locarno tourist information

The Ultimate Guide To Locarno, Switzerland

Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Michela

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.

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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!

Find me on: Web | Instagram

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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).

Explore Locarno

Plan Your Trip to Locarno: Best of Locarno Tourism

Essential locarno.

Locarno Is Great For

Eat & drink

Explore Locarno

Plan Your Trip to Locarno: Best of Locarno Tourism

Essential locarno.

Locarno Is Great For

Eat & drink

• Hotel Belvedere Locarno
• Hotel Millennium
• H4 Hotel Arcadia Locarno
• Caffe Dell'Arte Boutique Rooms
• Hotel Garni DU LAC
• L'Archetto Take Away
• Ristorante Pizzeria Perbacco
• Locanda Locarnese
• Isolino Ristorante Wine Bar
• La Rinascente
• Lido Locarno
• Falconeria Locarno
• Termali Salini & Spa
• Piazza Grande

#1 Insider tips to visit Lugano & Locarno!

• Things to Do in Lugano

Things to do in Locarno

• Top Airbnbs
• Best Campsites
• Hotels in Lugano
• Hotels in Locarno

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

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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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• 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 .

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).  

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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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Locarno: Top Ideas for a Long Weekend

• June 20, 2021 October 20, 2023

Last Updated on October 20, 2023 by Admin

Locarno in Ticino is a popular place to go for long weekends. The entire region of Ticino is quite popular with those who live in the German-speaking region of Switzerland, especially in the spring. As soon as the ski season is over, people are looking forward to warmer weather and other outdoor activities. Ticino is usually the first place that comes to mind.

It is not surprising that some visitors to Ticino are also travelers from Northern Italy, specifically Milan, who wish to explore the country bit by bit. Locarno is one of the options along with Ascona. 

The town of Locarno is located in Ticino, on the northern edge of Lake Maggiore. Palms, pines, and chestnut trees surround this place, giving it a Southern flair. There is an abundance of subtropical flora, as well as cafes, frescoes in their churches, and swimming lidos. 

Locarno used to be a very wealthy town centuries ago. Its location made it ideal for collecting customs duty from Italian travelers passing through the Alpine passes. Additionally, they had good markets. However, the reformation forced out 55 wealthy families who moved to the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Zurich became the new home for the families. Zurich, we now know, is one of the wealthiest cities in the country, if not the world.

How can you make the most of your long weekend or stay in Locarno? Locarno offers a wide variety of activities and things to do. Following are some ideas that will make your stay in Locarno more enjoyable.

Piazza Grande 

Piazza Grande – it is the picturesque town square in the center of Locarno. Furthermore, it is the largest square in Ticino.

The Piazza Grande hosts international events, concerts, and festivals, as well as a weekly market every Thursday. The arcades are built in the style of the Lombards and are filled with shops and restaurants. The stones came from the nearby Maggia River.  

Madonna del Sasso

Ticino’s Sacred Mount Madonna del Sasso is one of the most important religious and historical sites in the canton. An apparition of the Virgin Mary is said to have taken place at this Franciscan site. In 1487, it was consecrated. With Lake Maggiore and mountains as its backdrop, the views heading to and inside the church are stunning.  

Getting to the church is easy with the Locarno-Madonna del Sasso funicular. In addition, it is near the base station of the Orselina-Cardada-Cimetta cable car. It is open from 7:00 AM until 6:30 PM. 

Castello Visconteo

Near the old town is Castello Visconteo (also known as Castello Rusca). A Renaissance building, the Castello Visconteo sits in the Piazza Castello on the edge of the old town. The residence belonged to a Captain called Orelli. Next, it passed to the Ghibellines, then to the Viscount of Milan. The name comes from Visconti , the Viscount of Milan who seized it during an attack in 1342.

Currently, it is home to an archaeological museum dedicated to events that transpired or affected Locarno, as well as eighteenth-century artifacts.

Cimetta-Cardada

The mountain Cimetta is located in the Lepontine Alps, above Locarno and Lake Maggiore. Locarno – Madonna del Sasso funicular connects the city center with Orselina. Cable cars connect there to Cardada , where a chairlift takes guests to the summit.

Switzerland’s two extremes can be seen from the top – its lowest point is the delta of the Maggia River, and its highest point is the Dufourspitze on the Monte Rosa massif.

Cardada offers views of Lake Maggiore, the Magadino Plain, the Brissago Islands, and the rest of the Swiss Alps. There is also a playground and a treasure hunt for kids.

If you would like to read more about Cardada Cimetta , you can check out our article Cardada Cimetta Mountain: A Must-Visit Destination For Families .

Falconeria Locarno

Falconeria Locarno is an aviary in Locarno located around 15 minutes from Piazza Grande.

A variety of birds live in the aviary, including eagles, vultures, owls, storks, and falcons. The Birds of Prey Show is the highlight of visiting the aviary. As part of the show, they demonstrate how different birds can fly to and from various places on command. The birds, especially the larger ones, are impressive. Additionally, the place has a restaurant and a small playground for children.

If you would like to read more about Falconeria Locarno , you can check out our article Falconeria Locarno And The Remarkable Birds of Prey Show .

Valle Verzasca

Valle Verzasca is one of the beautiful valleys near Locarno. It is located between Leventina and Maggia and is formed by the Verzasca River. The valley is still considered isolated. In this region, houses are built out of stone and are called Rustici . These stone houses have been converted into holiday homes.

