locarno tourist information

Things to Do in Locarno, Switzerland - Locarno Attractions

Things to do in locarno, explore popular experiences, tours in and around locarno.

The Grand Switzerland Private Tour (5 days)

Skip the Line: Falconeria Locarno Ticket

BikeBrix Scenic Cycling Tour in Lake Maggiore Ascona Locarno

Sato Code Escape Room across Locarno

Valle Verzasca: Ascona 007 Dam & Crystal Waters Swimming

Ascona & Locarno private guided tour

Verzasca valley, river and waterfall + Ascona private guided tour

Lugano & Morcote, Lake Lugano, private guided tour, from Lugano

Lugano Region Guided Excursion from Lugano to Monte San Salvatore by funicular

Monte Brè Tour from Lugano by funicular

Walking tours.

Top Attractions in Locarno

Other Top Attractions around Locarno

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Private sightseeing tours, tours & sightseeing.

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The Ultimate Guide To Locarno, Switzerland

The gem of southern Switzerland lies on the northern shores of Lake Maggiore. Between storied squares and churches and modern luxury hotels and parks, the city of Locarno offers up the perfect balance of history and resort-like leisure to want to stay forever. To spend a perfect day or two (or happily more) in Locarno, Switzerland , here’s everything you absolutely need to know.

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

Intro to Locarno, Switzerland

Locarno is perched at the very top of Lago Maggiore, one of Italy’s largest lakes (the largest lake in southern Switzerland.) The city enjoys the sunniest days per year in Switzerland, which helps to explain why the vibe is so relaxed and happy.

The Locarno locals speak Italian, nestled on the edge of the Italian-speaking region of Ticino, Switzerland (and just a stone’s throw away from Italy itself.)

Locarno is surrounded by many other small and cozy towns, all with a view over Lago Maggiore: Ascona to the west, Minusio and Muralto to the east, and Orselina and Brione Sopra Minusio perched above Locarno. It is also 45 minutes from Lugano, the largest city in the Ticino canton.

Things to Do in Locarno, Switzerland

Piazza grande.

Piazza Grande is the hub of Locarno and its coolest characteristic is in the name – it is grande. The huge main square is lined with restaurants and shops at the foot of classic, luxury pastel buildings.

Madonna del Sasso

I’ll just say it – Madonna del Sasso is the most beautiful spot in Locarno and the one you can’t miss. Everything about the scene takes your breath away – including the hundreds of steps it takes to reach it.

Push through the pain because the views, the church’s elaborate interior, and the history of this being a notable pilgrimage site are all overwhelmingly powerful and beautiful to experience.

You can read all about the church’s interesting history here .

By the way, if you’re not a stairs person, you can also take the cable car up to the church. But now, in early 2022, it is closed for renovations.

Get the Best View: Madonna del Sasso is, no doubt, breathtaking up close, but the best view of the church is with the entire landscape of Lago Maggiore and the southern Swiss Alps framing it like a painting. You can get this view by walking up just a few more stairs (push through, it’s worth it!) and crossing to the Cappella , a red and yellow chapel perfectly perched on the mountainside facing Locarno’s religious jewel.

Take a ride up the mountains

Locarno lies at the base of the Cardada and Cime mountain peaks. From the photo, you can see one of three cable cars you have to take along the way to reach the top of the sacred mountain (which ties into the story of the Madonna del Sasso church and pilgrimage.)

This area is perfect for hiking and mountain biking, and because Locarno is one of the sunniest places in Switzerland, you can engage in these activities nearly year-round.

And of course the views get even more incredible the higher you go!

One of the nicest things to do in Locarno is simply walking along the manicured boardwalk that stretches all across the upper-western shore of Lago Maggiore.

The various parks and benches make it a perfect place to picnic, or at least pause throughout your active day, and also explore the smaller surrounding towns of Locarno, like Muralto.

Church of San Quirico

As you venture up along the boardwalk and through quaint, chic neighborhoods, you’ll soon come across characteristic stone structures standing tall above the Lungolago. This is the Church of San Quirico, which dates back to the 14th century.

You can enter the small, humble church and sit in its pergola-covered courtyard, which has an amazing view over the lake. (Head up the stairs of the caretaker’s quarters to see the view unobstructed by fence.)

Walk a little past the church and to the left is the Villa San Quirico, a small pristine park that capitalizes on its real estate at the edge of the lake.

Castello Visconteo

At the edge of the Piazza Grande is the Castello Visconteo, dating back to at least the 13th century and now a museum and a Swiss Cultural Property of National Significance.

The castle is closed during the winter season, so keep this in mind when planning your trip to Locarno. It operates from March/April to October. At 10 CHF, it’s one of the cheapest activities to do in Locarno! You can buy tickets for your visit here .

Valle Verzasca

A detour to the Valle Verzasca is well-worth adding to your Locarno itinerary! Just a scenic and windy 30-minute drive away are spectacular valley landscapes.

There’s only one road and the seclusion of the area shows. The tiny villages are mostly made up of archaeic stone houses – a feast for the traveler’s eye.

One of the first things you’ll see when traveling deeper into the valley is the Contra Dam (better known as the Verzasca Dam.

It is a humongous dam that creates the Lago di Vigorno (of which there wasn’t much of when I visited in winter 2022.) If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you may want to check this place out: it’s a famous spot for bungee jumping.

Adrenaline junkies keep listening! Valle Verzasca is a perfect place to go canyoning.

And one of the most popular spots is the Ponte dei Salti , where a perfect summer day entices many to jump into the river off of the characteristic bridge. (Many do it but – do this at your own risk – it is not actually recommended to jump in!) It’s not a monitored swimming area, so you must be cautious.

While the bridge is beautiful, the most incredible part is the unique boulder and rock formations all along the Verzasca River.

Other Attractions

Locarno film festival.

Who knew the small characteristic city of southern Switzerland was home to one of the most prestigious film festivals in Europe?

The event is larger-than-life: enthusiastic filmgoers nab tickets to be one of up to 8,000 seated in the Piazza Grande to watch the newest and best in cinema unfold before them.

This year, 2022, is the festival’s 75th anniversary, taking place from August 3rd to the 13th. Find out more details at the festival website !

Falconeria Locarno

Random or awesome? Why not both! Locarno is home to the Falconeria Locarno, a show/animal park dedicated to birds of prey. It’s a particular activity and not the cheapest, but would be perfect for travelers with children, staying for a longer time in Locarno, or animal lovers!

You can check out prices here.

Lido Locarno

During summer, the Lido Locarno comes alive. This isn’t just any old swimming pool – it’s a water park. Thermal baths. And beach access to Lago Maggiore’s shores.

The complex is huge and has prime real estate on the lake, so consider making it a stop on your itinerary during the summer months (especially if you are visiting Locarno for more than one day.)

Up for more? Another interesting thing to do in Locarno is walk the Planet Way, a 6 km long hike that follows a scaled model of the solar system. You can read more about it here .

Where to Eat in Locarno, Switzerland

Al porto café lago locarno.

The cutest spot for breakfast or afternoon coffee is Al Porto Café Lago Locarno , across from the lakeside boardwalk. The location resembles Parisian café culture, with a long bench with little tables facing outwards on the sidewalk, so you can enjoy people-watching as much as sipping on your cappuccino.

The brand also has other chic bakeries and café locations throughout the Ticino region, which you can see on their website linked above.

INKA Bistrot Bar

Traditional Swiss… Poke Bowl? Inka may not be the most characteristic place to eat in Locarno but it’s good food and moreover, good vibes. The place is modern and slightly hipster and the menu is on the cheaper side for Switzerland (still expensive for any other country) and most importantly, the food is quality and plentiful.

