milan to switzerland travel time

How to Travel Between Italy and Switzerland by Train

Leonid Andronov / Getty Images

If your trip to Europe includes stays in both Italy and Switzerland, traveling between the two countries by train is a convenient option, especially if you don't want to rent a car. While the process of getting from Italy to Switzerland, or vice versa, is mostly straightforward, there are a few things you should know before undertaking your journey.

There are essentially two main corridors for train travel between Italy and Switzerland. Almost all trains entering Switzerland from Italy begin in either Milan or Tirano, a small town on the Swiss border. Likewise, trains from Switzerland to Italy terminate in one of these two locations. The one exception is a single daily, direct train that runs between Venice, Italy and Geneva, Switzerland.

Milan is connected to the rest of Italy by high-speed or slower regional trains. If you're planning to travel from elsewhere in Italy on the same day you go from Milan to Switzerland, keep an eye on those schedules. Allow yourself at least an hour to connect in Milan, especially if you're arriving in Milan on an Intercity or Regionale train. Your train might be late reaching Milano Centrale, meaning you'll miss your connecting train to Switzerland. Not only will you have to wait several hours for the next train, but you may also have to buy a new ticket, pay a stiff change penalty, and miss out on your first choice of seats or carriages. Some of us have learned this lesson the hard way.

Travel Between Switzerland from Milan

From Milano Centrale, Milan's large, main train station, direct trains depart for the Swiss cities of Geneva, Basel, and Zurich. Routes and travel times are as follows, and we highlighted some of the major cities on these routes:

• EC 32 or 36 Milan to Geneva: 4 hours, with stops in Stresa (Lake Maggiore), Domodossola, Brig, Sion, Montreux, and Lausanne
• EC 50, 52 or 56 Milan to Basel: 4 hours, 12 minutes, with stops in Stresa (Lake Maggiore), Domodossola, Brig, Visp, Spiez, Thun, Bern, and Olten (EC 56 also stops in Liestal)
• EC 358 Milan to Basel: 4 hours, 46 minutes, with stops in Monza, Como S. Giovanni (Lake Como), Chiasso, Lugano, Bellinzona, Arth-Goldau, Rotkreuz, Lucerne, and Olten
• EC 310, 312, 314, 316, 320, 322. 324 Milan to Zurich: 3 hours, 40 minutes, with stops in Monza, Como S. Giovanni (Lake Como), Chiasso, Lugano, Bellinzona, Arth-Goldau, Rotkreuz, and Zug (EC 312 does not stop at Monza)

These trains are part of the EuroCity network, which are international trains connecting major cities across Europe. EuroCity trains run under the jurisdiction of whatever country they're in. This means you can purchase EuroCity train tickets from both the Italian (Trenitalia) and Swiss (SBB) national train services. When the train is in Italy, you are traveling with Trenitalia. When the train crosses into Switzerland, you're traveling with SBB.

EuroCity trains are labeled EC on train schedules. To function as an EC train, trains must meet specific criteria. Among them, they must be high-speed and only stop in train stations in or near major cities. They must have first- and second-class carriages, all cars must be air-conditioned, and there must be dining services aboard.

Seat reservations are required on all EuroCity trains (unless you're traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass). While second-class carriages are perfectly comfortable, first-class carriages tend to be less crowded, quieter, and they generally have cleaner bathrooms. Still, if you're traveling on a budget, you'll be perfectly comfortable in second-class train cars, especially for shorter trips.

In Milan's sprawling station, you'll be asked to show your printed, PDF, or e-ticket before you can access the train platform. Once onboard, a conductor will recheck your ticket. Once you cross into Switzerland, SBB conductors may take over and again ask to see your ticket—they may also request your passport or other official identification. If you're making the trip from Switzerland to Milan, expect more or less the same process in reverse.

If you're traveling during the day and the weather is clear, you can expect some lovely scenery. Depending on the route, you may catch glimpses of Lake Como or Lake Maggiore, the Italian and Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva, or Lake Lucerne. Trains traveling between Milan and Lucerne, Zurich, and Basel pass through the Gotthard Base Tunnel. At around 35 miles long, it is the world's longest and deepest train tunnel. Opened in 2016, it shortened travel time between Milan and points in Switzerland by up to an hour, since it goes through—rather than up and over—the Alps.

Traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass , which makes travel by train, bus, boat, and even cogwheel rail so easy and convenient in Switzerland, complicates things just a little when traveling to or from Italy. If you're going from Milan to anywhere in Switzerland and you have already purchased a Swiss Travel Pass, you only need to buy a ticket that's good as far as the first city across the Swiss border. For example, for travel from Milan to Geneva, you'd purchase a ticket as far as Brig, the first stop in Switzerland. Then just stay on the train, and when the SBB train conductor checks tickets, present your Swiss Travel Pass. If you bought second-class tickets for the Italian portion of your trip, but your Swiss Travel Pass is for first-class travel, you can change train carriages once you're in Switzerland—though it's not necessary to do so.

Likewise, holders of the Swiss Travel Pass who are leaving Switzerland bound for Italy need only purchase a ticket for the Italian portion of their trip. Seat reservations are compulsory for the Italian leg of the journey but are not required on most Swiss trains. So the trick is to reserve the Italian ticket with seat reservation in Switzerland, board the train and not have to change seats once you cross into Italy. We've found the easiest way to do this is in person at an SBB ticket office. The SBB staff person will give you a seat assignment for the Swiss leg of your journey (which you usually wouldn't need) that's valid to Milan. You'll pay a service fee of a few Swiss francs for the seat reservation within Switzerland.

Travel Between Tirano and Switzerland and Venice and Switzerland

Two other routes also connect Italy to Switzerland. The first is one of the most spectacular train rides in Europe—the Bernina Express from Tirano, Italy to St. Moritz, Switzerland. The scenic train climbs from Tirano up to the Bernina Glacier, then down into Pontresina and St. Moritz. Trains are run by the Rhaetian Railway . For more information, read our complete guide to the Bernina Express .

From Venice's Santa Lucia Station, there is one daily train to Geneva, Switzerland. The EuroCity 42 train leaves Venice at 4:18 p.m. and makes a lot of stops before arriving at Geneva at midnight. Stops are Venezia Mestre, Padova, Vicenza, Verona Porta Nuova, Peschiera Del Garda, Brescia, Milano Centrale, Gallarate, Domodossola, Brig, Sion, Montreux, and Lausanne. The seven-hour EuroCity 37 leaves Geneva at 7:39 a.m. and makes the same stops in reverse, arriving at Venice at 2:42 p.m.

Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide

Switzerland Travel Guide

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

The Lakes of Northern Italy

How to Use Swiss Trains and the Swiss Travel Pass

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

Getting Around Switzerland: Guide to Public Transportation

Lake Como Guide: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to Milan: The Complete Guide

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

The Best 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland

The Most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

The Top 9 Scenic and Novelty Train Rides in Switzerland

A Guide to Airports in Switzerland

Ticino, Switzerland Map and Travel Guide

10 Budget Travel Tips for Visiting Venice

• BOOK TICKETS
• BUY RAIL PASSES
• TRAIN TRAVEL GUIDE
• ITALY TRAVEL TIPS
• RAIL PACKAGES

Train from Italy to Switzerland

A child is between the ages of 4 and 11 years.

Many trains in Italy and beyond offer a discounted fare between 30% & 50% off the Adult fare for Children.

The child offer is now extended to children ages 4 to 14 years when traveling on high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, Frecciargento, InterCity, InterCityNotte, EuroCity, and Thello trains. Your child will be assigned his/her own seat and children must be accompanied by an Adult when traveling on this offer.

Regional trains will still offer discounted fares for children ages 4 to 11 years.

Infants & Children 3 & under travel for free and will share a seat with the adult companion.

This option is for customers that have already purchased a Eurail Pass or InterRail Pass and wish to reserve seats or sleeping berths. Learn more about rail passes.

Most high-speed and long-distance trains require seat reservations. The fare rules for each train indicate whether seat reservations are necessary.

Note: An ItaliaPass does not entitle customers to use of passholder fares.  Roundtrip tickets are not available using a Eurail Pass or InterRail Pass.

By clicking the "I ACCEPT" button below you acknowledge that passholder fares may only be used in combination with a valid Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass.

Save as much as 10-30% OFF rail Enjoy flexible ticket changes Amazing deals on tours, transfers, and more Dedicated travel coordinator (for the best service, book at least 2 weeks in advance)

Get Started Now >>

Taking the train from Italy to Switzerland

Traveling by train from Italy to Switzerland is an easy, comfortable and spectacularly scenic journey. You can book travel between Italy and Switzerland on ItaliaRail via two different routes — from Milan to Zurich, or from Venice to Geneva. You can choose to travel by day and take in the alpine scenery, or to book an overnight trip in a sleeping or couchette car.

The train from Italy to Switzerland brings you through some of the world’s most beautiful alpine scenery. Get ready to experience mountain peaks, alpine valleys and tiny mountain villages. The Trenitalia route between Milan and Zurich is always direct, while the train between Venice and Geneva will stop in Milan or another smaller city. If you stop in Milan you will be required to change trains.

Trains between Milan and Zurich


Trenitalia's high-speed Alta Velocità (AV) trains leave Milan or Zurich every two hours — averaging nine trains per day. Early trains on this route leave around 6 or 7 a.m., while the night trains leave Milan Centrale or Zürich Hauptbahnhof around 7 p.m. 

