Tag: ticino

Fondue with Sledging on Monte Tamaro on New Year’s Day

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Winter Walk on New Year's Day

First Day of 2026

New Years Day in our house started super slow, which is unusual with three little kids. This morning they enjoyed a longer snooze than usual. Being up early, a small voice in my head got louder and louder. It was encouraging me to look for a unique experience to welcome the new year, 2026.

A couple of days ago, I saw that the cable cars of Monte Tamaro were in operation. Looking up their website, I noticed that they offer a Fondue lunch / cable car package on New Years Day. After a quick call we had a plan: wake up kids, get ready, find the sledges and his the road to get there on time.

Arrival

Sign posts guided us from the main road to the car park. It is shared visitors of with the Splash & Spa. Plenty of spaces to park, near the cable car station. At reception we picked up our return tickets, and went through the gate to take the next cable car.

The cabin was bright with windows on all sides. It had 8 seats and large space between the chair rows, hence our sledges fit in with us easily. The ride took us about 10 minutes with a slowing down phase in the middle station, but no stopping.

Alpe Foppa

Lunch was great, the Alpe Foppa restaurant was a large hut and it could accommodate large crowds. Lunch was easy and filling, the service was quick. Our cable car pass included the lunch, we only paid for drinks. Kids menu was available for 15 fr per hear, which included a huge plate of their choice and drinks.

What to See & Do

Next we headed outdoor with the plan to discover the winter trail, which is a 3.2 km long circular path. It was a nice plan, we didn’t get that far. The kids just wanted to enjoy the snow. So we made it up to the top of the closest slope and used that to sledge for a while.

Once they were ready to leave to the slopes and the playground, we headed to explore the Fortress. This unique architecture was designed by Mario Botta (who also design the famous building, Fiore di Pietra on Monte Generoso). The church sits on the edge of the slope with a magnificent view.

From the restaurant a narrow corridor with tiny windows leads the way to the chapel entrance. On the white ceiling and interesting painting represents two cypress trees reaching to each other. Entering the church my son spotted a stand with candles lit. I remember when I was little, I used to love lighting a candle in places we visited. Around the walls wooden benches positioned like ribs in the human body. A little window, at the end of each row, is letting in day light showing off the image above.

On both sides of the chapel, stairs are leading up to the look out to admire the dramatic view from the outer most spot of Monte Tamaro.

Why We Loved It

From the first phone call to the very last employee we saw on the way down, everyone were particularly kids and courteous. I write this as it should be any hospitality settings – but I found it essential to highlight, because since we left England, I don’t often find employees of hospitality settings / attractions having their ‘game face’ on. I felt heard and not rushed with my enquiry.

Other aspects:

  • spacious panoramic cable car
  • large restaurant with great choice of drinks and meals
  • playground right in front of the restaurant

Would We Return?

Absolutely yes! We are planning to try the summer activities:

  • plenty of trails to explore with many circular options
  • Adventure Park at the middle station
  • Coaster Bob at the top
  • Zip Line – not sure if I will be brave enough to try 🙂

Their brunch to go package includes the return ticket with the cable car and packed lunch that you can take on your hike for a few CHF extra.

My Resources

Monte Tamaro website provides the latest and most up-to-date information available for your visit.

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The Enchanting La Froda Waterfall: A Hidden Gem in Valle Verzasca, Ticino, Switzerland

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Trip Duration: 4 hours ⛰️ Difficulty Level: Easy 🚸 Trip Date: 3 May 2025

Ready to step into a real-life fairytale? In this post, we take you on a magical family day out to the car-free village of Sonogno and the stunning La Froda Waterfall — ending at a playful spot where a wooden ball track begins!

Getting There & Parking

The drive through Valle Verzasca is an adventure in itself! The winding road hugs the turquoise Verzasca River, and along the way, you’ll pass iconic sights like the Verzasca Dam (featured in a James Bond movie!) and the popular jump spot at Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo.

As you approach Sonogno, you’ll spot a large, well-maintained car park on the right. It has toilets and is monitored by local authorities — don’t forget to pay your fee before heading off on your adventure!

What to See & Do

Sonogno: The Village

This peaceful, car-free village is perfect for little legs and wandering souls. Start at the tourist info center near the souvenir shop and choose from two scenic paths through the village — one past the church and ice rink, or a slightly elevated route with Alpine views and rustic houses nestled into the rocks.

Don’t miss the drinking fountain for a water break and the charming Efra restaurant, which makes a great lunch stop. There’s also a small playground here for a quick run-around.

La Froda: The Waterfall

The highlight of the trip! Cascading down from 100 meters, Cascata La Froda is dramatic, refreshing, and unforgettable. As you approach, you’ll feel the mist in the air — expect to get a little wet if you get close (which kids usually love!).