While most of the main dishes hover around 20-25 CHF (about $22-27), they offer sizable poke bowls for 17 CHF. I’m not saying it’s the cheapest meal I’ve ever eaten as a traveler, but it was decent for a Swiss restaurant!

I enjoyed my lunch here and recommend it if you’re looking for healthy and fresh food options!

Where to Stay in Locarno

Hotel dell’Angelo – You won’t find many places in Locarno to stay in for under $100 per night. Luckily Hotel dell’Angelo not only caters to budget travelers but is also perfectly located in Piazza Grande

Hotel Garni Rio – Hotel Garni Rio is conveniently situated by the Locarno train station. Even better, the hotel is housed in a 19th-century pearl white, elegant villa. It’s not much more than the $100 mark, but still falls in the mid-range budget for accommodation in the area.

Casa Colmanicchio – Casa Colmanicchio is the most unique hotel on this list and definitely boasts the most incredible panorama. High above Lago Maggiore in Cardada, this hotel has a restaurant with a terrace and a limited number of rooms, perfect for nature-lovers and those who love to feel small in the presence of incredible views.

Hotel la Palma Au lac – The more expensive hotels are along the shores of the Lungolago, but if you use discount sites like HotelTonight , you may be able to score empty rooms for cheaper. The price per night hovers around just over $200, but the luxe atmosphere and prime location are what you pay for.

Hotel Lago Maggiore – The Hotel Lago Maggiore follows suit. Another mid-century modern resort-style hotel exudes posh vibes and high-end amenities, all while taking advantage of their up-close view of Lago Maggiore. It’s a bit cheaper, just under $200 per night.

Travel Tips for Visiting Locarno

How to Reach Locarno

To reach Lugano by car, you will have to wind through the Alps until you get to the sprawling valley at Lago Maggiore’s northern shore.

Before arriving in the city, you’ll travel through the Mappo-Morettina tunnel which is 5.5 km long, a medium length tunnel, but nonetheless impressive (and something to be aware of.)

Locarno’s streets are well-manicured, but quite narrow, and you’ll find many traffic lights.

I’ve already dived into all of the details about what it’s like traveling by car, so read all about driving in Switzerland before you go.

Train transportation in Switzerland is robust. Locarno is well-connected to all other major cities via train.

The Locarno train station is located in Muralto, just a ten minute walk from the Locarno center.

You can find out more information about the station and timetables here .

Ticino Ticket

The Ticino Ticket is a way of traveling within the Ticino region. It’s free, but the only way to get it is by staying at a hotel, hostel, or campsite for at least one night.

The Ticino Ticket allows you to use public transport in the region of Ticino for free! And you can also take advantage of discounts from its partners.

Read more about it on this page .

Good to know: Locarno’s nearest airports are Lugano (LUG) 42 km away, Milan Malpensa (MXP) 117 km away, and Milan Linate (LIN) 133 km away.

My passenger seat duty is to scour the Internet for parking lot reviews and websites seeking the ultimate budget traveler’s treasure: free parking.

Unfortunately, I failed to find free parking in Locarno. But there is plenty of paid parking that at least costs much less than in other Swiss cities.

The perfect (and cheapest I found) place to park was Parking Centro Arco , smack right in the center of town.

Good to know: The pay machine did not accept credit cards, but it accepted both euros and Swiss francs. However, of euros, it only accepted bills, not coins. Don’t rely on your card to pay for parking nor euro coins!

If you are spending the night in Locarno, try to book accommodation that offers a parking spot included (or at least parking that won’t break the bank.)

Currency & Budget

Switzerland’s currency is the Swiss franc (CHF), but in Locarno (and many other places in Switzerland) euros are accepted. With that in mind, I would still convert some cash into Swiss francs while traveling through Switzerland for small bills, like parking, for example.

Locarno is expensive; not as expensive as Zurich or Lucerne, but more expensive than most places in Europe. While lodging is always a huge chunk of a travel budget, what kills your wallet in Switzerland is the cost of food.

Locarno is not a huge city, so I would recommend taking a day trip or passing through for a night or two on your Switzerland itinerary.

When you add up just parking (or transportation) and food (based on all three meals), the minimum daily budget for one traveler is around 85 USD – and that’s if you stick to cheap/average menus. Of course, it’s just an estimate, so you can always look to cut costs by packing food, eating to-go sandwiches from delis, or using some of my favorite budget travel secrets.

Locarno vs. Lugano

The two cities of the Ticino canton get mixed up a lot! And you may be wondering which is more worth it to see, especially if you have a limited amount of time.

Locarno is smaller, quainter, more nature-oriented, and feels more like a laidback resort-town.

Lugano is the biggest city in Ticino, has a lovely boardwalk, and also has its fair share of nature activities.

Personally, I liked exploring Locarno more. I crave visiting more underrated destinations and being surprised by the beauty they have to offer.

If hidden gems are what you like to include on your travel itineraries, then visit Locarno.

If you’re after a more bucket-list experience, then visit Lugano.

Final Thoughts

Is Locarno worth visiting? Yes!

You may have other areas of Switzerland high up on your list: cities like Lucerne and Zurich , villages like Lauterbrunnen. Locarno tourism isn’t quite at the level of those locations, but that’s what also makes it special: you get to uncover its beauty like you’re the first one to do so.

I would say visit Locarno if the amount of time in Switzerland you have allows it. It’s a resort destination, so life moves slower than the faster-paced cities that are typical highlights of a Switzerland itinerary.

The best part about Locarno was the atmosphere: calm, sunny, happy. You can’t ask for much more out of travel destinations!

What questions do you have about visiting Locarno?

I’ll answer you in the comments!

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I hope you’ve found this guide to Locarno, Switzerland helpful!

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

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Must-see attractions in Locarno

Santuario della Madonna del Sasso

Overlooking the town, this sanctuary was built after the Virgin Mary supposedly appeared in a vision to a monk, Bartolomeo d’Ivrea, in 1480. There’s a…

Castello Visconteo

Named after the Visconti clan that long ruled Milan, this fortified 15th-century castle’s nucleus was raised around the 10th century. It now houses a…

You can feel just how close you are to Italy when exploring Locarno's hilly Città Vecchia (Old Town), an appealing jumble of piazzas, arcades, churches…

Piazza Grande

Locarno’s Italianate Città Vecchia (Old Town) fans out from Piazza Grande, a photogenic ensemble of arcades and Lombard-style houses. A craft and fresh…

Parco Muralto

Locarno’s climate is perfect for lolling about the lake. Bristling with palms and ablaze with flowers in spring and summer, these gardens are a scenic…

Chiesa di San Francesco

Standing on the site of a 13th-century Franciscan monastery, the 16th-century Chiesa di San Francesco is adorned with frescoes by Baldassare Orelli. Note…

Pinacoteca Casa Rusca

This gallery occupies a beautifully restored 18th-century townhouse, Casa Rusca. The permanent collection zooms in on 20th century paintings, sculpture…

Falconeria Locarno

Time your visit to catch one of the impressive displays of falconry here – they take place at 11am in the morning and 3pm in the afternoon. Birds showing…

Chiesa Nuova

Guarded by a giant bas-relief St Christopher with disproportionately tiny feet, the baroque-gone-mad, 17th-century Chiesa Nuova has cherubs and stucco…

Parco delle Camelie

Wander among fragrant camellia blooms in spring at these pretty lakefront gardens. The park is home to 850 varieties.

Chiesa di Sant'Antonio

Standing proud on a fountain-dotted square, this church is best known for its altar to the Cristo Morto (Dead Christ).

#1 Insider tips to visit Lugano & Locarno!

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The 7 Best Things to Do in Locarno

- switzerland -.