Many of Trenitalia’s Frecciargento AV trains make the daily journey between Milan and Zurich in just 3 hours and 35 minutes, traveling up to 155 miles per hour. 

Trains between Venice and Geneva

Trenitalia's high-speed Alta Velocità (AV) trains leave Venice for Geneva once every morning and several times each afternoon — averaging six trains per day. Early trains on this route leave around 8 a.m., while the night train to Geneva CFF leaves Venice around 4 p.m.

Trains from Geneva to Venice leave less frequently — morning, afternoon, and evening — averaging four trains per day. Early trains on this route start at 5:39 a.m., while the night train to Venice leaves Geneva at 6:39 p.m. 

Many of Trenitalia’s Frecciargento AV trains make the daily journey between Venice and Geneva in just 7 hours, traveling up to 155 miles per hour. 

Amenities on the Freccia trains between Italy and Switzerland 


Italy’s high-speed trains are equipped with air conditioning and electrical outlets at your seat to charge devices. There is WiFi on Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains, but the signal will drop in tunnels and at stations. Expect a cafe car on every train, as well as food cart that brings snacks, sandwiches and beverages to your seat. At the end of each car you’ll find a restroom and plenty of racks to store large luggage.

About the train stations

Milan Centrale Station Located at the northern end of the city center, Milan Centrale is a hub for Milan’s Metro, tram and bus networks. Here you can catch high-speed trains to Italian and international destinations, as well as inter-city and regional trains to smaller cities and towns. Milan Central is also the destination for the Malpensa Express, which goes to Milan’s main airport. Read more  

Zürich Hauptbahnhof Switzerland’s largest train station, Zürich Hauptbahnhof (or Zürich HB) connects Zurich to most Swiss cities, and is an international hub to major cities throughout Europe. It’s located in Zurich’s central old town near the junction of the city’s two rivers. Zürich HB has all the modern amenities you would expect from a major international train station, including restaurants, grocery stores, and popular retailers.

Venice Santa Lucia Station Santa Lucia station, also known as Venezia S. Lucia, is the city’s central train station. Located across the Grand Canal from the historic Santa Croce district, Santa Lucia station provides high-speed train service to international and Italian destinations, as well as slower regional service to towns and cities throughout northeast Italy.  Read more  

Geneva CFF Station Geneva Cornavin (Geneva CFF for short) is Geneva’s main central train station. A major transportation hub, Cornavin connects Geneva to cities throughout Switzerland and international capitals across Europe. The station is an easy walk from Lake Geneva, the river and the city’s historic old town. You’ll find all the usual train station amenities at Geneva Cornavin, including showers for weary long-haul travelers. 

Related Content

How to take a rail journey from Milano/Milan to Zurich

Share this journey with a friend..., milano / milan / mailand to zürich / zurich by train.

The fastest journeys by train from Milano to Zurich exploit both the new trains which have been introduced to the route and the recently opened Ceneri Base Tunnel, which has enabled the quickest ever journey time between the two cities.

This route taken by the direct trains, which also includes travelling through Europe's longest rail tunnel - the Gotthard Base Tunnel, remains a journey which showcases the best of European rail travel. The smart new trains have restaurant cars, the engineering achievements to enable the journey time are phenomenal and despite the epic, recently opened rail tunnels, most of the journey is still fantastically beautiful!

Though the Gotthard Base Tunnel does take the trains away from the most scenic section of the older Gotthard Route, and making the most of those scenic highlights is still easily done - with only one connection between trains required.

However, for those who have time on their side, it's also possible to ride what is arguably Europe's most scenic rail route between two cities!

Routes you can take to go from Milano / Milan / Mailand to Zürich / Zurich

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

Looking for connections, route information, option 1: the direct ec trains, station guides.

Travel Time (approx)

Travel info.

8 x trains per day from Milano Centrale

Purchase Tickets

ShowMeTheJourney earns a small commission on Trainline ticket sales. It can be a particularly good option for: Comparing different train services; Booking international journeys with connections; Travelling between the UK to destinations beyond Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris - and for international travellers who don't reside in western Europe.

Trainline Guide

Other Ticket Providers

Italia Rail Guide

Italiarail lives up to its name by selling tickets for rail journeys within Italy and the core feature of its service is that it is primarily designed to be used by international visitors to Italy. So the English translations of place names are used when looking up journeys and the terms and conditions for using each type of ticket are clearly explained. It also clearly points out the additional costs of upgrading to other classes and types of tickets while spelling out the additional benefits of doing so. Though Italiarail will charge a booking fee, typically of around €3.

The Early Bird service

Italiarail has launched an 'early bird' pre-booking service for journeys by Frecce trains. Tickets can be booked up to a year ahead of travel at a flat-rate price per route, before the tickets have been released for sale by Trenitalia. If when they are placed on sale, the price is cheaper than what you have already paid to Italiarail, it will automatically refund the price difference. Conversely, if the price is more expensive, you won't be charged the price difference. You can also have the peace of mind of securing your seat(s) on the Frecce train(s) when you are first planning a trip. If before the tickets are placed on sale, you decide to change your plans, you can request a refund; but once the tickets are released for sale, you will then be bound by the terms and conditions of the ticket(s) you have booked.

Trenitalia Guide

Trenitlalia is the national rail operator in Italy and in addition to its cheaper types of ticket ; it also typically offers other discounts available to non-Italians, which include:

• Group Offers , provides for a discount of up to 50% when 3-5 Adults travel together.
• Family Offer for when groups of 2 - 5 people are travelling together and at least one of the party is a aged 11 and under.
• The Children Free Offer is available for journeys by Frecce trains , when groups of 2 - 5 people are travelling together and at least one of the party is a aged 15 and under. Those aged 15 and under travel for free, but the Adults will need to purchase full price 'Base' tickets.

Save A Train Guide

Omio is an online ticket agency which offers tickets for rail journeys in France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain.

The three key advantages of using Omio are

• it offers prices in multiple currencies
• it usually offers price comparison with other modes of travel including flights and buses
• when visiting Europe, you can book journeys in multiple countries in one transaction.

The disadvantage of booking with Omio is that it often adds a booking fee to the final price; therefore when it does so without offering a price advantage, SMTJ doesn't tend to offer Omio as a booking option.

Travel Information

Final Destination: Zurich Connect in Zurich for destinations without direct trains from Milan including Chur, Munich, St Gallen and Stuttgart

These trains also call at: Arth -Goldau (change for Luzern) and Zug

The Giruno trains comprise the majority of departures, but on a few departures, particularly the train which is typically scheduled to leave at 17:10, a combination of Astoro and ETR 600 trains can be used.

The disruption in the Gotthard Base Tunnel

As a consequence of the ongoing repair work in the Gotthard Base Tunnel , that these EC trains typically use, the journey time has been extended by an hour - in effect the trains are departing an hour earlier from Milano than the usual schedule, with unchanged arrival times in Zurich.

The journey time is slower because the trains are having to use the older, but more scenic route. So if you are considering taking the Option 2 combination of trains, in order to experience this scenic journey, for the time being you can do so on these direct trains.

This is a direct journey

You will be travelling on one of these trains....

Journey Features

Good to know.

An additional two daily trains including the final departure of the day from Milano to Zurich, now leave from Milano Rogoredo station .

The first hour of this journey is unexceptional, but things become a tad more fabulous once the train has passed through Chiasso and crossed the border into Switzerland.

Once you're in Switzerland, look out for these highlights:

The views from the left over Lake Lugano, as the train nears Lugano.

The crossing over Lake Lugano - with great views from both sides of the train.

South of Lugano station, the views over the lake switch to the right.

After departure from Lugano, the train will now travel through the new Ceneri Base Tunnel . After departure from Bellinzona the train will enter the world's longest railway tunnel , The Gotthard Base Tunnel - so long that it takes the train around 14mins to pass through it.

Despite the fact that this train now travels through The Gotthard Base Tunnel this is still a scenic journey through the Alps. After the train has exited the tunnel and travelled through Schwyz, there are views on the left over Lake Luzern, which aren’t available when heading south on these trains.

Then shortly afterwards, before Arth-Goldau, also on the left there are views over the Lauerzersee.

After departure from Arth-Goldau there are some beautiful views over Lake Zug - also on the left.

(All of the videos were taken from a train travelling in the opposite direction)

Book early and save: Yes

Online bookings usually open: 4 months ahead of the travel date

Trains departing at different times can be cheaper than others leaving on the same day, so you may need to look through the day's departures to find the cheapest fares.

When looking up journeys on Trenitalia enter Zuerich (city) as the Arrival station.

Promotional fares are occasionally offered for this journey; when they are available the price can drop to €19.

Via stations: Cadenazzo

Option 2: more scenic - and rail pass users can also save.

5hr 10min approx

1 x connection every other hour

SBB is the main national rail operator in Switzerland, but tickets for journeys by the other significant operators including BLS and SOB can be be booked on the SBB website.

SBB also sells tickets for journeys to many destinations which involve a combination of SBB trains and services provided by the many independent operators who serve the Alpine resort towns. However, if you will be making a long-distance return day trip, look out for he possibility of SaverDay passes being cheaper than tickets.

Though if you download the SBB app, booking tickets on SBB's mobile services can be simper than using the website. Also watch out for the fact that booking international tickets can be comparatively quirky.

