THEto magic it starts when October knocks on the doors and the woods begin their chromatic dance. It is then that thousands of travelers from all over Europe converge towards the famous Foliage train, The historic Vigezzina-Centovalli railway that winds between Italy and Switzerlandso unique, that Lonely Planet celebrated it among the ten most spectacular railways on the planet.
Discovering the Foliage train
The story of this connection has its roots in the early twentieth century, When in 1923 the first convoy He inaugurated what would become much more than a simple means of transport. A century later, that pioneering vision continues to give emotions, connecting the Piedmontese town of Domodossola to Switzerland Locarno. Fifty -two kilometers of pure beautya path that challenges geography with 83 bridges suspended in the void and 31 galleries dug in the rock. AND, Every curve that reveals a new scenarioeach bridge offers an unpublished perspective on this natural theater where the mountain meets the lake.
The charm of the mountain that is dressed in fire
But what exactly is the foliage that attracts so many fans? It is the natural phenomenon that transforms the autumn woods into a symphony of breathtaking colors. When the temperatures lower and the hours of light decrease, the leaves of the deciduous trees begin to lose chlorophyll, revealing hidden pigments that They paint the landscape of fire red, bright orange, golden yellow and hot bronze. Along the Vigezzina-Centovalli route, this show reaches peaks of rare beauty: beeches, maples, birch and chestnuts they compete in a chromatic race that changes day after day, now after now. It is an ephemeral and precious event, which lasts a few weeks and never repeats itself equal to itself, making each trip an unrepeatable experience.
The most awaited autumn appointment returns: the panoramic path of Vigezzina-Centovalli (Centovalli Vigezzina site)
The Teatro della Valle dei Painters
On the Italian side, The convoy climbed along what has always been known as the “Valley of painters”a nickname that is not accidental. Here art and nature have always dialogue, creating an atmosphere that has inspired generations of artists. The highest point of the trip coincides with Santa Maria Maggiorewhere the landscape reaches its maximum chromatic intensity. From here, the route begins its descent towards the Swiss side, crossing the centovals until you reach the banks of Lake Maggiore.
Hidden treasures along the way
It is not just the landscape that amaze passengers. Along the way there are architectural and cultural pearls that deserve a stop. The majestic Sanctuary of the Madonna del Blood of King represents one of the most suggestive stages of the Italian side, while across the Intagna boasts the highest bell tower of Canton Ticino And it houses an interesting regional museum. For those who want to amplify the visual experience, Verdasio offers the opportunity to climb even higher Thanks to its cable car, giving a view from above on the autumn colors that tinge the valley.
When to leave and how to organize yourself
From 11 October to 16 Novemberevery day becomes an opportunity to live this experience. However, the best strategy is to focus on weekdays, when the crowd thinks and the journey acquires a more intimate and contemplative character. Those who arrive from Lombardy can take advantage of the direct connection Tilo Re80 from Milano Centrale to Locarnoto then start the return journey to Italy with a completely different perspective.
An indelible memory
The costs of the Falge train vary according to the seasonality of the request: on weekends and holidays you pay 51 euros for the first class and 41 for the second, while On weekdays the rates go down at 46 and 36 euros respectively. The little ones (6-16 years) benefit from a 50%discount, while under six years the journey is free if they do not occupy a place. The price includes an optional intermediate stop And access to the most suggestive panoramic trainsas well as naturally to the reservations required of the place to sit.
Foliage train, an experience to live, not only to see
The journey on the Foliage train is not simply a train journey. It is a total immersion in a world where time seems to slow downwhere each tunnel crossed is a passage towards a new wonder, where each bridge passed is a metaphor for the link between different cultures. The reduced gauge railway, born from the ingenuity and need of the Alpine communities, Today it represents something more precious: An invitation to rediscover the beauty of the slow journeypatient observation, of silent contemplation of a nature that turns under our eyes.