Locarno

Locarno is the city of film on Lake Maggiore and the ideal starting point for excursions into the surrounding valleys.

Between culture, lake and mountains, it is the perfect holiday destination to relax or enjoy the best entertainment.

Known to many as the city on the Verbano where the “Locarno Treaties” were signed. But Locarno has also much else to offer. The old part of town, known as Città Vecchia, is full of surprises and interesting discoveries with its boutiques, cafés, palaces, churches and the Visconti Castle. Characteristic is the picturesque, historical atmosphere in the narrow alleys that all lead to the famous Piazza Grande.

The rich artistic patrimony of the region comes especially alive in the Piazza Grande, Locarno’s pulsating heart. In addition to a large selection of restaurants and shops, it is home to most of the cultural and recreational activities in the region. From the renowned Locarno Film Festival, the most important film festival in Switzerland, to the concerts of Moon&Stars, where international music stars perform in a unique atmosphere, from the captivating Locarno on Ice, the ice rink with the fairytale bar igloos in the middle of the city, to the popular festivities and the local market. The Piazza offers unique experiences that reflect both the rich tradition and innovative creativity. But there are also numerous museums, art galleries and tours to get to know the city and its special features better. Various gardens and parks also adorn the city. Like the Camellia Park, which is home to around 9oo species of camellia and is in full bloom, especially in March, when the annual Locarno Camellia exhibition takes place.

The Madonna del Sasso is enthroned above Locarno, on the holy mountain. A magnificent pilgrimage church on a rocky spur, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama over the city and the lake all the way to Italy. A good opportunity to take a photo for the holiday album! But the lake is also an important part of Locarno. In the past it was important for fishing and the connection between the other towns, today it attracts many sun seeker and water sports enthusiasts.

The area around Locarno offers a wide range of activities and excursion destinations for both water lovers and mountain climbers. Only a few steps away from the lake, you can take the funicular to Orselina where the Madonna del Sasso is situated. From there the cable car takes you up to Cardada-Cimetta. The cable cars have been completely redone by the Ticino architect Mario Botta. In little time you will find yourself at an altitude of 1,670 meters: the view is guaranteed to be breathtaking and you can see the highest (Pointe Dufour 4634 m) and lowest (Lago Maggiore 193 m) point of Switzerland at the same time. Locarno also has a lot to offer for sports enthusiasts, recreation seekers and gourmets. The small town on Lake Maggiore is therefore well worth a trip to the sunny side of Switzerland!