The faster EC trains use the epic Gotthard Base Tunnel which takes them away from was the most scenic part of the older route, that the EC trains used* to take. *= They've had to revert back to it while repair work is being carried out on the tunnel.

But there are Swiss regional trains to Zurich which still use the full length of the older route - including the section from Bellinzona to Zug via Goschenen; no.5 on SMTJ's list of Switzerland's most beautiful rail journeys . There are also regional trains from Milano, which enable a connection to be made into the trains which travel through Switzerland. So this is a more scenic option than taking the direct trains.

Also because seat reservations aren't available on the trains on this route, users of Eurail and InterRail passes can avoid paying the comparatively expensive reservation fees, that are payable when using rail passes to make the direct international journey on the EC trains (option 1).

A faster option for rail pass users

Users of Eurail and InterRail passes can arrive in Zurich around 90 minutes faster by taking the same 'Ticino' trains from Milano Centrale, but connecting in Lugano for Swiss IC trains on to Zurich - which take the same faster route through the Gotthard Base Tunnel as the EC trains. The optimum connections on to Zurich are typical available when departing Milano Centrale in even hours.

This journey is made up of 1 change.

Final destination Locarno

These trains are operated by the public transport authority in Ticino, which is the region of Switzerland in which Cadenazzo is located - hence the branding which can typically be seen on the trains on this route.

The first half of this journey is unexceptional, but things become a tad more fabulous once the train has passed through Chiasso and crossed the border into Switzerland.

Once you're in Switzerland, look out for these three highlights (the video was taken from a train travelling in the opposite direction)

(1) The views from the left over Lake Lugano, as the train nears Lugano.

(2) The crossing over Lake Lugano - with great views from both sides of the train.

(3) South of Lugano station, the views over the lake switch to the right.

The train will travel through a spectacular valley north of Bellinzona.

The railway will loop around in order to ascend the mountain between Biasca and Faido, which are on this older Gotthard route - and are by-passed by the trains which use the Gotthard Base Tunnel . The views looking down the valley with the railway tracks below are breathtaking!

Due to the multiple sets of loops, between Bellinzona and and the older Gotthard Tunnel there are fabulous views from both sides of the train.

On exiting the tunnel the train will arrive in Goschenen - and the railway then uses yet another series of loops in order to descend from the highest point on the journey.

But it doesn't matter which side of the train you are seated on, in order to enjoy the incredible views over the village of Wassen with its white church on a hilltop - the village can be seen from both sides of the train.

Between Wassen and Erstfeld the best of the views are on the right; this video was filmed from a train heading north.

Shortly after departing Erstfeld the the railway through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, rejoins this older route. After Flüelen look out on the right for glimpses of the Luzernsee.

The train then travels through a dramatic landscape to the south of Schwyz (this video was filmed on train travelling in the opposite direction)

Then shortly afterwards, before Arth-Goldau, on the left there are views over the Lauerzersee.

The final scenic highlight of the journey are the views on the right after Zug, over the Zurichsee,

Separate bookings are required for each of the two journeys.

Via stations: Tirano, Pontresina, Samedan and Chur

Option 3: taking europe's most scenic rail route.

8hr 5min (approx)

up to 8 x connections per day

This journey is one that is most often queried by users of ShowMeTheJourney's trip planning service . So what these clients are told will be shared here, which is, *Don't be put off by the need to make four connections, none of them are complicated and you efforts will be rewarded by the greatest day of rail travel, which can be experienced in Europe!"

The timetable is usually arranged so that on the Swiss part of the journey, all that's required at each station is to step off one train to board the next, which will be leaving from the opposite side of the platform / track. In Tirano, the train on to Switzerland will leave from a station which is merely steps away from that used by the trains which head there from Milano.

If you will be spending time in Milan while using a Eurail or InterRail pass , you can ride this entire route to Zurich without incurring additional charges - and can hop on a fast train back to Milano for the ultimate day trip by train!

There is also the option to ride the most scenic part of the route on the Bernina Express .

Heading to Austria

There are trains from Chur on to Buchs, which is a station call on the route taken by trains from Zurich to Innsbruck and to Salzburg . The end-to-end journey to both cities is usually most easily managed by departing at 06:20; 08:20 or 10:20.

This journey is made up of 4 changes.

Final Destination: Tirano

These trains also depart from: Monza

When the usual timetable is available, to reach Zurich by the end of the day, the final connecting train departs at 14:20, but leaving Milano Centrale at 13:20 allows for some contingency time.

When connecting into the afternoon Bernina Express the typical departure time from Milano Centrale is 10:20.

When making a day trip to Zurich with a return by an EC train from Zurich, departing Milano Centrale at 09:20 allows some contingency time to make the connections.

Sit on the left of the train (when facing the direction of travel) for views over Lake Como, all of the images were taken from the left of the train. The railway line travels by the shore of the lake for more than 30 minutes between Lecco and Colico.

Then after Colico the foothills of The Alps can also be seen on the left

Final Destination: St Moritz.

Set off from Milano Centrale no later than 12:20 and there will be an option to break the journey in St Moritz, though the timetable is arranged so that travelling with connections in Pontresina and Samedan is the faster option.

The first highlight of this fantastic train ride occurs within 10 minutes of departing Tirano when the railway uses the uniquely fabulous Brusio Spiral Viaduct to make a transfer between two valleys.

As can be seen in the video, thanks to the twist, there are spectacular views from both sides of the train - but the view from the left when heading north enables the viaduct to be in view

Between the viaduct and Miralago the railway follows a valley and here the best of the views are also on the left.

The highlight of the fifth phase of the journey between Miralago station , and Poschiavo are the beautiful views of the lake, the Lago di Poschiavo, along with the river to the south Poschiavo station.

They are both on the right when heading north.

The next stunning phase of a north bound journey commences at Poschiavo station . Because the railway zig zags across the mountain side, so that the trains can ascend towards Cavaglia, there are incredible views back down the valley, from both sides of the train.

Either side of Cavaglia station come the absolute highlights of the journey.

As the train reaches the ascent of the climb from Poschiavo, there are bird's eye views to revel in, which stretch back down the mountain pass to Tirano.

Then shortly after departure from Cavaglia, with a few turns in the track the train will enter the Bernina Pass.

As the train traverses the Bernina Pass, it passes by some small lakes, these can be seen on the left when travelling north from Tirano; the snowy scenes were captured by SMTJ on the second weekend in May!

The next phase of the journey comes when the train exits the pass just to the north of Alp-Grum station the on-board commentary available on all of the trains which follow this route, will point out the view of the glacier on the other side of Lago Palu.

Final Destination Scuol-Tarasp

This train in effect by-passes St Moritz, because the resort town isn't on the direct route

This part of the route takes less than 10 minutes.

Final Destination Chur

The Bernina Express which typically departs Tirano year round at 14:24 is direct from Tirano to Chur. It is usually schedules to arrive in Chur at 18:22, with the connecting train on to Zurich usually scheduled to arrive there at around 19:55.

Some of the many wow moments on this journey are a result of the railway using spiraling loops cut into the mountain side to gain height, so as the trains ascend or descend there are spectacular views looking back down the valley.

When heading north the first of these comes between Preda station and Bergun station - to the north of the Albula Tunnel.

The second of these sets of spirals are located just to the south of Filisur station

Shortly after departure from Filisur the train will enter a short tunnel, on the other side of which is the highlight of the journey - the crossing off the iconic Landwasser Viaduct !

When travelling north towards St Moritz for the best views of the journey out of the tunnel and over the viaduct, when boarding try to find seats on the left when facing the direction of travel, but occupy backwards facing seats.

Although the blink and you'll miss it view down the valley, is eclipsed by some of the other incredible views that can be seen when travelling along this Albula Railway north of the viaduct - all of which can be best appreciated on the left, when facing the direction of travel.

• looking down on the village named Surava
• the Lake Alora north of Tiefencastel -the River Rhine between Reichenau-Tamins and Chur

Final Destination Zurich or Basel SBB

The new 'Twindexx' trains are now used for most departures

This route from Chur to Zurich is a contender for the most stunning end-to-end journey taken by frequent (1 or 2 x departures per hour) InterCity express trains anywhere in Europe. It lasts for 1hr 15mins, too short for our Most Epic Journeys list , but aside from the seven minutes of the journey closest to Zurich station, where the railway line is mainly in tunnel, the entire journey is delightful!

Between Landquart and Sargans there are very pleasant views of distant mountain ranges from both sides of the train.

Though the highlights of the journey are the views over the Walensee...

...which can be seen on the right from around five minutes after departure from Sargans station

Then less than fifteen minutes later the Zurichsee comes into view

The train will travel along the southern shore of the lake for around twenty minutes!

Aside from the final section of the journey on from Chur to Zurich, this isn't a route on which you can save by booking in advance, but booking ahead saves having to book tickets against the clock, when making the tightly timed connections between trains in Tirano and Chur. Though separate bookings are required, the journey from Milano to Tirano and the end-to-end journey from Tirano to Zurich.

Booking the Bernina Express

On the Bernina Express website , click the hard to miss 'Book now' button, be aware that a ticket + a reservation are required to travel in the Panoramic cars/coaches and these can be booked separately. Or if you have a valid rail pass, including Eurail, InterRail and Swiss Travel Passes, you will only need a reservation

Booking more than two months ahead

Please support ShowMeTheJourney

Help keep us advertising and paywall free!

This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help.

