Trip Duration: 6 hours ⛰️ Difficulty Level: Easy & Buggy-Friendly 🚸 Trip Date: 24 June 2025
Highest Point: 2065 m (Laghetto Moesola)
Lowest Point: 1602 m (Lago D’Isola)

Last year, we passed through San Bernardino countless times while moving from Thurgau to Ticino. But this time, we returned with a purpose — to escape the heatwave that was blanketing Lake Maggiore. And we found our perfect alpine oasis.

With three young kids (ages 6, 3, and 1), we’re always on the lookout for stroller-friendly adventures, and this one turned out to be a winner. Trail 643, listed on the San Bernardino Resort website, promised a buggy-friendly path, and it did not disappoint. If you’re a family looking for an easy, cool mountain walk, read on.

🚗 Getting There & Parking

We reached San Bernardino village from Ticino in under an hour. Even on a hot summer day, the temperature here (26°C) felt refreshing and much easier to handle than down by the lake.

The village offers plenty of parking options, and everything felt accessible and well signposted. This made it easy to get everyone out of the car and onto the trail without stress.

🛤️ Trail 643: Exploring the Lago D’Isola Loop

Our adventure began near the adventure park and playground at the edge of the village. From there, we set off around Lago D’Isola, keeping the lake on our right.

We planned to stay on Trail 643 — but the scenery quickly distracted us! Wildflowers, waterfalls, and fluttering butterflies led us slightly off-course (in the best way possible), cutting the loop a little shorter but making the day even more magical.

Highlights along the trail:

• 🛝 Playground & Adventure Park
• 🚴 Pump Track & Sports Center
• 🎾 Tennis courts
• 💪 Exercise stations tucked into the forest
• 🦋 Butterflies, wildflowers, and fascinating slate piles
• 🌉 A wooden bridge crossing over the motorway
• 💧 Alpine fountains, a water dam, and hidden beaches
• 🚻 A public wooden toilet cabin
• 🪑 Many benches to rest and bins to keep it tidy
• 🏔️ Nonstop majestic mountain views

It’s a sensory wonderland — and all of it accessible with our trailer buggy. The trail was wide and mostly flat, with plenty of breaks and natural stops for the kids to rest, snack, or run wild.

🏔️ Laghetto Moesola: A High-Altitude Pause

After our lake loop, we took a short scenic drive up the San Bernardino Pass to Laghetto Moesola — sitting above 2000m. The landscape here is dramatically different: treeless, raw, and rocky.

We parked right by the road (ample space on both sides) and enjoyed a leisurely rest by the crystal-clear lake. A nearby guesthouse provided toilets and refreshments, which was a big bonus.

Slate stones were everywhere — and our kids were thrilled. While our youngest loved toppling over mini towers, the older two competed to build the tallest stack. Simple fun, high up in the mountains.

📷 Final Stop: Grand Tour of Switzerland Photo Spot

Before heading home, we made a quick detour to the Grand Tour of Switzerland photo spot. It’s perched on a hill and offers a postcard view of the pass from above — the perfect family photo opportunity to end the day.

🧺 Practical Tips for Parents

Stroller access: ✅ Trail 643 is buggy-friendly. A trailer or off-road stroller is ideal.
Toilets: Available in the village and on the trails.
Food: A few restaurants in the village. We packed snacks and water.
Shade: Yes — especially along the lakeside path.
Safety: The area felt very safe for families.
Best season: Summer. Bring layers — mountain weather can shift quickly.

❓ FAQs for Families Planning a Visit

Is the trail flat and stroller-friendly the whole way?
Mostly, yes. Some natural paths may have gentle bumps or tree roots, but nothing extreme.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Yes, on a leash. We saw many happy four-legged friends along the way.

Can we swim in the lake?
There are shallow areas at Lago D’Isola where you can wade in — but it’s chilly! Great for a quick cool-down. We also saw people getting into Lahgetto Moesola, however it felt much colder for us.

Is the Pass drive safe for kids prone to motion sickness?
The curves are mild, but we’d suggest frequent stops (like at Laghetto Moesola!) and plenty of fresh air.

💛 Why We Loved It

This trip reminded us why we love living in Switzerland: there’s always a hidden gem just around the corner. San Bernardino offered us a cool escape, a stroller-accessible trail, and unforgettable views, all wrapped up in a peaceful, uncrowded setting.

If you’re looking for your next family-friendly alpine outing — especially during a heatwave — San Bernardino might just be your new summer favourite.