This incredibly scenic train will make you want to see Italy by rail
Linking the sparkling Italian lakes to stunning Alpine Switzerland, the Domodossola–Locarno Railway, also known as the Centovalli Railway, offers an unforgettably beautiful Italy rail experience.
EXPERIENCE THE CENTOVALLI RAILWAY WITH CL
The construction of the Centovalli line began as far back as 1912, but its opening was delayed considerably by the start of the First World War. Work on the line started up again almost immediately after the war ended and the first trains ran along its tracks in 1923.
The scenic ride through wild, romantic countryside, was nicknamed the Centovalli Railway after the hundred valleys it passes through, taking in chestnut woods, grape vines and lush waterfalls on its way.
The route has 30 stations and it takes only two hours to travel the whole way across from one country to the next. Of course, many choose to spend an entire day exploring the route, hopping on and off along the way to marvel at the unspoilt countryside and explore the ancient Alpine villages nestled near the tracks.
Passing over stone bridges and winding through the mountain valley, an Italy rail journey aboard the Centovalli allows you to admire breathtaking scenery through the train’s specially-designed panoramic windows - they’re perfect for snapping the dramatic landscapes and feeling like an Alpine explorer.
There are lovely towns and villages to visit along the line, from larger lakeside towns with thriving populations to tiny, stone village in the mountains.
The trains starting point of Domodossola, has a beautifully preserved medieval town centre with an irregularly-shaped market square surrounded by elegant buildings. One of the town's main attractions is the UNESCO-protected Sacro Monte calvary, one of the most important religious and historical sites in the region.
Locarno, the train's final stop, is another exceptional beauty spot. A chic resort town on the banks of Lake Maggiore, Locarno basks in 2,300 hours of sunshine per year and has many cultural events going on throughout the year, including film and music festivals.
At any time of year, a walk through its picturesque old town and along the shores of the lake is a wonderful way to pass the time.
The Centovalli Railway route is loved by hikers and walkers, who hop off at its most scenic stops to make the most of the heavenly Italian and Swiss countryside. Intragna, the largest town in Centovalli, is particularly popular with hikers.
From this stop, it's possible to hike to the idyllic mountain village of Loco along a historic mule track, where you'll be rewarded by exquisite mountain views.
You can cross the 100 valleys with Country Living in October 2025 on our exclusive Swiss rail holiday. The trip is perfectly timed during the season when the sun still shines yet there are fewer tourists to share the views with.
As well as viewing fantastic landscapes from the railway, you’ll visit Stresa - known as the jewel of Lake Maggiore - the glorious gardens of Isola Bella, the pretty town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva, and the famous resort town of Zermatt, nestling at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn.
You'll spend the first four nights of the trip in Brig before checking in at the four-star Silvretta Parkhotel in the upmarket resort town of Klosters. While here you can enjoy an indoor pool with jacuzzi and sauna and a restaurant with panoramic Alpine views where you'll dine each night of your stay.
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