Locarno, the city on Lake Lago Maggiore in Ticino, is worth a visit at any time of the year. In this travel guide you will discover the most beautiful places in and around the Swiss city.

Text and pictures by Marc Gottwald

 

Welcome to Locarno , the city of palm trees and Lake Lago Maggiore in the canton of Ticino. Yes, Locarno and the region have a southern flair and a lot to discover. That’s why it’s not only worth visiting this Swiss city during the famous film festival.

Moreover, it is especially a feast for the eyes from spring to autumn. In this ultimate guide, I show you the most beautiful places in and around Locarno with a few real insider tips.

 

History of Locarno in a nutshell

Locarno was first mentioned in 807 as “Leocarni.” In 1342, it was ruled by the dukes of Milan. In 1513, the Swiss possessed the town. Then finally in 1803, the city became part of the Ticino canton. It was in the year when the canton was founded. The prehistoric landmarks of the region include old churches and stone houses in the valleys (especially Valle Bavona). The most known pilgrimage church in Locarno is called “Madonna del Sasso.” This church was founded in 1480.

 

Places and sights to discover in Locarno and the surrounding area

Piazza Grande

The Piazza Grande is probably the most famous place in Locarno. It is a meeting place and venue for various events such as the famous Locarno Film Festival.

The weekly market is also held here every Thursday on the Piazza Grande. The houses and the paving stones on the square are evidence of Italian character. The striking church tower also immediately catches the eye. By the way, the paving stones were formed from stones from the Maggia (river).

Magnolia blossoms and flowers in spring (end of March / beginning of April)

Locarno is worth a visit at any time of year between spring and autumn. But in spring I like it personally the most. Depending on the temperature, magnolia, lemon and cherry trees and thousands of flowers blossom between the end of March and the beginning of April. The
city ​​and its surroundings are then transformed into an almost kitschy white and pink silhouette.

Camellia Park

An insider tip in Locarno is the camellia park at the end of March. That’s when most of the 500 different camellias of the park are in bloom. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but the scent of the flowering camellias also enchants the park into a little paradise. Admission is free and the opening hours are from March to September between 9 am and 6 pm.

But not only the camellias are beautiful. In the Camellia Park you can also swim in Lake Lago Maggiore or simply rest and enjoy the view.

Madonna del Sasso

The most famous pilgrimage church in Ticino is called Madonna del Sasso and stands above Locarno. The imposing church was built in 1480 and the monastery followed about 50 years later. It is worth visiting Madonna del Sasso from the inside and enjoying the beautiful view of Locarno and Lake Lago Maggiore. Also worthwhile is the walk from Locarno to Madonna del Sasso along the chapel path. You can also take bus number 3 or the funicular.

Cardada

Cardada is a mountain village above Locarno. It offers one of the most beautiful views over Locarno and the surrounding valleys such as the Maggia Valley, Onsernone Valley and Centovalli. There is also a delicious restaurant to stop at. Don’t miss the viewing platform at Cardada, which offers an almost floating 180-degree view.

One tip is to take the chairlift from Cardada to the Cimetta. But let’s talk more about that later.

Ronco sopra Ascona

For me ” Ronco sopre Ascona ” is one of the most beautiful places I have discovered in the immediate vicinity of Locarno. Especially in spring with the flowers and magnolia blossoms, this Ticino village is a real highlight. The view over Lake Lago Maggiore, the palm trees, the “San Martino” church in the village center and the huge terrace right by the church offer a magnificent view. You can also make out the “Isole di Brisaggo”.

Isole di Brissago

The Brissago Islands or Isole di Brissago are two islands. The larger one houses a botanical garden with plants from the Far East, South Africa, Central America and Australia. But plants from the Mediterranean and Switzerland are also represented. The garden is open between April and November. The only way to get to the Brissago Islands is by boat from Ascona, Locarno or Porto Ronco.