The short trail includes dirt paths, wooden bridges, and stone steps. Most of the tricky parts are secured with railings, but it can get slippery near the waterfall — hold hands with younger kids and take it slow.

Playground back in Sonogno: BoBosco Trail

After our hike, we followed the path back through the village and ended at the local playground — a wonderful reward for tired adventurers. With plenty of benches for parents and space to play, it’s the perfect cool-down stop.

BoBosco wooden ball run starts here too! There are 4 fun stations in the playground, and the full 10 km trail continues into the valley. We’ll save that for another day — our little hikers had already gone on quite the journey!

💡 Tips & Tricks

  • 🌦️ A light waterproof jacket can be useful near the waterfall mist
  • 🎒 Pack snacks, water bottles, and sun hats
  • 👟 Wear comfy shoes with good grip — it gets slippery near the waterfall!
  • 🚼 Bring a scooter, balance bike, or ride-on toy for little ones in the village
  • 🛺 Leave the buggy at the bottom of the waterfall, just after crossing the bridge

❤️ Why We Loved It

In this half a day trip we managed to move the kids along the village to the gorgeous waterfall. Finishing the trip with a well deserved rest at the playground.

⭐ Top Family Highlights

  • 🛝 Fun playground and the unique BoBosco trail
  • 🏡 Safe, car-free village ideal for young kids
  • 🚗 Scenic road trip with exciting stops along Verzasca Valley
  • 💦 A touch of adventure with an easy hike to a breathtaking waterfall
  • 🌿 Rustic charm with wildflowers, mountain views, and stone houses


Have you visited Sonogno or La Froda Waterfall?
We’d love to hear your tips or favorite spots in the Verzasca Valley — share them in the comments!

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Resources

📍 Bonus: Check out the Traveler’s Map of Verzasca Valley to plan your own fairytale adventure.

Cascata di Foroglio: a Heavenly Waterfall in the Val Bavona, Ticino, Switzerland

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Cascata di Foroglio

Trip Duration: 4 hours ⛰️ Difficulty Level: Moderate 🚸 Trip Date: 11 May 2025

A Day Trip to Magical Foroglio – Perfect for Families with Young Explorers

Early May took us to one of Ticino’s most picturesque gems: the village of Foroglio, tucked away in the breathtaking Bavona Valley. This car-free village, nestled at the foot of a dramatic 110-meter-high waterfall, is a dream destination for families craving nature, peace, and a little adventure. Its rustic charm, cobbled paths, and roaring waterfall made it a perfect day trip with our little ones in tow.

📍 Highest Point: 1110 m
📍 Lowest Point: 683 m

Getting There & Parking

The drive alone felt like an adventure! From Centovalli through Valle Maggia to Val Bavona, we followed the winding road beside the sparkling Maggia River. Foroglio is one of the final villages in the valley, and you can’t miss the large car park near the entrance. There’s plenty of space, plus clean public toilets and a handy fountain for refills.

Just before the forest trail starts, there’s a charming Alpine Self-Service station—a kiosk for drinks and snacks. Unfortunately, it was already empty when we arrived, so it’s worth bringing a few supplies just in case.

What to See & Do

The Village ∞∞∞ The Waterfall ∞∞∞ The Forest Trail

🌿 Foroglio: The Village

From the car park, we had two routes: a trail toward the waterfall or a forest path alongside a cascading stream. We chose to explore the village first, and it did not disappoint. The kids were excited to cross the bridge and discover the little restaurant “La Froda”, where you can enjoy local specialties to the soundtrack of falling water. Next time, we’ll plan ahead to dine here—it smelled amazing!

We wandered through the narrow lanes, where stone houses huddle together like a fairy tale scene. Among them, we spotted a few curious timber-built stilt houses, traditional to the Valais region. Their unique design—elevated on stone “legs”—was a fun architectural discovery for both us and the kids.

💧 Foroglio: The Waterfall

Well-marked signs led us uphill toward the waterfall. The trail is rocky, dotted with tiny streams, and filled with adventure. Our little ones needed some help scrambling over rocks, but that just added to the fun. The climb took us about 30–40 minutes at a kid-friendly pace—and it was so worth it.

Up close, the waterfall is absolutely awe-inspiring. The sheer force and mist make it feel like a scene out of a fantasy movie. On the way back, we returned in just 20 minutes—proof that the promise of a snack can really speed up little legs.

🧒 Parent Tip: Pack waterproofs or quick-dry clothes if you plan to get close—there’s serious spray!

🌲 The Forest Trail

After our waterfall hike, we took a more relaxed stroll along the forest path. From down here, the waterfall appears to drop straight from the sky. The crashing water creates a fine mist—beautiful, loud, and a bit wild!

