Zurich: Bellinzona Castles & Hidden Foroglio Village｜Switzerland

Begin your journey with a pickup from your hotel or any preferred location in Zurich. Head south through the impressive Swiss Alps, passing beautiful mountain scenery before entering the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. Along the way, cross the famous Gotthard region (season permitting via the historic mountain pass, or through the modern Gotthard Tunnel depending on road and weather conditions).

Your first destination is Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino and home to one of Switzerland’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Bellinzona is famous for its three magnificent medieval castles: Castelgrande, Montebello Castle, and Sasso Corbaro Castle. These impressive fortifications dominate the city skyline and have protected the Alpine trade routes for centuries.

Wander through the charming historic center with its elegant piazzas, narrow streets, cafés, boutiques, and traditional Ticinese atmosphere. From the castle walls, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding valleys, vineyards, and mountains. Take your time to enjoy lunch, a coffee, or traditional local specialties before continuing your adventure deeper into one of Switzerland’s most hidden valleys.

Leaving Bellinzona behind, your journey continues through the spectacular Maggia region into the breathtaking Bavona Valley, one of Switzerland’s most untouched Alpine landscapes. Here lies the magical village of Foroglio, a place that feels frozen in time.

Built almost entirely from natural stone, Foroglio is one of Switzerland’s best-preserved traditional mountain villages. Ancient granite houses, rustic barns, narrow stone paths, and wooden roofs blend perfectly into the surrounding mountains, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country. Many of these historic buildings date back hundreds of years and preserve the authentic lifestyle of Alpine communities that once lived here.

The peaceful surroundings invite you to stroll through tiny alleys, admire traditional stone architecture, capture incredible photographs, and simply enjoy the silence of nature. Just beside the village, discover one of Ticino’s most spectacular natural attractions—the breathtaking Foroglio Waterfall, where crystal-clear water plunges dramatically from high cliffs into the valley below. The contrast between the roaring waterfall, ancient stone houses, and lush green landscape creates one of Switzerland’s most photogenic locations.

Throughout the day, enjoy panoramic drives through beautiful mountain valleys, charming villages, rivers, forests, and Alpine landscapes that showcase a completely different side of Switzerland from the famous tourist destinations.