Exploring Rasa, a remote car-free village in the Swiss Alps - in pictures

  • The village of Rasa is one of the smallest villages in Ticino, with no more than 20 people living here year-round. Photo: Switzerland Tourism
    The village of Rasa is one of the smallest villages in Ticino, with no more than 20 people living here year-round. Photo: Switzerland Tourism
  • Rasa is surrounded by breathtaking Swiss and Italian peaks. Photo: Switzerland Tourism
    Rasa is surrounded by breathtaking Swiss and Italian peaks. Photo: Switzerland Tourism
  • Getting there involves a ride on the Centovalli train, one of Europe's most picturesque railway journeys. Photo: Swiss Travel System
    Getting there involves a ride on the Centovalli train, one of Europe's most picturesque railway journeys. Photo: Swiss Travel System
  • The Centovalli line connects Switzerland and Italy. Photo: Vigezzina Centovalli
    The Centovalli line connects Switzerland and Italy. Photo: Vigezzina Centovalli
  • Travellers can reach Rasa by cable car from Verdasio station house, or via a 40-minute hike through the hills. Hayley Skirka / The National
    Travellers can reach Rasa by cable car from Verdasio station house, or via a 40-minute hike through the hills. Hayley Skirka / The National
  • The tiny cable car soars over green valleys. Hayley Skirka / The National
    The tiny cable car soars over green valleys. Hayley Skirka / The National
  • The car fits eight passengers at a squeeze. Photo: Vigezzina Centovalli
    The car fits eight passengers at a squeeze. Photo: Vigezzina Centovalli
  • Visiting Rasa is like stepping back in time, to a place of stillness and serenity. Hayley Skirka / The National
    Visiting Rasa is like stepping back in time, to a place of stillness and serenity. Hayley Skirka / The National
  • A wild flower filled meadow overlooks the rooftops of Rasa. Photo: Switzerland Tourism
    A wild flower filled meadow overlooks the rooftops of Rasa. Photo: Switzerland Tourism
  • Rasa's location means it exists in something of a microclimate, with mountain shelter and sun-soaked slopes Photo: Switzerland Tourism
    Rasa's location means it exists in something of a microclimate, with mountain shelter and sun-soaked slopes Photo: Switzerland Tourism
  • A stone house off one of only two main streets in the village. Hayley Skirka / The National
    A stone house off one of only two main streets in the village. Hayley Skirka / The National
  • A yoga session under the shade of a tree. Hayley Skirka / The National
    A yoga session under the shade of a tree. Hayley Skirka / The National
  • Several swings have been installed in picturesque locations across the country as part of the Swing the World initiative. Hayley Skirka / The National
    Several swings have been installed in picturesque locations across the country as part of the Swing the World initiative. Hayley Skirka / The National
  • Rasa is one of 19 remote villages in the Centovalli offering amazing views, endless nature and several hiking trails. Hayley Skirka / The National
    Rasa is one of 19 remote villages in the Centovalli offering amazing views, endless nature and several hiking trails. Hayley Skirka / The National
  • Casa Rasa is one of the village's busiest spots, where people can book a room, enjoy lunch or stop for a drink. Hayley Skirka / The National
    Casa Rasa is one of the village's busiest spots, where people can book a room, enjoy lunch or stop for a drink. Hayley Skirka / The National
  • The tiny mountain village is a serene escape where travellers can immerse themselves in nature. Photo: Vigezzina Centovalli / Rob Lewis
    The tiny mountain village is a serene escape where travellers can immerse themselves in nature. Photo: Vigezzina Centovalli / Rob Lewis