We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.

Instead of advertising or paywalls, your financial support will make a positive difference to delivering an enhanced service, as there’s a lot of ideas which we want to make happen.

So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please consider saying thank you.

See if there’s a unique journey guide for your trip, featuring info on the trains, tickets & stations.

• Austria by train
• Wien / Vienna
• Belgium by train
• Bruxelles / Brussels
• Czechia by train
• Praha / Prague / Prag
• Denmark by train
• København / Copenhagen
• France by train
• Germany by train
• Frankfurt (Main)
• Köln / Cologne / Koeln
• München / Munich
• Great Britain by train
• Hungary by train
• Italy by train
• Firenze / Florence
• Milano / Milan / Mailand
• Roma / Rome
• Torino / Turin
• Venezia / Venice / Venedig
• Netherlands by train
• Norway by train
• Poland by train
• Warszawa / Warsaw
• Spain by train
• Sweden by train
• Switzerland by train
• Basel / Bâle
• Genève / Geneva
• Zürich / Zurich
• No Matching Cities
• List is empty.

This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney , which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.

• Europe by Train
• Journey Guides
• Rail Stations
• Trip Planning
• Travel Articles
• Tips from 100s of journeys
• How to take a night train
• Good to know about daytime trains
• Travelling with Children
• Taking Bikes on Trains
• Travelling with Luggage
• Taking dogs on trains
• Common benefits of first class travel
• Journeys with multiple connections
• Money saving advice
• The best permanent deals and offers
• Intro to seat reservations
• Step-by-step booking guides
• InterRail/Eurail
• Access over 500 rail holidays
• Save 5% on more than 30 Swiss rail holidays
• Book a range of Swiss rail passes
• Buy Half Fare Cards for Switzerland
• Book train tickets with Trainline
• Book rail holidays worldwide with Bookmundi

5 Best Day Trips From Milan To Switzerland & Tips [2024]

• Post author: Nicoletta
• Reading time: 29 mins read
• Post last modified: February 26, 2024
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Do you need a little change from the vibrant city life in Milan? Do you fancy an  escape to Swiss nature , exploring history, and breathing fresh air? You’re right here. In this article, I’ll explain how you can make a day trip from Milan to Switzerland by train.

I lived in Switzerland for 3 years and visited it even on a day trip from Milan. Since I’ve got to explore all the beautiful places , I’ve put together an ultimate itinerary for your 1-day visit to Switzerland.

Follow it and enjoy the highlights. In the end, I also have some organized excursions to Switzerland if you don’t want to plan.

✈ Travel Resources For Your Trip ✈

Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.

Can You Make A Day Trip From Milan To Switzerland By Train?

Yes , making a day trip to Switzerland from Milan is possible. Indeed, I highly recommend you go away to the big city for a while.

I suggest you  visit Lugano and its surroundings in Switzerland. You’ll be in  stunning nature  and see crystal-clear  Swiss lakes  and  beautiful mountains . Bellinzona, just 20 minutes by train from Lugano, offers incredible  medieval castles  with cobbled little streets and cute cafes.

How To Make A Day Trip From Milan To Switzerland By Train

The best way to make a day trip to Switzerland from Italy (Milan) is by  train . As you know, train connections in Europe are excellent.

So hop on a  train from Milano Centrale to Lugano . It’s a  direct EC or RE train  and takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes. Such a short journey makes a  comfortable day trip  and gives you time to visit more things in Switzerland.

TRAIN FROM MILANO CENTRALE TO LUGANO: EC Train or RE Train TRAIN TIME: 1 hour & 15 minutes TRAIN PRICE: 15 CHF (one-way)

Travel Itinerary Planning Services

1. day trip from milan to lugano & bellinzona (by yourself).

During your day trip to Switzerland, I recommend you visit a beautiful Swiss town called Lugano . Enjoy the town, its delicious gelato, and stunning lake views in the morning.

In the afternoon, I recommend exploring Lugano’s surroundings , such as Bellinzona and its castles, Mont Bre, or San Salvatore Mountain.

Here is a detailed description of the best things to do on your trip.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Switzerland Itinerary: 8 Days By Train

📍 Visit Lugano

After you arrive in Lugano:

• Walk through its tiny streets to the lake.
• Get some gelato and enjoy the light breeze around Lugano Lake .
• Have a delicious lunch in the center.

Lugano has a very charming atmosphere. So it’ll be enough to stroll through its tiny streets, visit Parco Ciano, and enjoy its lake promenade.

Afternoon Excursions From Lugano

In the afternoon, I recommend you do one of the following excursions:

📍 Monte San Salvatore 📍 Monte Brè 📍 Visit Bellinzona & its medieval castles

PRO TIP: Use the  SBB App  (the official Swiss train app) to navigate these three excursions. It shows you exact train/funicular departures and timings.

📍 Visit Monte San Salvatore

San Salvatore is one of the most beautiful mountains in Switzerland . To visit it, you’ll  take a funicular  up to the mountain.

Firstly, take a local train from Lugano main station to  Paradiso station  (only 2 minutes). From there, walk about 5 minutes to the  funicular station . There are signs on the way, so follow them to get to the station.

Once you’re at the funicular station, get the tickets and  drive to Monte San Salvatore . A restaurant is on the top so that you can get some snacks. Toilets are provided, too.

You’ll get  incredible views  of the entire Lake Lugano and surrounding mountains. It’s well worth seeing.

📍 Explore Monte Brè

To visit Monte Brè, first, you’ll  walk 20 minutes from Lugano Center  to the’ Cassarate’ funicular station . Once you’re at the Cassarate station, it’s pretty straightforward.  Just follow the crowds.

Buy your ticket, and drive up. You’ll have to change one more time at the  Suvigliana station . Then, buy another ticket at the Suvigliana station and drive  up to Monte Brè  with the funicular.

Monte Brè offers  spectacular views of Lake Lugano  and the mountains around. It also has two restaurants. So it’s worth just sitting on the grass after and watching the beautiful surroundings.

📍 See Bellinzona & Medieval Castles

In case you are not into mountain excursions, opt for another one. Take a train to Bellinzona and see its medieval castles .

Go to the central station in Lugano and buy a ticket to Bellinzona. The  train ride only takes   20 minutes . Once you’re in the city, just walking through is stunning. Make it to at least two or three castles. But don’t miss out on the  Montebello Castle .

You can purchase  skip-the-line tickets  for all three Bellinzona castles. Avoid standing in lines and make your trip more efficient.

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets for Bellinzona castles here.

👉 READ ALSO: Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited Travel In Switzerland

Organized Day Trips From Milan To Switzerland

If you want to avoid stress and plan your day trip, you can also do one of these  organized day trips from Milano .

Get Your Guide  offers amazing trips and guided tours around the world. They have  professional guides ,  comfortable transport , and perfect organization.

2. Milan To Switzerland On A Scenic Train

You can also enjoy this  Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan . Bernina Express is one of the best panoramic trains in Switzerland . The scenery is stunning, full of glaciers, lakes, and spectacular mountains.

If you’re not sure which excursion is 100% worth it – this is the one . It’s my favorite day trip from Milan and offers the best value and most beautiful places.

Everything will be organized for you. They’ll pick you up from your hotel in Milan , and you can see Switzerland on one of the best panoramic trains within one day without stress. You’ll also get to visit St. Moritz , a luxury Swiss town.

➡ Book The Excursion From Milan For Bernina Express Ride & St. Moritz Here.

3. Day Trip From Milan To Lake Como, Lugano & Bellagio

Another excursion you can make is to visit Lake Como, Lugano, and the beautiful town of Bellagio.

They’ll  pick you up from your hotel in Milan ,  drive you to Switzerland , and you’ll visit  Lugano , a stunning town of  Bellagio , and take a  cruise on Lake Como , which is beautiful.

➡ Join This Organized Tour From Milan To Lugano & Bellagio With A Guide.

4. Day Trip From Milan To Interlaken & Swiss Lakes

Another day trip you can make is to visit Interlaken and two of the most beautiful Swiss lakes – Lake Brienz & Lake Thun. Interlaken sits between two lakes , from which it got its name, ‘Inter’ (between) and ‘Laken’ lakes.

On this day trip from Milan , you’ll explore the beauties of this region, cruise on Lake Thun , and enjoy stunning views of the Swiss Alps from Interlaken .

Maybe you can even squeeze in some of these excursions from Interlaken .

➡ Book The Excursion From Milan To Interlaken & Swiss Lakes Here.

5. Day Trip From Milan To Zermatt

Another option for your day trip is to visit Zermatt in Switzerland . It’s a stunning mountain town with beautiful views, the famous Matterhorn mountain, and great hiking trails.

The train ride from Milan to Zermatt takes 3 hours & 30 minutes , so it’s much longer than traveling to Lugano, but it’s still worth it.

So, if that’s something you would be interested in, check out my article about how to make a day trip from Milan to Zermatt by clicking on the image below:

👉 READ ALSO: 11 Cheapest Ways To Travel Switzerland On A Budget

Practical Tips For Your Trip From Milan To Switzerland

Here are some more tips for your day visit to Switzerland. It’ll help you plan your trip in more detail, so check them out.

Best Time To Visit Switzerland From Milan

The best time to visit Switzerland is in June and September . You’ll benefit from fewer crowds , beautiful scenery , and warm temperatures .