The 7 Best Things to Do

– Switzerland –

by Ana Alexa, 15th of February 2023

Locarno is one of the most beautiful regions of Switzerland. There are plenty of things to do around every corner and most of them are family-friendly! Rivers, lakes, campsites , hotels , and outdoor activities offer travelers in search of adventure the best they can expect. So, once you have done the 10 best things in Lugano , you are also ready for 7 best things to do in Locarno:

Enjoy a spectacular view from Cimetta-Cardada

One of the best things to do in Locarno is to get on top of the Cardada mountain. It is that beautiful that locals named it The pearl of Lago Maggiore ! On top of Cardada you can also do great outdoor activities: breathtaking  paragliding tandem flights, family-friendly excursions , and even  mountain bike trails! Last but not least, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over Locarno, the Maggia River, Lake Maggiore, and the Brissago islands.

www.cardada.ch

Explore the secluded canyons of Valle Maggia

Valle Maggia is an amazing destination for all outdoor lovers, and actually it has some of the most beautiful and famous canyoning spots in the world. You can find everything here that is cool in canyoning. From playful little slides and jumps to abseils in 100m waterfalls. Amazing rock formations, crystal clear green water and a lot of fun and excitement awaits you during these tours. Come and join  Ticino Outdoor ‘s well-prepared team and have an experience of a lifetime!

https://ticinooutdoor.com

Let eagles fly over your head in Locarno

At the Falconeria of Locarno, you can discover the fascinating world of large birds of prey at close range. Get ready to admire and photograph few feet away, eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, marabou, ibis and storks. These beautiful birds, with incredible speed, elegance and intelligence, will bring you to a new dimension, in close contact with nature. Soon after entering the falconry of Locarno you will feel like you are going back to an ancient time, in which the collaboration with hunting animals was essential for subsistence of all humans.

www.falconeria.ch

Spend a day of wonders in the Verzasca Valley

One of the most beautiful and surreal places in Ticino is definitely Valle Verzasca . At the time of an ancient glaciation, this valley used to house an impressive glacier that, through its melting, gave birth to the spectacular Verzasca river. With its clear emerald waters, the Verzasca river flows majestically through huge polished rocks and a beautiful landscape. In the summer season, the spots with the quietest waters turn into inviting natural pools where, with due attention, you can swim, dive and have a lot of fun!

www.ticino.ch

Experience bungee jumping like James Bond

If bungee jumping is on your bucket list, then you have to do it in Ticino! This attraction, located between Lugano and Locarno, takes its name from the wonderful jump that James Bond did in the movie Goldeneye. It is located at the Verzasca dam which stands out with an incredible height of 220 meters. It takes a great deal of courage to jump from such a tall dam, but bungee jumping is certainly an adventure that you will remember for your whole life. Please bear in mind that this bungee is open mainly in the summer and only limited time in spring and autumn.

www.trekking.ch

Try canyoning in the Verzasca Valley

One of the top places in Ticino is the famous Verzasca Valley , where an emerald river flows between huge and majestic boulders. Right here you can experience a wonderful canyoning adventure, thanks to the professional team of Purelements . Get ready to plunge from small natural waterfalls, slide from white polished granite slopes and have lots of laughs with your friends! There are numerous routes from which you can choose, based on your physical preparation and your desire for adrenaline.

www.purelements.eu

• 1 Understand
• 2.2 By train
• 2.3 By plane
• 3.1 By bike
• 3.2 On foot
• 3.3 Ticino Discovery Card

Locarno is a city at the northern end of Lake Maggiore in Switzerland . The city, along with Venice and Cannes , hosts its international film festival, the third oldest important cinema festival in the world.

Understand [ edit ]

Locarno was a spot for the rich and famous to meet and cure (real or supposed) ailments due to its climate and clean air. It was here that foreign minister Stresemann of The German Weimar Republic managed to negotiate a rapprochement with Britain and France that earned Germany re-admittance into the League of Nations and him the Nobel Peace Prize. However, as Stresemann died in 1929, the peace he helped build ultimately did not last.

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

From the east, take highway A2 Basel to Chiasso , exit at Bellinzona South, direction Locarno. After the Magadino airport, take the A13 highway, direction Locarno. After the tunnel, the first exit will take you to the center of Locarno. Parking available in the new Piazza Castello parking.

From the west, take the road along the coast of Lake Maggiore from Verbania through Cannobio and the Brissago customs. Then take the A13 highway, direction Locarno. An alternative, from Simplon and Domodossola , is the Valle Vigezzo and Centovalli road, direction Locarno.

By train [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Lugano airport. Then take the bus to Lugano and the train to Locarno.

Get around [ edit ]

By bike [ edit ]

Bike rental can be found at the train station ( Piazza Stazione , Tel. +41 91 7436564 ). Rental fee: Fr. 30/day (08:00–19:00).

On foot [ edit ]

Most of the city can be explored on foot. The Main Square Piazza Grande is walking distance from Main Railway station. Old Town of Locarno is behind Piazza Grande.

Ticino Discovery Card [ edit ]

With this card you get access to all major tourist attractions in Ticino canton including unlimited travel on public transport, cable cars, furniculars and museums. Price of the card is Fr. 87. People holding Swiss GA Travel card or Half fare card get Fr. 10 discount. Card is valid for 3 days. A real good deal to discover Ticino and is available at major hotels, hostels, train station and Tourist Offices. [1] [dead link]

See [ edit ]

• 46.169132 8.793011 2 Città Vecchia ( Old town ). ( updated Aug 2015 )
• 46.169545 8.791359 5 Pinacoteca Casa Rusca ( Casa Rusca Gallery ), Piazza S. Antonio , ☏ +41 91 756 31 85 . ( updated Aug 2015 )

Do [ edit ]

• Walk the Lake Maggiore promenade
• Take a boat trip on Lake Maggiore .  
• 46.171213 8.799663 1 Ride a funicular , Viale Balli 2 , ☏ +41 91 751 11 23 . Take a historical funicular up to the old monastery of the Santuario della Madonna del Sasso and cable car station, from where you can take the cable car above the town to approx 1,600 m, or walk back down into the town via the monastery and a stone pathway, approx 30 minute walk down. Single: Fr. 4.80; Return: Fr. 7.20 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Moon and Stars Music Festival . In July attracts international acts.  
• Falconeria Locarno . An interesting show of birds like Peregrine Falcon, American Eagle, White Owls and Vultures. Check the show timing before reaching the place.  
• Other events . See. ( updated Nov 2017 )

Buy [ edit ]

Most of shopping areas are in the arcades of Piazza Grande or in the Old Town. You can find out very interesting boutiques, sport shop, handmade jewels and many kinds of particular store offering specialities in old town of Locarno.

Eat [ edit ]

• Albergo Ristorante Cittadella ( old town ). Fish specialties and pizza.  
• Osteria Borghese ( old town ). Traditional.  
• Pizzeria Primavera ( old town ). Pizza, icecream.  
• Ristorante Universo . Pizza, pasta, and more.  
• Ristorante Vallemaggia ( old town ). Original, good quality/price ratio, operated by a foundation.  
• Govinda ( old town ). Indian vegetarian.  
• Marnin ( old town ). Breakfast / tea time.  