As we walked further into the forest, the noise faded and birdsong took over. It was incredibly peaceful. We eventually turned back—our smallest explorer hit “low battery”—but we’re already planning to return and see more.

Tips & Tricks

  • 🧺 Tips for Families
  • 💶 Pay for parking—fines are not the kind of souvenir you want.
  • 🕛 Dine early at La Froda—it gets busy in the afternoons.
  • 🧃 Picnic-friendly: plenty of spots to enjoy a packed lunch.
  • 🥾 Sturdy shoes a must—the terrain is uneven and rocky.
  • 🚼 No strollers—bring a carrier for babies/toddlers.
  • 💧Water and toilets available near the car park and at the village top.
  • 👟 Choose your route—doing both the village and forest trail in one trip might be too much for smaller kids.

❤️ Why We Loved Foroglio

The journey through Val Bavona alone was worth the trip, but arriving in Foroglio felt like stepping into a storybook village lost in time. The preserved houses, the mighty waterfall, the peaceful trails—everything felt raw and untouched. Though the village seemed deserted, it’s lovingly maintained.

Our kids had a blast exploring the paths, balancing on rocks, spotting lizards, and racing through the forest. It’s a destination that sparked curiosity and joy in all of us.

⭐ Top Family Highlights

  • 🚗 Scenic drive through the Bavona Valley
  • 🏡 Car-free zone—safe and fun for active kids
  • 💦 Dramatic waterfall views and forest adventure
  • 🧗‍♂️ A moderate challenge that feels like a true adventure
  • 🌿 Nature immersion without the crowds

Have you visited Foroglio? Let us know in the comments—or share your tips for exploring with little ones!

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Paradise at the End of the Tunnel

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River bank in the sunset

An impromptu discovery. Light at the end of the tunnel that leads into a local paradise.

Light at the end of the tunnel
Boy in the dark tunnel
Boy is leaving the dark tunnel

Growing up in various big cities, it was unimaginable to enter a tunnel system like this when I was a child. Life in a valley brings change of scenery. Tunnels like this help the rain water tickle down the mountains to the river. It is safe most of the year, but of course the devil never sleeps.

Boy in the tunnel system

My brave son and his grandfather explored the underground system by the time I caught up with them at the playground. His face lit up when he saw me and finally could share his new findings with me. He immediately called me to return underground with him. So we did. I wasn’t expecting such a pretty view after walking through a few dark round tunnels.

River bank in the sunset at Golino, Ticino, Switzerland
River bank in the sunset at Centovalli, Ticino, Switzerland

Out in the fresh air again, we slid down a few large water washed rocks to get to the riverbank. Complete tranquil scene greeted us. We filled our lungs clean fresh air. Warmed our skin in the setting sun. I could had spent hours sitting there listening to the melody of the River Melezza.

Wind and Sun kissed cheeks: Ascona in the Winter

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Home of Jazz

Choppy waters on Lake Maggiore and an icy February wind welcomed us to Ascona. One might expect this in winter.

Yet, the brightness and warmth of the sun tricked us into believing that spring had arrived. The golden light that embraced Ascona in the early afternoon should have made the chill more bearable. But the wind, sharp and relentless, stripped away all comfort.

Our woolly hats, meant to keep us warm, barely fulfilled their purpose. Still, I can’t imagine how we would have coped without them.

Home of Jazz

Music and Art

This small town is home to the renowned Jazz Ascona Festival, which takes place every year from late June to early July. With over 15 concerts per day, the festival draws visitors from around the world. Uniquely, it is the only festival outside the U.S. officially linked to New Orleans jazz.

Walking through Ascona, you can feel its artistic soul. The streets and colourful houses bear the imprint of the many artists who have performed here over the years.

Blend of Italian charm and Swiss precision

One of my favorite things about Ascona is its car-free lakeside promenade, the LungoLago. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, where cafés and restaurants line the waterfront. Even the icy wind couldn’t keep visitors from admiring Lake Maggiore’s shimmering expanse.

In this video, we take you along Ascona’s cobblestone alleys, down to the lake, where we walk with the colorful facades of cafés and houses on one side and the deep blue waters of Lake Maggiore on the other. Our journey leads to the playground before circling back to explore the port and the town’s charming, narrow streets.

Why We Love Ascona

Ascona is Switzerland’s lowest town, sitting just 196 meters above sea level. Thanks to this unique location, it enjoys a mild climate year-round.

Each visit feels like a new experience—a place of sunshine and tranquility in winter, and of heat and lively crowds in summer. The traffic-free waterfront makes it an ideal destination for families, offering a safe space for little ones to roam freely.

With ice cream on every corner and countless spots to relax, Ascona has something for everyone. Whether you’re indulging in local delicacies or simply soaking up the sun, this lakeside gem offers the perfect escape—any time of the year.