bern, or Zurich is quite easy by car. The drive will take about 3.5 to 5 hours depending on where you are leaving from.
Taking public transport from Geneva, Bern, or Zurich is also a good option, but it does take a bit longer. All the routes require at least three changes and take a minimum of 4.5 hours.
Be sure to plan your journey well, as only some services are this efficient so use Google Maps to plan your journey times and leave early in the morning.
From Locarno
Locarno is located in the same region as Foroglio and if you are staying there, a day trip to Foroglio is very possible.
From Locarno, you will first need to catch the bus to Bignasco, Posta, and change. In Bignasco hop on the bus heading to S. Carlo and get off at the Foroglio bus stop.
Things to do in Foroglio, Switzerland
Being such a small village, there isn’t all that much to do in Foroglio but what you can do is very unique and rather spectacular. Here they are:
Stroll Around The Village
The first thing you should do when you get to Foroglio is to explore the village itself. It is one of the smallest but most unique villages in the area and could not be more picturesque.
Be sure to cross the stone bridge over the Bavona river which runs down the Bavona valley and then walk along the small streets among the stone houses.
You might be asking why they built stone houses here considering the temperatures it gets to, but the old locals had no choice. The Val Bavona is known for giant rock falls, and rocks as big as houses can come down the valley, so the locals made their houses from the natural building blocks they were presented with.
The houses are incredibly charming, be sure to wander past a lot of them and take a few pictures too. Some of them even sell small souvenirs so look out for those.
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You should also be sure to drop into the Oratorio di Foroglio, a tiny little chapel in the town. It is quaint, beautiful, and in keeping with the stone buildings of the area.
Hike To The Foroglio Waterfall
The main event is, of course, hiking to the beautiful Foroglio waterfall. The Foroglio waterfall is stunning as it drops 110 meters down the sheer cliff face of the Val Bavona.
The hike to the Foroglio waterfall isn’t more than 10 – 15 minutes long. This means you can hear the thundering sound of the waterfall hitting the ground while strolling around the village. It’s incredibly powerful and something to behold.
As you stand at the base of the Foroglio waterfall, you will be astounded and sprayed by the mist coming off it as it drops over 100 meters.
Hike Up To Val Calnègia For Amazing Views
For any serious hikers reading this, you can attempt the hike up to Val Calnègia. The hike takes you above the waterfall and follows the Calnegia valley.
Along the way, you will see some insane alpine scenery, follow a small creek, and discover some odd buildings along the way too. This hike is worth it as the views down this even more remote valley are exceptional.
Stop Off At The One Shop In Foroglio
There is only one shop in Foroglio and it is 100% worth popping into, even if just to look around. The shop only sells honey, wool socks, and furs which is a testament to just how remote this village in the large Maggia Valley is.
Buying a pot of honey to take home with you is an excellent choice of souvenir as you can imagine being back in Foroglio every time you have some.
Where to Eat in Foroglio, Switzerland
Being such a remote little village, there is only one restaurant in Foroglio and luckily it is a great one. La Froda is the name of the restaurant and it sits at the entrance of the village overlooking the waterfall and the stone bridge.
The food at La Froda is excellent! Expect local food in the form of cured meats, cheese, polenta, and more. You can also try local drinks and Swiss wine with your food. Be sure to reserve a table outside so you can enjoy the amazing view as you try the local delicacies.
Where to Stay in Foroglio, Switzerland
Being such a small village, there are no hotels in Foroglio. There is only one place to stay which is a 4-bedroom house called Casa Serafina, and you will have to rent the whole place if you want to stay there, which is fine if you are traveling in a large group.
My Recommendations For Nearby Accommodation
However, you can find a range of accommodation options in the Vallemaggia and then access Foroglio from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Foroglio worth a visit?
Yes, Foroglio is definitely worth the effort if you enjoy quaint villages set amongst stunning alpine scenery. The charming stone houses and peaceful surroundings along with the mind-blowing Foroglio waterfall are what make this Bavona Valley gem a must-see.
How do I get to Foroglio?
To get to Foroglio you have to first get to Locarno, then take a few buses. First, you have to take bus 315 to Bignasco. Then you change to bus 333 to Foroglio. The second bus only runs a few times a day so check the schedule carefully.