Drink [ edit ]

• Bar Sport . Free entry, house music.  
• Bar Castello . Free entry.  
• Bar Pardo . Free entry.  
• Cantina Canetti . Free entry.  
• Max's way ( old town ). Aperitifs lounge music.  
• Vanilla Club . Disco in Riazzino, expensive, good house music.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

• Campsite Lago Maggiore , Via Lido 4 ( In the neighboring village of Tenero ), ☏ +41 91 745 18 48 , [email protected] . Family-friendly campsite at the shore of Lake Maggiore. Reservation possible.  
• YHA Locarno , Palagiovani, Via Varenna 18 ( 15 minutes walk from the central station ), ☏ +41 91 756 15 00 . Budget travellers hostel, single and multi person rooms, clean and modern.  
• Pensione Olanda , Via ai Monti 139a . Bed-and-breakfast-style pensione; beautiful breakfast terrace with views of the lake; wonderful innkeeper Irmgard Balbina, very helpful.  
• Kon Tiki B&B , Via Fiorina 1 ( Two minutes walk from Piazza Grande ), ☏ +41 79 325 55 46 , [email protected] . Fr. 49 per person .  
• Hotel Casa DaVinci , Via Bartolomeo Rusca 6 ( in the old town ), ☏ +41 91 751 30 64 , [email protected] . Beautiful historical building. From double rooms to 6 bed flats, well suited for families. Lift, free WLAN, bike rental outlet are all there.  
• [dead link] Ramada Hotel Arcadia , Lungolago G. Motta , ☏ +41 91 756 18 18 . This hotel offers children programs.  
• Hotel du Lac , Via Ramogna 3 ( Near the shore of Lake Maggiore ).  
• Hotel Dell'angelo , Piazza Grande . Great location, although some travellers complain of the noise at night.  
• Hotel Gottardo Garni , Via San Gottardo 18 .  
• [dead link] Castello Schloss-Hotel , Via B. Rusca 9 / S. Francesco 7a . (min. 3 nights) .  
• Hotel Belvédère Locarno , Via ai Monti 44 , ☏ +41 91 751 03 63 , [email protected] .  
• Hotel Alexandra , Via San Gottardo 43, 6602 Muralto , ☏ +41 917 432 523 , [email protected] . Fr. 150 for a room without shower .  
• Mirafiori , Via al Parco 25 , fax : +41 91 743 77 39 , [email protected] . Three star hotel. Small, on the south hill of Locarno, 2km from the city center and from the railway station. Double room from Fr. 240 (season of April 2009).  

Go next [ edit ]

• Verzasca Valley

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Together In Switzerland

All Things Swiss

Locarno Facts: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting

Zoe | Ticino

The beautiful destination of Locarno is a gorgeous destination to spend a few days as a tourist, so some of these Locarno facts are well worth knowing before your visit. Locarno has lots on offer, with these facts sharing some unique things that you can learn from.

Located on the northern side of Lake Maggiore, Locarno is part of the Ticino canton in Switzerland and easy to reach. Read on to see a list of Locarno facts!

Locarno Facts

Since it’s the canton of Ticino, it gets around 2,300 hours of sunshine per year. So you can expect lots of tourists but also local Swiss enjoying their weekends and vacations here.

With a short bus ride, you can swim at the crystal clear waters of the Verzasca valley and see Lavertezzo . This gorgeous location is popular among locals and tourists, for the swimming but also hiking in the area.

Locarno has many festivals, with the international Locarno Film Festival hosted every August being the biggest. It attracts more than 8,000 people per night of film fans and industry professionals. They all come together to see the latest filmmakers and showings.

Visconteo Castle dates back to the year 998 and classed as one of the most important buildings in Locarno. Once owned by the Viscontis family, it then was taken over by federal bailiffs who enforced their own laws. These days you can visit the castle all year round.

You can travel 1,671m up the mountain with a funicular. That’s high right! The cable car first takes you through the gorge to Orselina, and then to Cardada. From here you can then change to the chairlift that makes the final ascent to Cimetta .

From Locarno, you can visit the Locarno Dam, also known as the Verzasca Dam . This is the 4th largest dam in Switzerland at 220 meters high, and for the adrenaline junkies, you can bungee jump here!

The Camellia Park has more than 850 different camellia varieties. It’s the perfect park to sit and relax with a book while surrounded by these beautiful flowers.

Check our full detailed post about the Best Things To Do In Locarno ! CLICK HERE

The Piazza Grande in the city centre is one of the biggest squares in Switzerland. You can find the weekly market here on Thursdays.

You can take a scenic train tour to Domodossola, Italy which passes over 83 bridges and viaducts. It’s a gorgeous 52km route passing cliffs, flower meadows, waterfalls and forests.

The Franciscan Santuario della Madonna del Sasso (Our Lady of the Rock) church is the most famous place of pilgrimage in the Ticino canton. The foundations date back to August 1480 and is beautifully decorated inside. It can be reached from Locarno.

The last known population was recorded around 16,000 residents living in Locarno.

The Pact of Locarno , from December 1925, is a series of agreements whereby France, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Great Britain mutually guaranteed peace in western Europe. These treaties were initialed in Locarno.

Locarno was once one of the three capitals of the canton, alongside Lugano and Bellinzona . This was until 1878.

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Places to Visit in Locarno | Locarno Travel Guide

Switzerland is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Although it generally attracts tourists with its cold climate, winter holidays and mountains, Switzerland actually has a small but warm city with a Mediterranean climate and Italian beauty: Locarno!

Locarno is the town with the warmest climate in Switzerland. October was almost over when we visited Locarno and it was raining. Despite the bad weather, we felt as if we had come to a summer town in Italy. You feel like you are in Italy rather than Switzerland, as the city is only 13 km away from Italy.

You can find answers to questions such as what are the places to visit in Locarno, where to stay in Locarno, where to eat in Locarno, how to get to Locarno in this article.

Brief Information About Locarno

• Locarno is located in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. The official language of Locarno is Italian.
• The city hosts the Locarno International Film Festival every August, which includes open-air screenings on the main square, Piazza Grande .
• It’s said that the Locarno castle may have been built by Leonardo Da Vinci . (claimed by Italian historian Marino Vigano)
• Locarno was once territory belonging to the Roman Empire.
• It is one of the warmest towns in Switzerland.
• Locarno cuisine, architecture and lifestyle have been influenced by its Italian neighbors to the south.
• Although only one fourth of Lake Maggiore, on which the city is built, belongs to Switzerland, this lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland with its unique view.

Where Is Locarno, Switzerland?

Locarno is located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino , south of Switzerland. Located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore at the foot of the Alps, Locarno is just 13 km from Italy. As part of Lake Maggiore is located in Switzerland and the rest in Italy, it’s the common lake of both countries.

How to Get to Locarno? Locarno Transportation

Getting to Locarno is very easy. If you are traveling within Switzerland, you can reach Locarno by high-speed train.

The distance between Zurich and Locarno is about 200 km. You can easily cross from Italy to Locarno. Since you will already be traveling in Europe with your Schengen visa, you can enter from neighboring countries without any problems.

Getting by car

If you want to travel by car and if you are coming from the northern side of Switzerland, you have to cross the Gotthard Tunnel . You enter the tunnel by car through the town of Göschenen in the German canton of Uri, and exit through the town of Airolo in the Italian canton of Ticino. Thanks to this 16.9 km long tunnel, the road between the south and north of Switzerland is shortened by half an hour. Before the tunnel was built, it was necessary to go over the mountains through the Gotthard Pass .

However, as this tunnel can shorten the journey, it can also make it longer. On crowded days, you may encounter terrible traffic and be stuck on the road for hours. If you try to go in the direction of Italy on Friday evenings and in the direction of Switzerland on Sundays, you will be stuck in traffic. It’s a good idea to stay away from the Gotthard tunnel on the weekend.

When you arrive in Locarno, you can park your car at Parcheggio Centro Castello . If you can’t find a place, there are many parking spaces nearby. You can find the prices here .

Getting by train

You can buy your train tickets here . If you buy tickets in advance (even 1 day before), you have the chance to get discounted tickets from this site. Otherwise, you can purchase your tickets directly from the ticket machines at any train station or from the SBB offices.