In June , Switzerland’s countryside is green and lush with crystal blue rivers full of water from the melting glaciers. Snow still covers mountain peaks, and the temperatures are mild, around 20°C/68°F.

September brings beautiful autumn colors, and it’s much less crowded than summertime.

Budget For Your Day Trip To Switzerland From Milan

For this day trip to Switzerland from Milan, plan to spend around 100 Swiss Francs , which is about $112 . It includes a return train ride, food and drinks, and one excursion from Lugano.

However, the cost will vary on the number of activities you’ll do.

If you only want to visit Switzerland , Lugano, and walk through the town without making any excursion, you can budget 50 Swiss Francs/$56 (including return train ride, food & drinks).

What Currency Is Used In Switzerland?

Bear in mind that Switzerland has the  Swiss Franc as its main currency . So you can’t use EURO as in Milan, Italy.

Some places accept Euros, but the exchange rate is not worth it , so don’t pay with Euros in Switzerland. It’s also not worth exchanging your money for Swiss Francs just for one day.

So the best way is to  pay with your card .

👉 READ ALSO: Do People Speak English In Switzerland? My Experience

What To Pack For Your Trip To Switzerland

Swiss weather can be unpredictable because it changes a lot, especially in the mountains. When I visited Switzerland for the first time in a month, I had to think about what to pack and prepare for different weather conditions .

So, I’ve created this free parking list for Switzerland to help you decide what to bring on your day trip. Download it for free by clicking on the image below :

To help you plan your visit to Switzerland in more detail, I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions. Check them out below:

Can I Visit Switzerland From Milan?

Yes, you can visit Switzerland from Milan. The best and fastest way is to take the EC train from Milano Centrale to Lugano . It’ll take you to Switzerland only within 1 hour and 15 minutes . So you can enjoy stunning views of Swiss lakes and mountains in a day from Milan.

Is There A High-Speed Train From Milan To Switzerland?

Yes , there is a high-speed train from Milan to Switzerland. It’s the EC train that leaves from Milan and goes to Zurich. The closest Swiss town to visit from Milan by this train is Lugano , only 1 hour & 15 minutes away .

How To Visit Swiss Alps From Milan?

The best way to visit the Swiss Alps from Milan is to take a train to Zermatt . Zermatt is a stunning car-free village surrounded by Swiss Alps with the famous Matterhorn mountain .

You can make a day trip from Milan to Zermatt (Swiss Alps). It’s one of the best places you can visit in Switzerland from Milan.

How Much Is The Train From Milan To Switzerland?

The train from Milan to Switzerland costs 15 CHF/$16 one-way . This EC train will take you to Switzerland only in 1 hour & 15 minutes . It’s the fastest and most convenient way to get from Milan to Switzerland and fairly cheap.

WRAP-UP: Best Day Trips From Milan To Switzerland

This is the best day trip you can make from Milan to Switzerland. Enjoy it independently or join one of the organized tours , as suggested. While Switzerland is a destination that deserves more attention, and it’s best to spend at least 8 days, if you only have a day from Milan, this day trip is worth it .

If you have any questions or need a customized travel itinerary , contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com . I’ll gladly help you.

Happy travels!

More Tips For Switzerland & Italy Travel

Looking to visit more places in Switzerland? Check out my related articles:

Best Of Switzerland Itinerary: 8 Days By Train

Best Of Northern Italy Itinerary: 10 Days With Tips

Milan To Amalfi Coast: Ultimate Guide

How Far Is Paris From Italy? Ultimate Guide

5 Best Panoramic Trains In Switzerland

Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited Travel In Switzerland

8 Best Mountains In Switzerland To Visit

22 Amazing Day Trips From Interlaken

23 Incredible Things To Do In Jungfrau Region

Best Direct Trains From Amsterdam To European Cities

About the author: Nicoletta  is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

SWITZERLAND : Interested in more articles for Switzerland? Check out my Switzerland Travel Page .

You Might Also Like

How To Get To Ometepe Island: Full Guide!

How To Get From Costa Rica To Nicaragua In 2024: Answered!

Where To Stay In Salzburg: Best Areas & Hotels For Each Traveler In 2024

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

More From Forbes

Travel to italy like an insider with the best local experts.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

A trip to Italy is too special to get wrong. Here's how to do it right. (San Gimignano, Tuscany)

I absolutely love Italy, for many different reasons. But I hate the way in which many Americans go about planning trips there. Survey after survey shows it is the number one dream destination for U.S. leisure travelers, but the way those travelers get their information and advice gives me nightmares.

Throughout the years I’ve heard people say over and over that “I was told to do this in Italy,” or “I was told not to do this in Italy.” By who? “A friend.” I have close friends who recently planned their entire 12-day trip on the basis of another couple they knew who gave them advice—after their first visit. I’ve heard of many people who skipped Rome because “we heard it was too busy, just another big city.” Or passed on Venice, one of the world’s most magical destinations, because, “I heard it was touristy.”

There are American tourists who say you should skip Venice. They are wrong.

It goes on and on, but suffice to say, I have been to Italy in the neighborhood of two dozen times, summer and winter, for food, wine, skiing, golf, hiking, cycling and more food, from north to south and east to west and islands too, and I know a lot about Italian cuisine, but I still ask real experts for advice every time I go. I specifically ask for advice on where to eat, what to see, and who to choose as guides. And by experts, I mean people how live in Italy, specialize in particular areas of travel, and know their subject matter.

“We get multiple guests a year who want to wing it,” says Cherrye Moore, owner of My Bella Vita travel. Moore moved to Calabria two decades ago after falling in love with the region on a visit, and opened a bed and breakfast, learning about what her visitors were looking for. Her company now specializes in planning trips—especially foodie and ancestry trips—to the area in Southern Italy where many Italian Americans trace their heritage. “They say, ‘My neighbor just showed up in their family’s hometown and it went great for them,’ or, ‘Our friends went to Italy last year and said we don't need a driver.’ It’s true that you can rent a car and drive to your family’s hometown, but that experience is vastly different from having a dedicated driver and a heritage specialist who has done research on your family’s history, who has already identified the home your grandfather was born in, and who has arranged meetings with locals upon your arrival.”

Exclusive: Employers Are Souring On Ivy League Grads, While These 20 “New Ivies” Ascend

New ios 18 ai security move changes the game for all iphone users, google issues critical chrome update for all windows users.

Anyone can tour the Vatican, but only the right guides can get you a private visit.

I just got back from an exploration of Turin followed by a weeklong hiking trip in surrounding Piemonte, Italy’s most prestigious wine region, which included multiple winery visits. For restaurants and guides and sightseeing in Turin I used an Italian-based travel specialist that is the choice of many of the best luxury travel agents/advisors in this country (the best travel agents are savvy enough to know what they do not know and regularly rely on local experts). For the hiking trip, I used an Italy-based active travel specialist that does nothing else, and does it with a food-centric spin. It was another fantastic Italy trip, one amazing day after another, featuring many meals, wineries and experiences I never would have found by myself, especially by asking random friends or watching You Tube influencer videos by people with far less Italy experience than myself.

“We don’t focus on stars or diamonds, we focus on really special one-of-a-kind experiences and lodging that lets you discover our Italy,” said Heather Dowd, who lives in Turin and along with her Italian husband Beppe Salerno. They run Tourissimo , the active travel company we used. We had several friends hiking with us who were on either their very first or second trip to Italy, and when we reviewed our experiences at the end for the trip, one place we stayed, an 18 th century castle turned boutique hotel, was the overwhelming favorite. It did not have whirlpool tubs or Frette linens, it did not have a concierge or room service, but it had excellent food and beautiful gardens in which we had an epic dinner. It had cooking classes, a great location, a fun aperitivo evening cocktail session, and most of all, incredible charm..

Everyone wants the perfect meal in Italy, but not everyone knows where the locals go to find it.

It was exactly what my first timers dreamed Italy would be like, and it was a place we never would have found online. It was perfect, and even in Italy not every place is, but the reality is that Heather and Beppe and their guides spend a lot of time behind the scenes visiting small hotels and vetting them, way more time than the people who rate their stays on booking websites. One of my friends was so impressed he is already planning an extended family hiking trip to Sicily with Tourissimo next year.

If you want to have an insider experience in Italy, and see the places locals go, you need a local insider to help you out.

“Our goal is for guests to experience Calabria like we do, so we’ve built experiences that aren’t available online,” said My Bella Vita’s Moore. “Nowhere else can you find a multi-course lunch hosted at Zia Pina’s or a picnic prepared and delivered by Signora Francesca. Lunch in the home of our friend, Chef Massimo, isn’t available on Google. When creating or reviewing experiences I always think of my sister in Texas. If she were visiting, would I take her here? If that answer is yes, I know we have a winner.” That is exactly the standard by which I’d like my Italy travels to be judged.

A trip to Italy is a beautiful, special, and almost sacred experience, so don’t screw it up by taking bad advice. I do not know every local specialist—and I hope to keep finding more—but I know several experts I would recommend for different kinds of travel. Or use a good travel advisor, something I recommend for all travel (Read my article Why You Need A Travel Agent More Than Ever here at Forbes ), and communicate with them to ensure they are on the same page in terms of sourcing these kinds of local experts. If they are good, they will already be familiar with several of these companies.

Active Travel

All of Tourissimo's cycling and hiking trips in Italy emphasize food and wine, which is how it ... [+] should be.