Ascona

Ascona, which lies directly next to Locarno, is 196 meters above sea level and the lowest town in Switzerland. The picturesque Swiss city with its colorful houses, palm trees and Lake Lago Maggiore invites you to linger and enjoy. Ascona was a former fishing village and bears witness to an eventful history from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

In summer, many concerts take place here. In Ascona are also interesting museums and the botanical garden of the Brissago Islands, which can be reached quickly.

Beautiful walks in Locarno

Lakeside walk Locarno

If you like to live the dolce vita in Locarno, a lakeside walk is the right thing to do. Here you can not only enjoy the beautiful lake promenade with the view over the surrounding mountains. Numerous seating areas, food stalls and urban nature invite you to a great walk.

If it gets too hot in summer, you can also take a plunge into the cool waters of Lake ” Lago Maggiore “. For example, the Camellia Park or the river delta offer the best opportunities.

Walk to the Madonna del Sasso

Another walk is from Locarno to the Madonna del Sasso. The chapel path with 12 chapels is very impressive. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the imposing pilgrimage church “Madonna del Sasso” from Locarno. Here you are treated to a fantastic view. If you want to go even higher, you can take the cable car to Cardada or Cimetta.

 

Hikes near Locarno

Hike from Cardada to Cimetta

Cardada Cimetta is a mountain region that overlooks the city and Lake Maggiore. This summit is accessed from Locarno. Take a funicular railway to Orselina (the same if you want to go to Madonna del Sasso). Then you switch to a cable car to Cardada.

As already described before, Cardada offers stunning views. But also great hiking opportunities. From Cardada, you can go higher to Cimetta to enjoy breathtaking views. If you like you can take the cable car. However, it’s a worthwile hike I can really recommend. Cimetta gives panoramic views over the whole region of Locarno. The beautiful hiking path has grazing pastures as well as woods.

If you start from Cardada up to Cimetta you will have around 1.5 hours on this 4km route with around 400 meters of altitude difference. You can also do the “Locarno hike” the other way round. Taking the cable car up to the mountain and hike down. Then you can enjoy the stunning view always in front of you.

Hike to Naccio and Pizzo Leone

Naccio:

Naccio is situated on a long ridge that lies on the northwest shore of “Lago Maggiore” Lake. On the other side is the Centovalli valley. If you do not want to hike to Pizzo Leone, you can rest at Naccio and enjoying the surrounding landscape and the Lago Maggiore.

You can either park your car near Porera above “Ronco sopre Ascona” or start the hike from the bus stop Brissago, Gadero. Please be aware that those buses are driving very irregularly.

Pizzo Leone:

After Nacco, Pizzo Leone is the next stop and another 350 meters of altitude. But I promise you, it’s worth it! This mountain with a stunning view over Lago Maggiore can be accessed with normal hiking boots between late spring and autumn. Theoretically, you could also hike on the Pizzo Leone from Rasa in around 2h45min. Or why not travel by public transport and hike from Brissago via Pizzo Leone to Rasa. A pure adventure near Locarno!

 

The most beautiful valleys near Locarno

Ticino has beautiful valleys to offer. Especially near Locarno, there are real gems waiting for you. On the one hand, the Valle Verzasca and the Maggia Valley, on the other hand, valleys like the Valle Onsernone or Centovalli. And now a tip from me. Along the main roads, these valleys are very well hiked and frequented, especially in summer. But there are so many side valleys where you meet almost no people. And these are often even more beautiful and above all wilder.

Let’s now take a look at the famous valleys near Locarno.

Valle Verzasca

Valle Verzasca is a 26km valley in Locarno. I spend a lot of vacations during my childhood there. And it became during the years a more and more popular destination due to its natural beauty. In the meantime, it’s really overcrowded during the summer vacations. If you are in Locarno during that time, I suggest to better visit other stunning valleys like Valle Maggia with the Valle Bavona or the Valle Onsernone.