If you are coming from the direction of Zurich, you may usually need to transfer in Bellinzona . The journey takes an average of 2 hours.

If you are coming from Italy, for example from Milan, you can still get your ticket from the website of SBB, from the link I shared above. It takes 2 hours 45 minutes from Milan to Locarno.

Public Transportation within the Canton of Ticino

When you stay in Canton Ticino, they will give you a Ticino ticket valid for the duration of your stay. With this ticket you can use all public transports in Ticino free of charge. If your hotel forgets to give you your free transportation ticket, be sure to remind them, get your transportation ticket from your hotel.

Places To Visit In Locarno: 9 Places You Must Visit In Locarno

1- lungolago di locarno.

Locarno is a beautiful city where you can just sit on a bench and watch the lake and mountains. So just as you get off the train or park your car, go to the lakeside “Lungalago di Lorcarno” and walk along the beach, then sit on a bench and watch the view.

In addition to walking on this palm tree-lined coast, you can swim in the beaches or in the pools at the lakeside facilities.

2- Old Town – Piazza Grande

After completing your tour on the lake, head straight up to the old town. You will find the city square  Piazza Grande which is surrounded by perfectly restored 19th-century buildings. You can also visit an open-air market, which has been a tradition since 1164 and is held every Thursday.

Also, as I mentioned before, when the International Film Festival is held in this square every August, the square turns into a complete open-air cinema. You can go to Locarno in August just to attend this festival.

3- Madonna del Sasso

Now let’s talk about the most interesting part of Locarno. According to legend, this place of worship on the Locarno rocks was opened upon the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Bartolomeo, one of the monks of the Locarno monastery. The temple is also one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations.

To get to this church, which is located at an altitude of 370 m above sea level, you have to climb a path with stairs that will take about 20 minutes.

Along the way, there are chapels representing the breaks Jesus took while walking with the cross on his back. You should definitely go on foot because the scenery is excellent along the way. And it’s interesting because it’s a path where pilgrims walk.

However, if you don’t want to walk, you have the option of the funicular here .

Church opening hours: 07.00 – 18.30 Funicular times: It departs every 15 minutes between 08.05 – 19.35. Ticket prices are 7.20 francs round trip and 4.80 francs one way. You can check current prices here .

When you reach the top, incredible views will be waiting for you.

You can also see important works of art, sculptures and paintings behind the church.

4- Visconteo Castle Archaeological Museum

In January 2004, Italian historian Marino Vigano said that this castle may have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci . And it was accepted as a Da Vinci project after 7 years of work.

Castello Visconteo, now an archaeological museum, is located right next to the old town. Today, only one-fifth of the original building from the 15th and 16th centuries remains, the rest has been rebuilt.

Tickets are only CHF 10 and entry times are as follows:

Tuesday-Sunday 10: 00-12: 00 14: 00-17: 00

5- Camellia Park

In these charming gardens by the lake, you can stroll among the camellia flowers in spring. The park is home to 850 kinds of flowers.

The park consists of a series of sections like a labyrinth, and you can take a meditative walk with the sounds of birds and the waves of the lake while walking around the park. Entry is free.

Opening Hours;

1 March – 30 September: 09:00 – 18:00 1 October – 28 February: 09:00 – 16:45

6- Verzasca Valley

The Verzasca Valley has wide trails of about 300 km. You can take a walk in the lake, participate in the activities on the sports tracks, and take mountain walks.

If you are an adrenaline junkie, you can do bungee jumping. Just like James Bond did in the opening scene of Golden Eye. From a height of 220 meters, you can jump between the narrow rocky walls of the mouth of the Verzasca Valley. (I can’t even dream of it haha)

You need to spend a full day in this place. If you don’t have that much time, you can tour Locarno early in the morning and move on to the Verzasca Valley before noon.

7- Moon and Stars Music Festival

If you have your trip in July, a magnificent music festival will welcome you. Moons and Stars Festival is not only the biggest festival in the Southern Alps but also the most atmospheric! The city square is turned into a concert venue and world-famous artists come to this festival.

8- Lake Maggiore Boat Tours

You can take a boat to the villages, ports and cities on the other side of Lake Maggiore.

Here you can find both price and trip information.

9- Small Tourist Train

The easiest and most enjoyable way to see the city’s highlights can be this small tourist train that tours Locarno and Ascona. During the tour, you can listen to the history of the city. For this 30-minute journey, you need to buy the tickets when you get on the train. Tours run from March 19 to October 24, with the first tour starting at 11 am.

Departure from Locarno: Departure from the touristic port, 2 minutes from the train station.

When to Visit Locarno

In Locarno, which has 2,300 hours of sunshine a year, southern plants such as palm trees and lemon trees grow and this adds a great beauty to the city. In order to visit the city with plenty of sun and enjoy the Mediterranean climate, it’s better choose summer.

You can enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere of this city, which is influenced by Italy in every sense, by planning your trip between June and October.

Where to Stay in Locarno? Locarno Accommodation

Hotel prices in Locarno are quite high. Accommodation in the most reasonable hotel starts from CHF 150 per night. You can check the hotels here .

Average one night price for mixed rooms is CHF 50-60. It can be a good alternative if you are a group friends. You can also make many friends if you are traveling alone. You can find the hostel list here .

Camping Area

Locarno has an area where you can camp. Prices vary between 45-60 francs per night. The link is here .

Bed & Breakfast

Stefano and I usually prefer Bed & Breakfast because it has a more cozy atmosphere generally. B&B prices in Locarno vary between 60-90 Francs. You can find the list here .

Mountain Huts

If you want to sleep in the beautiful mountain air and spend a day in touch with nature, the mountain huts here are just for you!

Where to Eat in Locarno? Restaurants in Locarno

I am sharing the restaurants we’ve chosen for you below. You can access their location and information by clicking on them.

• La Fontana Ristorante & Bar
• Osteria del Centenario
• Osteria Chiara
• Ristorante Dell’Angelo

As a special recommendation I would like to recommend L’Archetto . It’s a tiny take away style place, but they have incredibly delicious pizzas. These Roman style pizzas are called “pinsa romana”.

Locarno Webcam

From here you can watch Locarno and see the weather forecast live before you go.

Click here to read about the weekend we spent in Locarno. You can check Ascona travel guide here !

You can find travel articles about Switzerland here !

What did you do or plan to do in Locarno? Are there any other places that you think must be seen? Let’s meet in the comments!

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Things to do in Ascona and Locarno on Lake Maggiore

Although it might be one of the lesser known Switzerland tourist spots for non-Europeans, Europeans have been visiting the Swiss shores of Lake Maggiore for many years.

Attracted by the picturesque towns and villages around the lake, the stunning natural beauty of the nearby valleys and a Mediterranean climate, it’s not hard to see why this part of the  Canton of Ticino in Switzerland, appeals.

This part of Switzerland is Italian-speaking and the architecture, lifestyle and cuisine have all been influenced by the southern neighbours over the centuries. Most residents also speak German, French and some English, and English is widely spoken at tourist sites.

It may not be the largest lake in the country – in fact, only about a quarter of Lake Maggiore belongs to Switzerland – but it is certainly one of the prettiest lakes in Switzerland with this part of the lake sometimes referred to as Lake Locarno.

Whilst they are all beautiful, with a different landscape and a very different climate, Lake Maggiore is quite unlike other Swiss lakes like Lake Thun or Lake Geneva.

If you want to visit a part of Switzerland that is still mostly off the tourist radar for native English speakers, then I highly recommend the north western shores of Lake Maggiore.  Don’t just visit the more popular Swiss destinations of Lucerne , Montreux and Interlaken , include at least a couple of days around Lake Maggiore in your itinerary.

