Lake Maggiore has a lot to offer. Discover the seven most beautiful places here, from the Bolle di Magadino to Locarno, Ascona or the Parco Camelie.

Text and pictures by Marc Gottwald

 

The palm trees blow in the warm wind. And the best pizzas are baked in the restaurant next door.

Of course, always with a view over the beautiful lake “Lago Maggiore”.

Yes, Italian-speaking Switzerland has it all. And with this Lake this region has a great plus point.

It is a region in Ticino and Switzerland where I always enjoy spending time.

 

History and key data on Lake Lago Maggiore

Lake Maggiore , with a depth of 177 meters, is the largest lake in the south of Switzerland and stretches for about 65 km. The lake and its shores are divided between the Swiss canton of Ticino and the Italian regions of Lombardy and Piedmont. This means that only about 13 kilometers are on Swiss territory, the rest of the Lake Lago Maggiore belongs to Italy. The lake was formed on the one hand due to the movement of the glacier and on the other hand due to its melting.

Archaeological findings on Lake Lago Maggiore prove that the lake has been inhabited for a long time. Nomadic inhabitants lived here thousands of years ago. The area was dominated by the Ligurians, among others, who were subsequently conquered by the Celts. Again, the Celts were replaced by the Romans, who named the lake “Lacus Maximus”. However, the Roman Empire fell; since then, the lake has been controlled by various dominions.

The region around Lake Lago Maggiore offers many attractions and sights. Locals and tourists take part in great outdoor activities or visit the most beautiful places around the lake.

Activities on Lake Lago Maggiore are for example:

• Take a scheduled boat trip: There are various scheduled boats on Lake Lago Maggiore that connect Swiss and Italian towns. Why not take a trip to Italy? Or visit the “Brissago Islands”?
• Fishing: Fishing enthusiasts can catch perch, pike, trout and carp in huge sizes.
• Sailing: Lake Lago Maggiore is attractive for sailors. Among other things, sailing events take place in the summer.
• Swimming: There are various swimming pools that can be visited around the lake.

The seven most beautiful places around Lake Lago Maggiore

Here are the best places to visit near Lake Lago Maggiore.

Locarno

Locarno is a charming holiday resort located directly on Lake Lago Maggiore in Ticino. The southern flair is unmistakable due to the palm trees and the warmer climate. Above the old town is the church of Madonna del Sasso. History claims that it was built after the apparition of the Virgin Mary.

Madonna del Sasso can be reached comfortably by bus from Locarno. From this exceptional site, there is a beautiful view over Locarno in Switzerland and the surrounding countryside as well as the Alps. In the narrow streets of Locarno you will even find a 12th century castle, the Castello Visconteo. One fifth of the original state of this castle has been preserved.

Of course, you must also walk along the shores of Lake Lago Maggiore. In spring (end of March) you will see the most beautiful cherry blossoms and magnolia trees. In addition, almost the entire lakeshore in Locarno is decorated with beautiful flowers during this time.

Ascona

Also on the shores of Lake Lago Maggiore and right next to Locarno is Ascona. The old town center with the lake promenade is a popular place for tourists. And yes, this town is beautiful too.

In summer, you can rent a pedalo right on the lake promenade in Ascona and enjoy the dolce vita in Lake Lago Maggiore.

Ascona offers everything your heart desires: an outdoor pool, boutiques, tennis courts, a golf course, elegant hotels and restaurants. Visitors can also take part in water sports such as boating, sailing and surfing. Finally, in summer there are opportunities for hiking, cycling and exploring the beautiful countryside. One of my tips is Ronco sopre Ascona, which we’ll look at it in the following paragraph.

Ronco Sopre Ascona

Ronco Sopre Ascona is a municipality in the canton of Ticino, located right next to Ascona. This place is called the “balcony of Lake Lago Maggiore” and offers a breathtaking view over the lake, the surrounding mountains and the Brissago Islands. For me, Ronco sopre Ascona is the most beautiful place on this side of the lake.

The old center of the municipality is characterized by a rustic appearance with stone staircases, narrow alleys and arcades in the middle of the buildings. In addition, Ronco has a church called S.Martino. The altarpiece of the church was painted by Antonio Ciseri in 1870. There is also a viewpoint in the front of S.Martino. Ronco sopre Ascona is worth a visit especially in spring with the tulips and the magnolia trees in bloom. The view over Lake Maggiore is stunning.

If you are here and like hiking, you should definitely discover the mountains. For example, Pizzo Leone offers an unforgettable view over Lago Maggiore and the surrounding mountains. The easiest way to get there is to drive to the parking lot in Pozzuolo. From there you can start your hikes. Unfortunately, Pozzuolo is not accessible by public transport.

The village can be reached by bus from Locarno in less than 30 min.

Parco Camellia

The Parco Camelie is probably the most beautiful park in Locarno and is located directly on Lake Lago Maggiore. It offers over 850 camellia varieties. These blossom at different times over a period of 9 months, depending on the species.

The Parco Camellia is not only a paradise for camellia lovers, but also for those seeking a tranquil environment. In addition, experts from all over the world have added hybrid and rare species to the collection. An adventure trail has been created in the park. Even small ponds and streams embellish the picture in the park.

You can also find a place for a picnic or a swim while enjoying the sounds of the birds and the waves of Lake Lago Maggiore.

Brissago Islands

The Brissago Islands are a group of twin islands located in the Swiss region of Lake Lago Maggiore, Ticino. They are very close to Ronco sopra Ascona and can only be reached by boat. The larger of the Brissago Islands is called San Pancrazio and is known for its botanical garden. The smaller one is called San Apollinare and has natural vegetation.

Both islands are 200 meters above sea level and take advantage of the climate of the lake “Lago Maggiore”.

Bolle di Magadino

The Bolle di Magadino is located in the middle of the Verzasca and Magadino Plain. Bolle is one of the few estuaries into a lake in Europe (here Lake Lago Maggiore) that are still in a natural state. The Bolle is known for its wildlife refuge and is home to over 300 species of birds and unique flora and fauna.

Furthermore, the area is equipped with nature trails. Therefore, visitors can visit the area without disturbing the natural places. Indeed, leaving the paths is strictly forbidden for the protection of nature.

Visitors can come all year round to the Bolle di Magadino, which borders on Lake Lago Maggiore. In winter, a fairytale dream world with a snow-covered landscape awaits you. Access to the Bolle di Magadino is from the villages of Magadino and Gordola via the marked hiking trails.

Lake Maggiore Camping Delta

Lago Maggiore Delta is a camping delta in Locarno. It is ideal for a great camping vacation in Switzerland and Ticino. This area offers a beautiful view over the lake and the mountains. Here you can swim and eat something great in the restaurant. A security guard watches over the area all night. Therefore, it is safe for adults and children.

The facilities, including showers and toilets, are of course cleaned regularly. There is also a local restaurant with affordable prices. Make sure to make your reservation as early as possible. Especially during holiday periods, Camping Delta on Lake Lago Maggiore is usually booked up quickly.

Final thoughts

Lake Lago Maggiore is an ideal destination for families and tourists to come in Ticino on vacation. There is so much to do here. Whether it’s taking a lakeside walk on Lago Maggiore in Locarno or Ascona, visiting Ronco sopre Ascona or the stunning Magadino Plain.

Whether in spring, summer, autumn or even winter. Lake Lago Maggiore is always worth a visit.