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Hidden Switzerland Road Trip Loop: 4 Untouched Alpine Villages
Photo above: Town square of Guarda courtesy of Erich Wucher
An Explorer’s Circuit from Ticino to the Engadin
Duration: 6–8 days (ideal for late spring to early autumn)
Best for: Families, photographers, hikers, slow-travel lovers
Starting point: Bellinzona or Lugano (easy train/airport access)
Photo of Bosco Gurin courtesy of ascona-ticino.ch
Stop 1 – Bosco Gurin (Ticino)
Vibe: German Walser heritage meets Italian Ticinese charm.
- Why go first: Start in the lush Italian-speaking south before winding into the higher alpine passes.
- Activities: Hike the Lago Matorgn trail, explore the Walserhaus Museum, taste chestnut honey and local cheeses.
- Kid-friendly: Horse rides and easy nature walks around the valley.
- Watch for more inspiration here.
Photo courtesy of Post Auto Avers-Juf Line
Stop 2 – Juf (Graubünden)
Vibe: The highest inhabited village in Europe — population ~30. No risk of overtourism here – it could really use your presence!
- Why it’s special: Complete silence, stargazing, wildflower meadows.
- Activities: Hike or bike through the remote Avers Valley, spot marmots, learn about high alpine life.
- Kid-friendly: Alpine farm visits where children can feed goats and watch cheese-making.
Photo of Hotel Meisser in Guarda courtesy of wikivoyage.org
Stop 3 – Guarda (Graubünden)
Vibe: Painted Engadin houses, cobbled streets, storybook perfection.
- Why go: Step into the world of Schellen-Ursli, (a famous children’s story with a museum named after it) and slow down with Engadin culture.
- Activities: Hike to Ardez or Lavin, visit artisan bakeries, admire sgraffito facades.
- Kid-friendly: The Schellen-Ursli trail (interactive family hike).
Photo of Fex valley courtesy of wikimedia copyright: Martin Frauenfelder
Stop 4 – Fex Valley / Fex-Crasta (Graubünden)
Vibe: No cars, just horse-drawn carriages and mountain air.
- Why end here: Perfect slow-travel finale — you can only enter on foot or by carriage.
- Activities: Hike to the Fex Glacier, enjoy farm-to-table alpine dinners, visit tiny historic chapels.
- Kid-friendly: Short carriage rides, gentle valley walks, safe open spaces for kids.
Route Overview
(driving times are approximate, scenic routes prioritized)
- Bellinzona → Bosco Gurin – 1h 20m
- Bosco Gurin → Juf – 4h 30m (via San Bernardino Pass)
- Juf → Guarda – 2h 30m (via Flüela Pass)
- Guarda → Fex Valley – 1h 15m (via Samedan)
- Fex Valley → Bellinzona – 4h 15m (via Maloja Pass & Lake Como detour optional)
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