Amongst the natural beauty and tranquility, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Ascona, Locarno and the surrounding towns on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

What's in this Article

Things to do at Lake Maggiore

Whilst Locarno and Ascona are often mentioned in the same breath, they are actually two separate towns divided by the River Maggia.  Locarno is the larger of the two with a population of around 15,000 residents and it claims to be the sunniest town in Switzerland.

Things to do in Locarno

Your first stop should be the lakefront and the Promenade Lungolago Giueseppe Motta . This palm tree-lined promenade is where ferries depart regularly for other towns around the lake.  To the north there’s a lido – featuring indoor and outdoor pools, thermal baths and waterslides – that is open year-round.

Not far away you’ll find the Old Town, known as Citta Vecchia, and the town’s heart, Piazza Grande .  Lined with beautifully restored 19th-century arcaded buildings, the Piazza Grande is home to a weekly market that has been held every Thursday since 1164!  

It’s also home to the Moon and Stars Festival and the Locarno Film Festival, when it becomes a spectacular outdoor cinema.

Grab a drink at one of the many cafes around the Piazza Grande before heading to the Locarno funicular station for the short trip to the 15th-century Santuario della Madonna del Sasso at Orselina.

The funicular operates year round. Return tickets cost CHF 7.20 per adult.  Ticino Ticket holders receive a 20% discount, Swiss Travel Pass holders receive a 25% discount.

TIP: You can either disembark at the Santuario funicular stop or continue to the end station which is just above the church.

Built on a rocky outcrop overlooking Locarno and Lake Maggiore, the church, whose name translates to Our Lady of the Rock,  is one of the most important religious sites in Italian-speaking Switzerland.   Pilgrims have flocked to the site since 1480 when, according to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to Bartolomeo of Ivrea.

Visitors today appreciate not only the church’s wonderful views – be sure to take in the panorama from the porticoed veranda – but also its beautiful frescoes, oil paintings and the 16th-century altarpiece ‘Flight into Egypt’.  I was particularly impressed with the lifesize statues of Jesus Christ and the Twelve Disciples sharing the Last Supper.

For even better views, walk the short distance from Madonna del Sasso to the cable car station to Cardada .  Here, a cable car ascends to Cardada (1340 metres above sea level) in just five minutes where you’ll find a couple of restaurants, a playground, picnic areas and a viewing platform that extends out from the mountainside.

A short walk brings you to the chair lift station for the final ascent (eight minutes) to Cimetta (1670 m). The observation platform at Cimetta offers breathtaking 360 degree views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Alps and it’s a great spot to watch paragliding enthusiasts launch themselves off the mountain.

Both Cimetta and Cardada offer a host of walking trails during the warmer months but even if you’re not feeling quite so energetic, the mountain is the perfect place to spend a few hours immersed in nature and admiring the stunning panorama.

• Return fares from Orselina to Cardada cost CHF 28 per adult and CHF 14 per child.  
• Return fares from Orselina to Cimetta cost CHF 36 per adult and CHF 18 per child.

Ticino Ticket holders receive a 30% discount, Swiss Travel Pass holders receive a 50% discount. Travel is free for children who holder a Junior Card.

The Cableway and chairlift are closed from mid-October to mid-December.  > Click here for further details .

Fun Fact: From Cardada-Cimetta you can see both the lowest and highest points of Switzerland! Ascona The Brissago islands are the lowest at just 193 metres above sea level whilst Piz Dufour on the Monte Rosa massif is the highest point at 4634 metres.

After you’ve had enough of the views (I doubt you’ll ever get sick of them, though!), head back down to Locarna where, at Falconeria Locarno , you can witness birds of prey in their enclosures and in full flight.  Eagles, hawks, owls and vultures put on a spectacular show twice a day under the guidance of their handlers.

Picnic areas and a playground make a visit to the Falconry fun for the whole family.

The Falconry is open year round with reduced hours from November to March.  > Click here to buy your tickets online

Garden lovers should make it a priority to visit Locarno’s Camellia garden which is located on the lakefront. Here you’ll find more than 850 varieties – including 130 double camellias – providing a flowering period of more than nine months. 

The park consists of a series of beds that form a trail alongside of which visitors can wander, admiring both the beautiful blooms and the nearby lapping waters of the lake.

Parco delle Camelie part of the Gardens of Switzerland organisation which showcases the most beautiful gardens in the country.  It is open year round and entry is free.

Everyone deserves a bit of pampering, right? Of course they do – and Termali Salina and Spa in Locarno is one of the best thermal spas in Switzerland and the perfect spot to indulge.

The largest salt water baths in Ticino, Termali Salina is divided into four areas – saunas, baths, spas and treatments and gastronomy – and are designed for guests to move through the stages in order to enjoy the most immersive and relaxing experience.

With an idyllic lakeside location and a unique multi-level design with cascading pools, caves and a rooftop terrace, there’s no better place to unwind.

Day tickets cost CHF 32 per adult, reductions apply for children.  > Click here to buy your tickets online 

Termali Salina and Spa is open from 9am to 9.30pm September to June and 10am to 9pm in July and August.  Reduced hours apply on public holidays and special occasions.  

Perfect any time of the year, if you are wondering what to do in Locarno on a rare rainy day, this is the answer.

Major Festivals in Locarno

• Locarno Film Festival – August   
• Moon & Stars – July   
• Locarno on Ice – November-January   

Where to stay in Locarno

There is a wide range of Locarno accommodation to suit all budgets including hotels, apartments, youth hostels and camping.  In fact, Tenero, on the north shore of the lake, has a number of 4* and 5* campsites.

Some of the most highly-rated Locarno, Switzerland hotels include:

>> Hotel Belvedere Locarno – This 4* superior hotel sits on a sunny slope just above Locarno and offers lovely lake and mountain views.  > Click here to check prices

>> Hotel Millenium – Situated on the lakefront and just a two minute walk from Piazza Grande, this 3* hotel features modern, comfortable rooms at a great price. > Click here to check prices

>> For a real luxury experience, why not book a room at the 5* Villa Orselina , just 50 metres from Madonna del Sasso.   The hotel features an outdoor pool with stunning panoramic views over Lake Maggiore. > Click here to check prices

Known as ‘The Pearl of Lake Maggiore’, Ascona may not have all the attractions that its neighbour Locarno does but its picture perfect lakefront setting is enough to entice visitors from far and wide.

With a row of brightly coloured buildings lining the lakeside promenade, Ascona’s charm is infectious.  It’s hard not to love it.

Things to do in Ascona

Strolling along the car-free lakefront promenade, called Piazza Giuseppe Motta , is a must. Hotels and restaurants are housed in many of the buildings along this strip and in the warmer months al fresco dining is a popular pastime. Pizza and pasta dishes are plentiful – and delicious!

It’s from the promenade that regular ferry services depart for Isole di Brissago and various other ports and it’s also home to a market every Tuesday (April to October) where you can buy typical Ticino foods, handmade crafts, jewellery and souvenirs.

Behind the promenade, Ascona’s narrow ancient alleys are also worth exploring.  This is the heart of Ascona’s shopping district and you’ll find everything from gelato and clothing to souvenirs and high-end watches.  If you fancy an hour or two shopping, Ascona is the place to be.

From mid-March until mid-October you can discover the sights of Ascona on the Tourist Train . The 30-minute journey departs from the lakefront, travelling past the Lido and golf course and some of Ascona’s most expensive property.  It’s a good way to see more of the town and learn more about the history of Ascona via the audio guide that’s included with your ticket.

As I mentioned above, the Ascona promenade is one of the departure points for a visit to the Brissago Islands and the Botanic Gardens of Ticino . Begun in 1885, the 2.5 hectare island is home to over 1700 different plants and flowers from the five continents of the world with Mediterranean climates.

