Today’s adventure was one of the most atmospheric and memorable days of our road trip through Switzerland and Northern Italy. We left the serene lakeside town of Brissago and headed deep into the Bavona Valley to visit Foroglio, one of Ticino’s most beautiful and evocative alpine hamlets.

Nestled at the base of a dramatic 110-meter waterfall, Foroglio feels like stepping into a forgotten time. Stone houses with slate roofs cluster along narrow paths, blending naturally into the rugged landscape. The entire Bavona Valley is a glacially-carved corridor known for its unique cultural and geological significance—and notably, it remains one of the few valleys in Switzerland not connected to the power grid. Electricity is a seasonal luxury here, a conscious choice that preserves the valley’s authenticity and limits human impact.

In recent years, Foroglio and the surrounding Bavona Valley have experienced growing attention—not just for its beauty, but also for its vulnerability. A significant landslide in late 2023 impacted trails and infrastructure in the region, serving as a stark reminder of the dynamic forces that shaped this landscape. Heavy rains and shifting ground loosened part of the mountain above the valley, causing debris to crash into the forest below and temporarily disrupting access to parts of the Calnègia trail network. Although cleanup and safety work began quickly, it sparked a wider discussion about the balance between sustainable tourism, climate shifts, and preserving delicate mountain ecosystems.

The day was a perfect blend of quiet hikes, cultural insight, and raw alpine beauty. Between the timeworn villages, glacial waterfalls, and conversations about the impact of natural events like the 2023 landslide, we came away with a deeper appreciation for the fragile but fiercely preserved heritage of this Swiss-Italian borderland.

Our lakefront accommodations provided lovely views and intoxicating aromas from the Italian restaurant below.