Italy has long been the dream destination of cyclists, with Tuscany atop the Bucket List for global road riding destinations. But for the past few years the fastest growing sector of cycling has been “gravel grinding,” and with hundreds of miles of its stunning unpaved “white roads,” Tuscany has also emerged as the world’s top travel spot for gravel lovers. There are also plenty of other amazing places to ride in Italy, including Piemonte, Sardinia, Puglia, the Lakes region, and many other areas. World class hiking abounds, especially the stunning Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of beauty unmatched by most other mountain regions on earth. Beyond this there are the Alps in the east, the Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and many other great options.

Italy is so well known for cycling and hiking that every major active travel company in the world runs trips there. But for my last two active trips, one hiking and one biking, I chose a tour operator that is actually based there, founded by an Italian with a passion for cycling and food. Tourissimo may be Italian, but they cater to the American market, and founder Beppe Salerno worked for am American cycling company as a guide before realizing he could do the real Italy better himself—to me, the perfect startup rationale. Over the years since, Tourissimo has grown its library of offerings, with both with an array of scheduled group trips and private custom options. While they do mostly road riding, they are notably one of the only tour operators scheduling gravel trips, and can also arrange custom mountain biking itineraries, with years of expertise in cycling and hiking.

Superstar Chef Mary Sue Milliken has led about galf a dozen Chef's Cycling Tours in Italy for ... [+] Tourissimo.

In addition, Tourissimo has also been a pioneer in “Active Culinary Travel,” a hot new category I have written about here at Forbes (and for other magazines and newspapers). They offer an annual series of six group rides (and a hike) each hosted by an acclaimed chef like Mary Sue Milliken, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author (five!) and co-host of the popular PBS cooking show Two Hot Tamales . She is also an avid cyclist and has led the Tourissimo Chef Bike Tours for several years, along with other big names. These trips are a unique option for serious foodies who also ride, while the other trips cater to just about anyone. Otherwise they offer several styles of trips, from Bici Basics for new riders to Ambitious Tours for the more hard core.

Tourissimo puts a focus on local, choosing small and often historic hotels that they have curated and vetted (like the castle I just stayed at in Piemonte), places that you would never be able to distinguish from hundreds of other non-chain options online. Same for restaurants, wineries, and all the other ways they take you behind the scenes and into their real Italy. Their Mission Statement? “We don't want to be the biggest adventure travel company. We want to design and run the best tours in Italy. We strive to be the most authentic and the most beneficial to local communities.” Fantastico!

Bellagio on Lake Como is one of the most famous destinations in Italy — and the perfect place for a ... [+] food-centric bike tour!

Bike It! Bellagio offers another insider biking experience on a much different scale, providing a great one-day experience for visitors to Italy’s most famous lake town. This bike shop on Lake Como is run by a former pro racer and his wife. They rent bikes (road, mountain and e-bikes) out, but also offer one-day guided tours with multiple food and drink stops. Given that the owner grew up here and knows everyone, it’s not surprising that the food and drink spots are insider picks. The shop sits near the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo climb, the most famous in the Giro di Lombardia, a race more than a century old, and several days a week the shop offers guided group rides with a climb of the pass, on road or e-bikes—Bianchi bikes of course!

There are scheduled tours Monday through Saturday, as well as wide range of customizable private tours. These are often taken by families with mixed ages, but for more aggressive riders they offer longer road tours, mountain biking and gravel riding, along with a wide range of less demanding e-bike tours, including some even more focused on food and wine. They also offer a handful of multi-day tours and can put these together as custom on demand, usually for groups, including an iconic coast to coast traverse of Italy. If you are a guest of one of the many stunning (and pricey) ultra-luxury hotels around Bellagio, and ask the concierge to arrange a bike tour, they are likely going to call this shop anyway (and mark it up) so just do it yourself.

Luxury Travel in Italy

From planning your entire itinerary with flights, hotels, and transfers to just booking the best tours, guides and VIP access (often to non-public highlights), it pays to use a top local specialist.

Last year I attended the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, which has been called “the Oscars of the travel industry.” Virtuoso is the leading global luxury travel consortium, and many of the best travel advisors on earth belong, So does just about every top hotel, resort, safari lodge, cruise line, and luxury tour operator. Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch was explaining the many advantages of using a travel advisor (I wholeheartedly agree) and something he said really stuck with me. He explained that with all of the new online tour booking companies, it was easier than ever to book a tour or guide in just about any destination on earth, but harder than ever to judge the quality. The caveat was that, “you can book a guide, but you can’t book my guide.”

One of Italy's greatest hidden gems, Turin was the nation's first capital and a Winter Olympic host. ... [+] It's worth getting a good guide if you visit.

The Vatican is the Vatican and the Colosseum is the Colosseum, so when you opt for a guided tour, what really matters and makes it a good, bad or great experience is the guide—and their special access, like a tour of the Vatican when no one else is there.

For my recent trip to Turin, I called Imago Artis Travel , an Italy-based luxury travel specialist. They are what is known in the travel industry as a destination management company or DMC, the same companies luxury travel agents call to arrange local details for their clients. There are great DMCs all over the world, and local knowledge is valuable everywhere, but many of them do not deal directly with travelers, while in Italy the best ones do.

I wanted a private day tour of Turin and its surrounding attractions for my wife and I, most importantly the Reggia di Venaria Reale, aka the “Italian Versailles” (one of two places in Italy with this lofty but accurate nickname). The guide they got for me was a licensed guide, and lifelong resident of Turin, and spoke excellent English, which was all good, but she was also an architect, which was great in a city where so much is driven by architecture. That’s not so easy to find on global tour aggregator website. Imago Artis also gave me a list of their favorite restaurant recommendations, which were spot on, then made my reservations for me. At a minimum this eliminates the language barrier of calling or the technology barrier of booking through often tricky (or non-functional) Italian restaurant reservation websites, but in many cases it also gets you a better table and instant VIP treatment—which definitely does not happen when I book myself.

Italy is rich in world-class crafts, and companies like Imago Artis can take you behind the scenes ... [+] to meet the makers.

Imago Artis Travel is a Virtuoso member, which means when you book through them, if you book your luxury hotel, you get extras like room upgrades, late checkout, spa credits etc., one of the big advantages of working with Virtuoso travel advisors. If you have a bigger budget than I do, they can handle all sorts of luxury transport, private jets, helicopters, boat charters, and also offer VIP Meet and Greet services at just about every airport in Italy. They can even arrange private security details. On a more accessible luxury level, they specialize in exclusive experiences, unlocking historic buildings and art collections not open to the public, and taking you behind the scenes with many artisans of Italy, from custom shoemakers to sculptors to jewelry designers. They know food, they know the guides, and I especially like their mission statement, “Our mission is simple: Getting You to the Heart of Italy.” That’s what it is all about.

Another top luxury DMC that is also a member of Virtuoso that I have used in the past with great success is IC Bellagio . They offer a similar array of luxury services and are very well connected, but they also specialize in Villa rentals as well as 5-Star hotels. Differentiating villas in Italy may be the single biggest challenge, more so than restaurants, with so many options and so few valid reviews. IC Bellagio has also boldly acknowledged the overtourism problems some of the most popular parts of Italy face, and are pushing “Slow Season Travel,” which varies in each of the country’s 20 regions but is something they are expert in. Last winter I went to Venice in the off-season, and it was spectacular, and I just traveled in a slow season to Piemonte. It was much, much better than fighting the crowds.

Skiing in Italy is awesome, and it's the best place in the world to stay in mountain rifugios — but ... [+] you need help for the perfect trip.

Skiing in Italy remains a bit under the radar for Europe, especially compared to France and Switzerland. Well, let the crowds go to other countries, because Italy has two different major ski regions, both of which have hosted the Winter Olympics, and the Games are returning to Milan and Cortina in 2026. The interconnected Dolomiti SuperSki lift and trail network in the Dolomites is arguably the largest “ski resort” in the world, and inarguably one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes on the planet. The towns are charming, the food is great, there are spectacular hotels from non-chain independent hidden gems to world-class luxury (Aman, Mandarin Oriental, Relais & Chateaux, etc.) and it’s cheaper than much of the rest of Europe. Did I mention the food?

I first went to the Dolomites to go hiking, and was so wowed I thought, “I have to come back and ski here.” I came back the next winter and skied, and the following year I got a group of friends together and went back. I have skied all over the U.S., and all over the world and never had the same compulsion to return to the same place immediately. That’s how good skiing in Italy is ( read much more in my Italy skiing piece here at Forbes ).

I’ve only used one company for ski travel in Italy and see no reason to switch gears, especially since the local logistics (a great guide/instructor, transfers, the best on-mountain meals and staying a couple of nights in the region’s unique on-mountain rifugios) is very hard to organize on your own. The company is Dolomite Mountains , a specialist in both resort ski vacations and backcountry touring trips (using skins and alpine touring or AT gear). They too are a U.S. facing company with mainly American clientele.

Like many active travel companies, they offer both group trip scheduled departure options and private custom trips to fit whatever you want. The group option is called the Dolomites Ski Safari and is a 7-day trip mixing stays in amazing rifugios with in-town hotels (4 and 5-stars on the Italian system) and includes all breakfasts and dinners, a full-time guide, ski pass, luggage transfers and more. Custom options include the same kind of trip for your own group, or anything you want, and while its name suggests local expertise—quite true—Dolomite Mountains also handles ski trips in the rest of Italy, like Courmayeur, and connected border regions of France, Switzerland and Austria, as many lift systems here know no national boundaries (ski with your passport!). They are also a Virtuoso member.