Valle Verzasca is an ideal place for mountain biking, swimming, hiking, admiring nature, and romantic getaway. This makes it the one place for everyone. You can use the Verzasca trail to go to the old rural villages. The best way to explore the valley is by post bus from Locarno. And this is even included in the Ticino Ticket you will receive when staying in a hotel in the region. I don’t recommend to visit the Valle Verzasca by car.

The highlights of the valley include:

• Sonogno: this the last village of the valley. It is a peaceful place that features traditional houses decorated with flowers. There are restaurants and bars which serve local specialties. What about a Minestrone in a Grotto?
• Lavertezzo is another romantic village in the Valle Verzasca. It went viral on Instagram due to the clear water, the beautiful bridge combined with the village and the church tower.
• Ponte Romano: This is a medieval bridge that crosses River Verzasca. Swimming enthusiasts can dive into the clear crystal water.
• “Goldeneye” bungee jumping: this is one of the highest dam found in Europe. Guests are welcomed to test their bravery. According to global surveys, the dam is used as a setting scene in the film industry, for instance, in James Bond’s movie.

Of course there is so much more to discover in the Valle Verzasca, one of my favorite valley near Locarno.

Valle Maggia

Valle Maggia is a valley which was created by glaciers and the Maggia river in Canton of Ticino. It’s another valley which is easy accessible from Locarno besides the Centovalli and Valle Verzasca. Valle Maggia characterizes green vegetation, waterfalls, mountain peaks, and the Maggia River. It offers a wide range of recreational activities, including climbing, hiking, cycling, and swimming.

As I already mentioned those valleys have a lot of side valleys. And the Valle Maggia is the best example for that. The side valleys of the Maggia Valley are not as well accessible as the Verzasca Valley. Buses run very few times a day in summer. Therefore, I recommend that if you want to dive into one of the beautiful side valleys, you travel by car. Unless you plan your trip very well, then it is also possible by public transport.

Some of the highlights of Valle Maggia are:

• Stone paths: these are hiking trails through the bottom of the valley. It is perfect for children and the elderly. The stone paths allow visitors to encounter cultural and historical aspects.
• Villages: discover the charming villages of Valle Maggia. Experience the valley village life by visiting the churches and the chapels. Good examples are Foroglio in the Valle Bavona (a side valley of Valle Maggia)
• Walser houses in Bosco Gurin: These houses in Bosco Gurin show the heritage of the immigrants from the Valais. It is the only municipality in Ticino where German is the official language.

Valle Onsernone

Valle Onsernone is among the most unique valleys in Ticino and close to Locarno. It features mountains, thick forest, clear water streams and rivers. This makes it ideal for visitors who are seeking peace of mind.  It is a perfect place for hiking through the forest or mountain peaks. You will enjoy spectacular views over the Swiss Alps and Italy.

Additionally, famous writers and artists have appreciated the beauty of the valley. For example, Max Frisch named it “a homeland of the soul.”  You will not avoid coming back when you see the area for the first time.

A winding road accesses the valley. The road leads towards Spruga village. After descending in the valley These two places are especially beautiful:

• Old baths: This place is found after Spruga directly on the Italian boarder called “Bagni di Craveggia”. It characterizes structures and tubes of past thermal baths. In 1944, the battle between Partisans and Nazi-Fascists took place on the spot. Spruga can be reached by post bus from Locarno, however the buses are driving very unregularly.
• Vergeletto: The center of Vergeletto has noble homes with rustic architecture. The first one is Gamboni palace, a structure from the 1700s changed to a small hotel and wellness area. The old furniture is well preserved. Another building is the palace, La Barca. It served as an exile during World War 2. This village is the perfect starting point for amazing hikes for example to the Lake Salei.

 

Conclusion Locarno and region

Locarno is one of the most diverse regions in Ticino. With Lake Lago Maggiore, the old towns of Ascona and Locarno and the beautiful views from the mountains such as Cardada, the Swiss city has a lot to offer.

But the biggest highlight for me as a nature lover are the valleys such as the Maggia Valley, Centovalli, Verzasca Valley or certain side valleys. If you book your holidays in Locarno, you certainly do everything right.