There are several beautiful villages (or hamlets) in the valley, such as Corippo , Sonogno , and Lavertazzo . Lavertazzo is famous for its  Ponte dei Salti  bridge, which is frequented by swimmers. It is a must-see if you are in the area. Located in the valley is the Verzasca Dam, which is known for its 220-meter high bungee jump, which appeared in the James Bond film GoldenEye .

If you would like to read more about Valle Verzasca , you can check out our article Valle Verzasca: How to Get There .

The picturesque town of Ascona , around 7 minutes away from Locarno, is a popular tourist destination. The beautiful waterfront promenade and historical old town make it a perfect holiday destination. There are many Swiss heritage sites in the town of Ascona. In fact, the entire town of Ascona is listed on the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Site s.

A visit to nearby Ascona is definitely worthwhile if you’re in Locarno.

If you would like to read more about Ascona , you can check out our article Is Ascona Worth Visiting?

Valle Maggia

Valle Maggia  is Ticino’s largest alpine valley.

Maggia Valley is formed by the Maggia River and lies between the Centovalli and Lago Maggiore. There are 800 kilometers of hiking trails in the valley, which go through beautiful scenery, waterfalls, stone bridges, typical villages, churches, chapels, fine sand beaches, and more. 

One interesting place to visit in Maggia Valley is the German-speaking village of Bosco Gurin .

Botanic Gardens in the Ascona – Locarno Region

Having mild weather in Lake Maggiore, it’s no wonder there are botanic gardens in and around Locarno. Here are three options for those who want to visit botanic gardens . 

• Camellia Park Locarno (Parco delle Camellie) is located between the Maggia Delta and Piazza Grande. This park has almost a thousand species of camellia.
• Brissago Islands   (Isole di Brissago) are a pair of islands in Lake Maggiore close to Ronco sopra Ascona and Brissago. Isola Grande is a big island with many subtropical plants native to both the northern and southern hemispheres. Open since 1950, the big island has been a popular tourist spot since then. It is possible to reach them by boat.
• Botanic Garden of Gambarogno ( Parco botanico Gambarogno ) is a beautiful garden approximately 25 minutes by car on the right side of Lake Maggiore. Magnolias, camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, conifers, peonies, and junipers cover about 20,000 square meters of this garden. Originally brought to life by Otto Eisenhut, today it is run by his son Reto Eisenhut. This garden has the world’s biggest collection of magnolias with over 450 types. Also present are 950 types of camellias and 400 types of azaleas and rhododendrons.

Summary: Visiting Locarno for a Long Weekend

Visit Locarno , the third-largest town in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino. In the town itself, visitors will find an old town, a piazza (the main square), restaurants, churches, etc. If you have a couple of days in Locarno, it would be a shame not to spend some time exploring the nearby valleys of Verzasca and Maggia ; both offer beautiful scenery owing to the rivers and surrounding mountains. On Lake Maggiore, you can take a cruise on the ship . Stop at Brissago Islands and discover the garden there. It is also possible to go to Ascona , which has a beautiful waterfront and historic buildings.

No matter what you choose, I hope you enjoy your stay in Locarno.

Related Posts

• 12 Best Day Trips From Locarno
• Zurich To Locarno Train: All You Need To Know
• Lugano To Locarno Train: All You Need To Know
• When Is the Best Time to Visit Locarno, Switzerland?
• Best Ascona Activities and Attractions
• Most Beautiful Villages In Ticino
• Falconeria Locarno And The Remarkable Birds of Prey Show
• Lugano vs. Locarno: Which is better?
• History of Bosco Gurin And Why It’s Worth A Visit
• BoBosco Trail In Amazing Verzasca Valley
• Make the Most of a Long Weekend in Lugano
• Corippo, Switzerland: Ticino’s Charming Hilltop Village
• 5 Best Amazing Valleys in Ticino, Switzerland
• Best Italian Switzerland Cities and Towns

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.

• Darla Uhl https://www.touringswitzerland.com/author/tswriter/ Exploring Bauen: A Traveler's Guide
• Darla Uhl https://www.touringswitzerland.com/author/tswriter/ Aathal Dinosaur Museum and Trinity the T-Rex
• Darla Uhl https://www.touringswitzerland.com/author/tswriter/ Feet First: Exploring the Appenzell Barefoot Trail
• Darla Uhl https://www.touringswitzerland.com/author/tswriter/ Spielzeug Welten (Toy Worlds) Museum Basel Review

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Ascona is Switzerland's lowest lying town. It is located at 196 meters above sea level on the northern shore of Lago Maggiore, also called Lake Langen. Ascona is famous for its mild climate, its Old Town and a lake promenade which is dotted with street cafés and boasts a Latin ambience.

Description

The church of San Pietro e Paolo, which is located in Ascona's old center of town, Borgo, is well worth a visit. The church is a basilica dating back to the 16th century. The interior of the basilica is defined by columns. Its high bell tower is the landmark of the vacation destination of Ascona. The branching lanes of the Old Town lead to the car-free zone of the Lake Promenade with its charming street cafés. The Monte Verità, the Mountain of Truth, lies above Ascona. People who subscribed to philosophies off the beaten track established a colony here at the beginning of the 20th century. The colony attracted celebrities from all over the world. Today the mountain is a place where the universities of Lucerne and Zurich hold seminars, and a museum showcases the history of the alternative colony and its founders.

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• Parks and Squares
• Family experiences

Winter sports

• Wintersport activities
• Swiss Ski School
• Climatic data
• Swisstravelcenter Hiking Maps
• Swisstravelcenter Mountainbike Maps
• Swisstopo Hiking Maps

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