Calabria & Southern Italy

Many Italian Americans trace their ancestry to Southern Italy's Calabria, and if you want to visit, ... [+] make sure you do it right.

My Bella Vita travel focuses on this area, including both small group trips and custom privates. Their specialties include “Heritage Tours” for those interested in their ancestry, and a food focus for the rest of us. For instance, Taste of the South is a 12-day gastronomic journey through Calabria, Basilicata and Naples—the birthplace of pizza! Food & Wine of Calabria is an 11-daty trip and just what it sounds like.

These are some of the scheduled small group tours offered, but the rest of their business is private trip planning and custom options.

“Italy is deceivingly large, and travelers think two weeks is enough time to see everything. It isn’t,” insists Moore. “You can’t even experience all of Calabria in two weeks. Our team collectively spends about six months a year scouting new hotels, restaurants, and experiences in Calabria and we are constantly re-evaluating and tweaking our recommendations.”

There are some other Italy specialists I have not personally experienced, but that come highly recommended by some of my other experts:

My Bella Vita’s Cherrye Moore says, “ In Sicily, I recommend Lucia Davies of Sicily Tour , one of a trio of British expats who have lived in Siracusa, Sicily for decades.” A family-owned tour-guiding company based in Siracusa, they have nearly 40 years of experience on the island and create trips fostering cultural exchange between Italy and English-speaking visitors, specializing in small group and custom tours.

Food & Wine

Life is too short to go to Italy and not eat well.

Beppe and Heather Dowd of Tourissimo recommend Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures , a company that has also earned kudos from other travel industry folks I know. Owner Francesca Montillo grew up in Southern Italy where her father was greengrocer. An Italian-American cookbook author, she launched the company a decade ago, and she personally leads the tours. She does numerous scheduled tours to different regions each year, and also offers custom private itineraries.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

house of switzerland milano 2024 celebrates the nuances of joy through design

House of switzerland milano 2024.

In a collective exhibition bringing together emerging designers, studios, universities, brands, and galleries from across the country, the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and Presence Switzerland are once again showcasing a wealth of Swiss-related talents from the world of contemporary design. With a new theme each year, House of Switzerland Milano is the physical culmination of the project, taking residence in Milan’s iconic Casa degli Artisti in Brera. Split across three floors, with indoor and outdoor installations, the House draws from the country’s design heritage while addressing themes through a current lens and a future-focused vision during this year’s  design week . 

exploring the nuances of joy and its connection to design

Addressing this year’s  project   with an intrinsic curiosity, creatives are invited to explore their emotional connection to the design process. In contemplating the sentiments and feelings experienced on a collective and individual scale, immersive installations within the house and its surroundings invite us to reflect upon the contentment found through our connection to design topics like circularity, wellness, and nature. Eventually, each project at House of Switzerland Milano offers a unique interpretation of the joy found in ingenuity and innovation. ‘ In exploring the nuances of joy and its connection to design, we hope to re-establish its importance more than ever within today’s world while focusing on the need to encourage a culture which allows it to be distributed in equal measure ,’ share the organizers. 

This immersive experience guides visitors through all three floors with the help of interactive graphics, objects, and instructions that encourage us to lose track of  time and find ourselves absorbed  in the house’s contents. Two and three-dimensional works appear through distinct interpretations of the theme; some with a touch of joy while others address thought-provoking concepts that may challenge our discernment of  joy . Ropes, swings, ladders, and seesaws invite us to stay in the moment while games and amusements stimulate childlike curiosity. Often associated with a severe and rigid aesthetic, this experience also revokes the singular perception of Swiss design by highlighting its playfulness. ‘ And, embracing the spirit of the playground allows us to step outside of our own worlds for a moment before revisiting them with a fresh, albeit more joyful, perspective ,’ reflects the team at House of Switzerland Milano. 

GROUND FLOOR at house of switzerland milano

ECAL / University of Art and Design Lausanne × FREITAG present: Access Over Ownership

Led by one of the guiding principles of the FREITAG manifesto, we prefer access over ownership, this project focuses on having access to products versus owning and maintaining them. This model makes perfect sense with travel bags, and FREITAG is continually experimenting with different loan offers. For this year’s Milano Design Week, the Zurich-based brand has come together with ECAL Bachelor Industrial Design students, under the guidance of designer Christophe Guberan , to create a series of enjoyable yet practical product cases that embrace those values of sharing and community. This project also addresses broader issues of our consumption habits and concentrates on solutions that contribute towards a more virtuous circular economy. In responding to the theme, it reflects on the circularity of joy and how it is passed on from creator to its users, altering the consumption experience. 

Sula × Micasa present: SOLE

In an immersive installation titled SOLE, Zurich-based design studio Sula is collaborating with Swiss homeware and furniture retailer Micasa , transporting viewers to lakeside summers. By depicting the beauty of the sky’s colors reflecting on the water’s surface, a magical moment of wanderlust fills us with optimism and positivity. Resulting in a textile and tableware collection that radiates such happiness, the two brands invite us into a joyful world, celebrating the natural beauty in such locations. Presenting design as a transportive medium to help us lose track of time or place, this is a sensory moment that draws viewers in to appreciate and admire the collection on display. 

Karimoku New Standard × BIG-GAME

Specialist in contemporary wooden furniture, Japanese manufacturer Karimoku New Standard has refurbished the House of Switzerland’s restaurant Degustazione utilizing a collection of furniture designed by Swiss studio BIG-GAME . Partnering with each other since 2009 symbolizes the successful crossover between the two groups, merging the heritage and expertise of Japanese craft with the dynamism of Swiss design. The Castor series, exhibited here, is crafted from sustainably sourced Japanese hardwoods, while the aesthetic of the Castor chair is based on the ergonomics of traditional Swiss café-style furniture. This cross-cultural collaboration blends the unique perspectives of Karimoku’s craftspeople with an international group of designers, presenting new standards in Japanese furniture design. 

HAY / New Works / Vero × Hannes & Fritz present: The Joy of Being Outside

With the three outdoor furniture collections — designed for HAY , Vero, and New Works — the Swiss-German studio allows visitors a moment of conviviality and joy as they convene outside. With the designers finding joy from working outside, they hope to translate this happiness through the pieces created. The duo wants to reflect on how their design practice takes them outside of their individual social and professional spheres and outside of their own country. With fresh air, sun, the scents of Spring, and the sound of glasses clinking and laughter, the duo is excited to bring people together outdoors as a reminder that good design can facilitate joyful moments. After meeting during their studies at ECAL, Johannes Breuer and Fritz Gräber set up their design studio, working across the designer’s two resident cities, Stuttgart and Zurich. 

FIRST FLOOR

4321-Market presents: Swiss-Korean Souvenir Market

4321-market , launched by ECAL alumni in Seoul in 2020, is a market that opens yearly around the holiday season, where the public meets new products designed by emerging designers. In 2023, for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Switzerland, 20 designers collaborated and contributed by crafting unique souvenirs that symbolize both countries around the theme of blooming friendship between Switzerland and Korea. These souvenirs serve as tangible reminders, capturing the essence of joyful moments experienced during travels in each other’s country. Swiss-based Designers: Victor Moynier & Amandine Gini, Anne Bachmann, Nina Treichler, Kevin Dizami, Anthony Guex, Eva-Maria-Beer & Flavia Brändle, Laurin Schaffner & Kosha Ahmadi, Milagros Rodriguez Korea-based Designers: Chelsea Jihong Park, Yesul Jang, Mingoo Yoon, Minoh Song, Yeyeon Park, Youjeong Jeong & Jakob Reuter, Soyoung Kim, Seungmok Lee. 

HFTG Zug — The School of Technology and Design presents: Taking Joy in Responsible Design

The School of Technology and Design (HFTG) is working with its students to find innovative ways to cool public spaces. Under the project title Taking Joy in Responsible Design, they are configuring an urban cooling system that can capture wind, provide shade, or disperse water. Using new technology, the project aims to create a space where visitors can feel comfortable under intense sunlight to continue enjoying the city. In a world where climate patterns are becoming more extreme because of human impact, projects like this seek to find a balance between the environment and human comfort. Students showcase their innovative research and development by addressing issues surrounding public spaces and simultaneously demonstrating the joy found in responsible design.

NOV Gallery presents: Out of the Woodworks

Seeking to restore the balance between people and the planet, the Out of the Woodworks open call by NOV Gallery challenges designers and makers to demonstrate a new appreciation for the value and role of timber in today’s material world. While wood is placed as a sustainable material option when sourced from responsibly managed forests, this project invites us to look at its reuse by using an existing wooden object as the starting point. In reimagining the objects and reinventing their aesthetic or function, it blends craft and high tech with each project underpinned by a circular mindset. And, in exploring more meaningful methods of creation, joy is experienced in the knowing that it contributes to a positive and more sustainable future. Participating designers: Elsa Audoin & Robin Delerce, Renaud Defrancesco, Georg Foster & Leonard Kraettli, Amandine Gini & Victor Moynier, Gabriel Hafner & Alex Nguyen, Valentin Dubois, ScheideggerPauli, Noelani Rutz and Aleksandra Maria Szwec.

