{"id":13188,"date":"2022-05-08T06:05:52","date_gmt":"2022-05-08T06:05:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/switzerlandbylocals.com\/?p=13188"},"modified":"2023-03-08T08:37:19","modified_gmt":"2023-03-08T08:37:19","slug":"the-best-of-locarno-travelguide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/switzerlandbylocals.com\/en\/the-best-of-locarno-travelguide\/","title":{"rendered":"The BEST-Of Locarno-Travelguide"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Text and pictures by Marc Gottwald<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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History of Locarno in a nutshell<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

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

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Places and sights to discover in Locarno and the surrounding area<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Piazza Grande<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Piazza Grande<\/span><\/span><\/a> is probably the most famous place in Locarno. <\/span>It is a meeting place and venue for various events such as the famous Locarno Film Festival.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\"Piazza<\/p>\n

Magnolia blossoms and flowers in spring (end of March \/ beginning of April)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Locarno is worth a visit at any time of year between spring and autumn. <\/span>But in spring I like it personally the most. <\/span>Depending on the temperature, magnolia, lemon and cherry trees and thousands of flowers blossom between the end of March and the beginning of April. <\/span>The <\/span><\/span>
\ncity \u200b\u200band its surroundings are then transformed into an almost kitschy white and pink silhouette.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Magnolia<\/p>\n

Camellia Park<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

But not only the camellias are beautiful. <\/span>In the Camellia Park you can also swim in Lake Lago Maggiore or simply rest and enjoy the view.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Camellia<\/p>\n

Madonna del Sasso<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The most famous pilgrimage church in Ticino is called <\/span><\/span>Madonna del Sasso<\/span><\/span><\/a> and stands above Locarno. <\/span>The imposing church was built in 1480 and the monastery followed about 50 years later. <\/span>It is worth visiting Madonna del Sasso from the inside and enjoying the beautiful view of Locarno and Lake Lago Maggiore. <\/span>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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Madonna \"Madonna<\/p>\n

Cardada<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cardada<\/span><\/span><\/a> is a mountain village above Locarno. <\/span>It offers one of the most beautiful views over Locarno and the surrounding valleys such as the Maggia Valley, Onsernone Valley and Centovalli. <\/span>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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

One tip is to take the chairlift from Cardada to the Cimetta. <\/span>But let’s talk more about that later.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Cardada\"<\/p>\n

Ronco sopra Ascona<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

For me ” <\/span><\/span>Ronco sopre Ascona<\/span><\/span><\/a> ” is one of the most beautiful places I have discovered in the immediate vicinity of Locarno. <\/span>Especially in spring with the flowers and magnolia blossoms, this Ticino village is a real highlight. <\/span>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. <\/span>You can also make out the “Isole di Brisaggo”.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Isole di Brissago<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

\"Isole<\/p>\n

Ascona<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

In summer, many concerts take place here. <\/span>In Ascona are also interesting museums and the botanical garden of the Brissago Islands, which can be reached quickly.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ascona\"<\/p>\n

Beautiful walks in Locarno<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Lakeside walk Locarno<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

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

\"Lakeside<\/p>\n

Walk to the Madonna del Sasso<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

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Hikes near Locarno<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Hike from Cardada to Cimetta<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

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

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. <\/span>You can also do the \u201cLocarno hike\u201d the other way round. <\/span>Taking the cable car up to the mountain and hike down. <\/span>Then you can enjoy the stunning view always in front of you.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Hike to Naccio and Pizzo Leone<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Naccio:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Naccio is situated on a long ridge that lies on the northwest shore of \u201cLago Maggiore\u201d Lake. <\/span>On the other side is the Centovalli valley. <\/span>If you do not want to hike to Pizzo Leone, you can rest at Naccio and enjoying the surrounding landscape and the Lago Maggiore.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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Pizzo Leone:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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The most beautiful valleys near Locarno<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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

Let’s now take a look at the famous valleys near Locarno.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Valle Verzasca <\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Valle Verzasca<\/span><\/span><\/a> is a 26km valley in Locarno. <\/span>I spend a lot of vacations during my childhood there. <\/span>And it became during the years a more and more popular destination due to its natural beauty. <\/span>In the meantime, it’s really overcrowded during the summer vacations. <\/span>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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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

The highlights of the valley include:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n