Walking paths lead visitors through gardens which represent the different continents. There are lots of interesting garden rooms to explore and it’s easy to spend a couple of hours wandering amongst the plants.

With a terrace overlooking the gardens and the lake, the restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy lunch and you can also stay the night in the island’s hotel.

The Botanical Gardens are open daily from 9am to 6pm from April to October. Entry costs CHF 7 per adult and CHF 2.50 per child (6-16 years).  Ticino Ticket holders receive a reduction.

Ferry services to Isole di Brissago from either Ascona or Brissago cost around CHF 20 return per adult.

Major Festivals in Ascona

• Ascona Jazz Festival  (also known as JazzAscona) – June   
• Polo Cup Ascona – July

Where to stay in Ascona

>> Eden Roc – Ascona’s most famous hotel, the Eden Roc would surely be the best place to stay on Lake Maggiore. This 5* property is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World group and features two swimming pools, 4 restaurants, a large wellness and spa area and an ideal position right on the lake at the end of the Promenade. > Click here to check prices

>> Castello de Sole Beach Resort and Spa – Another 5* Ascona hotel, this one belongs to the Relais and Chateaux group.  Set on a 14-hectare private park, the hotel features its own private lakeshore, wellness centre, gym, tennis courts and a golf course. > Click here to check prices

>> Hotel Le Meridiana Ascona – Situated on Piazza G. Motta and overlooking the lake, the 4* Le Meridiana is housed in a traditional Ticinese building. There’s an indoor swimming pool, sauna and spa, a large terrace and a reading room in the building’s 13th-century tower. > Click here to check prices

There are also numerous apartments and B&Bs available for rent in Ascona. > Click here to check prices

It may be less well-known than Locarno and Ascona but Brissago makes a perfect base when visiting Lake Maggiore.  Just five kilometres from the Italian border and nine kilometres from Ascona, the lakeside location is just as picturesque.

A regular bus service operates between Brissago, Ascona and Locarno, so you can easily access the larger towns and all they have to offer, even if you don’t have a car. The fare is covered by the Ticino Ticket.

Things to do in Brissago

Whilst there are no significant attractions in Brissago (although it is famous in Europe for its cigar factory), it has an attractive lakeside promenade where you’ll find a number of excellent restaurants.  I can highly recommend dining al fresco on a warm summer’s evening.

From Brissago, ferries depart for Isole di Brissago and Ascona, and you can also enjoy a variety of half-day cruises to Italy during high season.  The half-day cruise to the markets at Cannobio (Italy) is one of the most popular. 

Where to stay in Brissago

>> Sunstar Hotel Brissago – This 4* hotel is just 50 metres from the lakeside promenade.  Housed in an Italian villa-style building, the hotel features a pool and wellness centre and large comfortable rooms. Choose a room with a balcony for wonderful views over the lake. > Click here to check prices

Read my review of Sunstar Hotel Brissago here >>

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Valle Verzasca

As beautiful as Lake Maggiore is, it’s not the only reason to visit this part of the Ticino region.  Less than half an hour from Locarno, the Verzasca Valley is a narrow, green valley that has been formed by the turquoise waters of the Verzasca River.

You can reach the valley by the PostBus service from Tenero (bus #321 departs from outside the train station) but if you have a car, you will have more flexibility with your arrival and departure times as bus services are infrequent.

Things to do in Valle Verzasca

After climbing the steep, winding road from Tenero toward the Valley, you arrive at Lago di Vogorno , an artificial lake.  The 220-metre high dam wall which holds back the water was made famous in the James Bond movie Golden Eye when Bond (played by actor Pierce Brosnan) leapt from the wall. 

Today, Bond-wannabes can repeat the scene (well, almost) by bungy jumping off the dam wall.  > Click here for more info and prices   

Further along the valley you can turn left off the main road and cross the river towards Corippo .  It’s not a drive for the faint hearted but it’s well worth a few white knuckle moments to reach Switzerland’s smallest village with just 14 inhabitants.

Corippo has been recognised as a national monument due to its cultural heritage and, wandering amongst the tightly packed stone houses that cling to the mountain, it’s not hard to see why.  

With so few inhabitants there are no shops in the village but across from the church a cafe serves drinks and snacks on a terrace with stunning views.  Hiking is popular in the area and you can even go rafting on the Verzasca River. > Click here for further details and prices  

Parking spaces in Corippo can be hard to come by so you may prefer to park near the bridge by the main road and walk up to the village.

Continuing along the main road into the valley, you’ll come to the village of Lavertezzo and its famous double-arched bridge, Ponte di Salti. The original bridge – which dated back to Roman times – was partially destroyed in 1868 and it wasn’t until 1960 that it was reconstructed in typical medieval style.

The bridge is chocolate-box perfect but it’s what lies below that makes this part of the Verzasca Valley so popular.  Turquoise water, as clear as you’ve ever seen, flows through a series of huge rocks that it has carved away over the centuries.

During the summer – when I visited – it’s a hugely popular spot for swimming, sunbaking and jumping off the bridge.  If you do fancy a dip, be warned – the water is extremely cold, even in summer. 

In high season and on weekends, finding a parking space can be a challenge.  There are numerous car parks along the roadside but, due to the narrow valley, they are spread out and you may need to walk a couple of kilometres to the bridge.  Parking fees apply.

The ‘jump bridge’ may be the main attraction in Lavertezzo but it’s also home to the pretty 18th-century Madonna degli Angeli church with Baroque features.

You’ll probably have to drag yourself away from Lavertezzo but if you continue on to Sonogno, you won’t be disappointed.

Located at the very end of the Verzasca Valley, Sonogno is a picturesque village of well-preserved stone houses.  It may be tiny, but it’s easy to spend an hour or so wandering the narrow streets and admiring the craftsmanship of the builders of yesteryear.

The pretty main square is where you’ll find a couple of restaurants, a small shop and a museum with an exhibition on life in the village in times gone by.  The museum is open from May to October, daily (except Mondays) from 11am to 4pm.

That’s not all Sonogno has to offer, though.  A tarmac path from the main square leads you alongside the river to the impressive Cascata Froda (Froda Falls) which, at 100 metres high, are the highest in the valley. 

Don’t be surprised to have your snaps of the Falls photo-bombed by the local goats (tame, not wild) that graze here in the summer.

There’s a large car park (parking fees apply) at the entrance to the village as you cross the bridge.

As you’d imagine, with such a stunning landscape, there are plenty of hiking trails in the Valley, as well as the 9-kilometre Alta Verzasca mountain bike trail from Brione Verzasca to Sonogno. 

Switzerland Tourism’s campaign ‘ Nature wants you back ’ is designed to encourage visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.  With landscapes like the Verzasca Valley to enjoy, you’d be mad not to get out in it!   

A day in the Valle Verzasca is sure to be one of the best Ticino experiences you’ll have. 

Where to stay in Verzasca Valley

The villages of the Verzasca Valley provide numerous accommodation options including hotels, apartments and B&Bs.  > Click here to check prices

More things to do near Ascona Locarno

Whilst you could easily fill three or four days visiting just a few of the attractions mentioned above, if you have more time to spend in the area or have other interests, there are plenty of other worthy places to consider including in your Ticino itinerary.