CLAIRE+LÉA presents: Anima IV

In a partnership with Workshop 4.0 from Valais, CLAIRE+LÉA is exploring the visual and emotional potential witnessed in a robotic arm. Taking a functional and industrial tool, the design duo are connecting it to the realm of design and art by using it to elicit various emotional reactions from viewers through elements of surprise, amusement, apprehension, and joy. The project, which is possible thanks to democratizing such technology as the KUKA robotic arm, hopes to redefine our relationship with new technology through a poetic and sensitive format. Enveloped in a paper structure, the installation explores a new perspective on the interaction between the robot and the material and its response to air resistance.

Estelle Bourdet presents: La Cordée

Transforming discarded climbing ropes into handwoven rugs, this project is the embodiment of joy through the act of repurposing and giving new life to such materials. Resulting in functional and decorative pieces, they add a vibrant ambiance to interior spaces while telling a story of resilience and adventure by evoking memories of past climbing experiences. Hoping to resonate with those who enjoy outdoor activities, the project embraces traditional craft and the beauty found in handmade creations. With its implementation of up-cycling, the project also exudes a sense of hope through its environmental responsibility while allowing the user to experience joy as much as the creator did in making them.

Luc Reinacher presents: OruBench

In the quest for more design-led, adaptable furniture solutions, the OruBench is a grid-like seat comprising three individual stools. Seamlessly integrating to form a bench, the stools remain hidden until they are removed, increasing the seating capacity to accommodate up to six people. With its unexpected functionality, the OruBench addresses the challenges of everyday life with a playful perspective. Users can take apart and reconnect the stools with ease, resulting in a transformation that not only changes its silhouette but also reveals new patterns on the seats — another unexpected joyful element. Through moments of discovery, the designer allows users to feel a sense of contentment while subsequently providing solutions to everyday problems.

NEUNOI presents: NEUNOI

Sneakers Approaching every aspect with a circular mindset, the NEUNOI sneakers can easily be repaired and repurposed, ready to be passed onto the next child once they have grown out of them. With replaceable soles made from biodegradable KUORI materials, the shoes can safely and efficiently have multiple lives after being repeatedly repaired. The playful palettes the brand uses add to the joy it exudes, centering its focus on the most joyful members of our society today: children. And, thanks to its continual repair service, each shoe becomes unique.

SALIENTI presents: Seilinee 

An edition of glass vases, Seilinee evolved as a playful game with innovative outcomes. Working with Murano-based artisanal experts and glass blowers, the intricate process needed them to break free from tradition as the shapes were conceived through unique, modular wooden molds. Handmade by a specialist carpenter, the unfamiliar molds led to interesting results that make up the collection displayed today. Finding joy through such compositional possibilities, the duo emphasizes the importance of fostering ethical collaborations to ensure growth for all while exchanging a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

ScheideggerPauli presents: Vidy Chair 

An outdoor seating solution designed for the terrace of Théâtre Vidy-Lausanne, the Vidy Chair  is composed of a canvas seat and a tubular galvanized steel frame. The terrace, which overlooks Lake Léman and the Alps, is a place where one can sit and absorb the breathtaking vista, all from the comfort of the Vidy Chair. Taking inspiration from Swiss garden furniture and the theatre’s architectural details, the chair is designed to encourage playful interaction with its bespoke castor rolls and versatile configurations. When not in use, the chairs can be stored in a nest-like arrangement, offering added practicality for the venue. The chair also has detachable tables and parasol holders, making it applicable to multiple scenarios. While centred on functionality and form, it allows guests to enjoy the cultural settings of the region in style.

Tabea Wschiansky presents: Para 

Seeking to raise awareness of how people with disabilities are rarely considered by major brands when developing sports and outdoor clothing, Tabea Wschiansky is on a mission to disrupt the sector. Designing solutions that marry desirable aesthetics with adaptable functionalities, the visionary creative has conceived Para — a rain cover for people in wheelchairs, allowing them to enjoy the outdoors in style. Designed to be easy to use even with limited mobility, the cover also has a leg protector, which can be folded into a small package and taken with you to be used as and when needed. Helping people in wheelchairs to dress optimally for outdoor activities, Para also allows them to do so independently without the help of others.

Varia Instruments presents: RDM40

Joy being a key element driving dance culture for decades, Varia Instruments aims to contribute to extending such happy moments on the dancefloor by creating mixing consoles of superior quality. Transferring the joy from the DJ directly to the club-goers, the brand is ensuring its superior sound quality and allows such states of enjoyment to thrive. With all the devices handcrafted in Bern, Switzerland, the in-house production team prides itself on meticulous attention to detail. Once built, each unit undergoes an extensive measurement routine before leaving the workshop and taking residence in living rooms, bars, and clubs all over the world.

SECOND FLOOR

Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW presents: The Factory of Joy 

The Institute of Contemporary Design Practices (ICDP), as part of the Basel Academy of Art and Design , is exploring the notion that joy is essential to design practice and a vital ingredient to creativity. With students approaching each project positively, they continue to implement joy while critically analyzing their working methods and the paradigm of design with its linear problem-solving approach. Conceived within a cabinet of wonders that plays with the perception of space, this exhibition showcases a diverse collection of objects alluding to such emotions that lay the foundation for many art and design projects undertaken. The work has been created by Bachelor and Master students who address questions of technology, culture, and sustainability, with the installation inviting visitors to engage in thought-provoking narratives.

MUDAC, PLATEFORME 10 presents: Back to the source

Could miracles be a design project? The Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts in Lausanne has initiated a project centered on Switzerland’s natural springs and their extraordinary properties. Led by Colombian designer Felipe Ribon , the project explores the stories, rituals, and customs associated with the miraculous spring waters and their connections to redemption, healing, purification, leisure, and fertility. By emphasizing the link between natural elements, faith, and joy, the project proposes objects designed to enhance and facilitate contemporary rituals and the uses of these waters. Offering magical experiences within the House of Switzerland, it provides a unique retreat for visitors, reconnecting them with the irrational yet effective joy and hope felt in its presence. In a time when eco-anxiety can feel overwhelming, the project also highlights the solace and harmony found in connecting with water.

Dimitri Bähler presents: Factor Light / DB20

Developed with flexibility in mind, the Factor Light has a rotatable core that can be positioned to provide 360° of infinite movement, enabling users to create an environment personalized to their needs. Crafted from extruded aluminium, with an integrated LED bulb, the lamp can be used alone or grouped alongside others by implementing bridge connectors. Designed for HAY. Echoing the design approach behind the Factor Light, the DB20 ceramic tableware collection plays with light and shadow through two- and three-dimensional patterns. Glazed on the inside, the seven pieces have a raw exterior finish, giving them a softer tactility. It also alludes to the contrasting emotions surrounding joy and how joy is experienced through such distinctions.

Hannes & Fritz presents: Weekday / May / Hongkong

Presenting three products as part of the exhibition, each piece represents one of three outdoor furniture collections with a core focus on the joy felt from being outside. The duo wants to reflect on how their design practice takes them outside of their individual social and professional spheres and outside of their own country. Utilizing the language of design to cross geographical borders and connect cultures, the Swiss-German duo collaborates with companies from Italy and Denmark that have a strong and established design heritage. Designed for HAY, New Works and Vero.

Sébastien El Idrissi presents: Stack

Nature fills us with joy, and this project intends to allow this concept to propagate within urban environments. By creating stackable pots and frames that come together in a versatile system, El Idrissi hopes it will encourage users to grow almost anything within the urban areas and gardens they have access to. With planters made today often rotting or rusting after a short period, he is presenting a solution that integrates well into the architectural setting and offers increasing durability and, subsequently, more appeal. Through such a system, people can enjoy and interact with nature wherever they are and receive a glimpse of the liberating feeling of wandering through a park or forest. Designed for Swisspearl .

Super150 presents: Berninox

Founded on a passionate commitment to sustainability, Berninox is seeking to disrupt the oral hygiene sector with its future-focused design sensibilities and attention to detail. Without any compromise on quality, the Berninox toothbrush is made from a stainless-steel handle and an ocean plastic replaceable head with recycled bristles. All components are manufactured in Switzerland, and an integrated clip mechanism allows for simple head replacement. With its conscious creativity at the heart of its operation, the studio is helping us make better choices through a responsible design approach. 

All exhibitors at House of Switzerland Milano 2024 were nominated by an independent jury made up of renowned specialists: Johanna Agerman Ross / London, United Kingdom — chief curator design museum, founder and director of Disegno . Alessio Ascari / Milan, Italy — founder and creative director of Kaleidoscope magazine and Capsule , curator of Spazio Maiocchi . Wataru Kumano / Miyota, Japan — founder and designer of the design office Kumano . The projects and design ideas involved reveal essential qualities of functional aesthetics and also contribute to the design of a more resilient and sustainable world. 

project info:

name:  House of Switzerland Milano 2024 | @prohelvetia

location: Casa degli Artisti, Via Tommaso da, Cazzaniga Corso Garibaldi, Milan

presented by: Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and Presence Switzerland

artistic direction : Dorothee Dähler, Kaj Lehmann, Lukas Marstaller, Oliver-Selim Boualam, Yeliz Secerli

• milan design week 2024 (56)

PRODUCT LIBRARY

a diverse digital database that acts as a valuable guide in gaining insight and information about a product directly from the manufacturer, and serves as a rich reference point in developing a project or scheme.

• exhibition design (546)
• Hermès (76)
• design interviews (49)
• nendo (270)

designboom will always be there for you