The border between Italy and Switzerland is a stunning frontier of high alpine peaks, serene glacial lakes, and picturesque valleys. It separates the Italian regions of Lombardy and Piedmont from the Swiss cantons of Ticino, Valais, and Graubünden. While Switzerland’s membership in the Schengen Area means you won’t typically face passport checks when crossing, it is crucially not part of the EU Customs Union. This results in an active and visible customs presence at all crossing points. Major road crossings include the Great St. Bernard Pass (and its associated tunnel), the Simplon Pass, and the extremely busy motorway at Chiasso, which is a primary commercial route between Italy and Northern Europe.
A fascinating geographical anomaly on this border is the town of Campione d’Italia. It is a small Italian exclave, a piece of Italy located entirely within Swiss territory on the shore of Lake Lugano. This creates a unique administrative situation. While it is sovereign Italian territory where the Euro is the official currency, its telephone services, waste collection, and other utilities are integrated with Switzerland. This historical quirk makes for a fascinating stop for those interested in the intricate details of European borders.