Here are just a few:

• The Church of San Giovanni Battista in Mogno – built on the site of the original 15th-century church which was destroyed by an avalanche, the modern day version was designed by Mario Botta.  Built with a striking geometric pattern thanks to its white marble and grey granite walls, the church sits at the end of the Maggia Valley.
• Bellinzona Castles – the three castles of Bellinzona with their medieval fortifications have been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.  Castelgrande, with its twin crenellated towers, is the oldest and most impressive. > Click here to buy your tickets online
• Centovalli train ride to Domodossola – discover the stunning scenery of the Centovalli on a two-hour journey from Locarno to Domodossola aboard the Centovalli Express. On the 52-kilometre ride through the ‘100 Valleys’ you’ll pass waterfalls, alpine meadows, forests and vineyards and cross numerous bridges.
• Lugano & Monte Bre – it’s just an hour from Locarno to Lugano , the lakeside resort town on the shores of Lake Lugano.  Monte Bre, which sits to the east of Lugano, can be reached by funicular and offers beautiful views over the lake.
• Swissminiatur at Melide – if you are travelling with children they’ll love Swissminiatur, where 1:25 scale models of Switzerland most recognisable buildings, monuments and means of transport are displayed in a 14,000 square metre park.

Outdoor activities in Ascona Locarno

Staying active in Ascona Locarno is easy with plenty of options when it comes to outdoor activities.

Hiking, biking, tandem skydiving, paragliding, bungy jumping, canyoning, rafting and llama trekking are just some of the active pursuits you can enjoy.

What is the Ticino Ticket?

I’ve mentioned the Ticino Ticket above so if you are wondering what it is, let me explain.  The Ticino Ticket is a guest card given to guests of hotels, camping grounds and youth hostels in the region. 

The ticket provides free transport on buses and trains and discounted entry fees and cable car tickets.  A booklet is provided with the ticket which lists all the discounts available.

Where is Ascona Locarno?

Ascona and Locarno are located on Lake Maggiore in the Ticino region of southern Switzerland, close to the Italian border.  Locarno is 120 kilometres from Milan, 202 kilometres from Zurich and 366 kilometres from Geneva.

It’s also just 43 kilometres from Lugano , another beautiful lakeside town in Ticino.

How to get to Locarno

Locarno is easily reached by both car and public transport.

If you are travelling from Milan to Lake Maggiore, it takes just under two hours to reach Locarno via the A9 and A2 motorways.

Allow around 2 hours 45 minutes to travel between Zurich and Locarno via the A2 motorway.  Lake Maggiore also makes the ideal stop on a road trip around Switzerland .

The fastest rail service from Milan to Locarno takes two hours and 20 minutes and requires a change of train at Giubiasco.

Journey time between Zurich and Locarno is also two hours and 20 minutes with a change of train required at Bellinzona.

Are you ready to visit Lake Maggiore, Switzerland?

Have I convinced you to Lake Maggiore in your Switzerland itinerary? 

It’s an incredibly beautiful part of Switzerland and with so many things to do in Ascona, Locarno and the surrounding area, whatever your interests, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the area just as I did.

For more useful information to help plan your trip you can read our Ticino Travel Guide here >>

This article was originally published on Holidays to Europe .

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Carolyn Schönafinger

Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Locarno, Switzerland?

• February 22, 2022 September 21, 2023
• Beautiful Towns , General Information

Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Darla Uhl

Located in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland,  Locarno  is a popular tourist destination. Along with its neighboring town of  Ascona , Locarno stands out for its proximity to the gorgeous valleys of the region, its location along the shore of  Lago Maggiore , its magnificent climate, and its stunning old town. 

With its palm trees, pines, and mild climate, Locarno does have a relaxed, southern flair. It offers a wide variety of activities and things to do. A big plus is that it’s also really sunny here too. If you were wondering when is the best time to visit Locarno, Switzerland, then read on. Here’s what to expect in Locarno during the different seasons of the year, as well as the best time for you to visit it.

When do tourists visit Locarno?

Locarno is located in an area considered to be one of the sunniest regions in Switzerland. With over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, Locarno attracts many guests at any time of year . While it may not be one of Switzerland’s famous tourist destinations, lots of tourists still visit Locarno from  April to October . The winters here are spectacular too.

Considering I live north of Ticino, I’d recommend visiting Locarno after the ski season ends and right before the lakes warm up. I think it would be a great place to visit during autumn too, shortly before ski season begins.

As a result of its southern location, autumn, winter, and spring are milder in Locarno than in the rest of Switzerland. The climate of Locarno can be described as humid subtropical. Its summers are warm and humid. Winters are cold but milder than in the rest of northern Switzerland. Snowfall is also relatively low.

Best Time to Visit Locarno

The  best time  really depends on your plans and preferences. I would recommend  April, May, June, September, and October.  During these days, when the ski season is over and swimming season isn’t in full swing yet, flowers begin blooming or leaves change colors in Locarno.

The caveat is that it’s going to be more crowded and it may rain. As long as you avoid the main summer school holiday of July, it will be more comfortable for you.

Locarno in Spring

• It’s the best time of year to visit Locarno in  April  because of the great weather and temperature. 
• Towards the  end of April , there’s more rain.
• May  is Locarno’s wettest month, with an average rainfall of 167 mm  (6.6 in)
• Flowers will start blooming. It’ll be a good time to visit many parks and gardens such as Brissago Islands and Parco Botanico del Gambarogno .
• Hiking is plentiful, but you might get snow on the higher trails at the beginning of the season.
• Cable cars and cog trains may be out of service during this time because of maintenance.  

Locarno in Summer

• Summer lasts from  May  until  mid-September .
• Heavy rainfall is expected during this period, especially in May and June. There are also fairly frequent thunderstorms.
• Temperatures reach 28 degrees Celsius, but on average are around 20 degrees Celsius.
• Peak summer temperatures reach almost 30 degrees Celsius in mid-July. The temperatures rarely fall below 17 degrees at night.
• July  is the sunniest month, with an average of 8.2 hours of sunshine per day.
• Summer is a popular tourist season in Locarno, so accommodation and other living conditions can cost a little more. One of the most popular destinations in summer near Locarno is Valle Verzasca.
• For outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming, the best time of year to visit Locarno would be  between mid-June to mid-September.
• According to the tourism rating, the best time of year to visit Locarno for outdoor activities during the warm season is from  mid-June to mid-September .
• Moon & Stars Music Festival takes place every July for eleven days. It is Ticino’s most popular music event featuring selected musicians who give free concerts every day.
• Locarno Film Festival takes place every August for eleven days. Red carpets will be ready for movie stars during this time. Along with Cannes and Venice, it’s one of the oldest film festivals in the world.

Locarno in Autumn

• Autumn generally is from  mid-September  to  October .
• In Autumn, the temperature starts dropping and so does the amount of precipitation received.
• Severe storms can take place during autumn and this can cause floods throughout the canton.
• The temperature drops to 10 to 17 degrees Celsius from the height of 28 degrees Celsius in summer.
• You will find loads of chesnuts everywhere during this season, especially roasted and candied ones.
• Grape harvest also begins in autumn.

Locarno in Winter

• The months of  November  to  February  are the coldest of the year.
• The temperatures average around 7 to 9 degrees Celsius and snowfall is expected sometimes.
• The weather at this time of year in Locarno is too cold to be pleasant for warm-weather travelers
• Rainfall is very less during these months. You will have the least chance of significant rainfall in Locarno in the months of January, December, and then February.
• The weather at this time of year in Locarno is too cold to be pleasant for warm-weather travelers.
• Weather in winter is ideal for those who want to go skiing, snowboarding, and do other winter sports.

Related Posts

• Most Beautiful Villages In Ticino
• Lugano vs. Locarno: Which is better?
• Locarno: Top Ideas for a Long Weekend
• Zurich To Locarno Train: All You Need To Know
• Locarno or Ascona: Which Town at Lake Maggiore is Better?
• Best Ascona Activities and Attractions
• Valle Verzasca: How to Get There
• Discover Verzasca Valley in Ticino
• What Is Spring Like In Switzerland? Here’s What You Need To Know
• What Is Summer Like In Switzerland? Here’s What You Need To Know

Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.

Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.

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