Locarno´s paradise: Snow, palm trees, and panoramic views

Capanna Cardada

Capanna Lo Stallone

Capanna Lo Stallone

Panoramic view of the Alps and the lake

Panoramic view from Cimetta

A wonderful 360-degrees panoramic vista offers - additionally - a unique view of Switzerland´s lowest point (193m) in the Maggia delta between Locarno and Ascona, and the highest point, Dufourspitze (4 634 m) in the Monte Rosa massif. Further, so called ´linea insubrica´ can be seen, the dividing line between the northern and southern part of the Alps.

View into the Valle Maggia valley

Waypoint

Cardada observation deck

´Passarelle´ is a landscaped suspension bridge rooted in the forest below. At its end, a viewing platform is suspended in the empty space, offering a 180-degree view of Lago Maggiore lake, the Alps, and the nearby Centovalli and Maggia valleys.

View from Cappella della Resurrezione

Madonna del Sasso

The sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso in Orselina above Locarno is the most popular pilgrimage site in Italian-speaking Switzerland. It is situated on the Way of St. James, 2 500 km from Santiago de Compostela. The foundation goes back to an apparition of Our Lady that the Franciscan friar Bartolomeo d'Ivrea had during an August night in 1480. The sanctuary is rooted in the ancient tradition of votive gifts, and is known for its furnishings and rich decorations. A "balcony platform" offers a sunlit view of Locarno, the lake, and the Alps.

A touch of summer in winter

Madonna del Sasso with Via Crucis

A touch of summer in winter

Locarno´s centre

Piazza Grande is Locarno´s car-free town centre where open-air events take place, e.g. Moon and Stars music festival in July, and the Locarno Festival in August, one of the most important film festivals in the world.

Castello Visconteo

The Castello Visconteo castle was built from the 12th century onwards, probably as the residence of the emperor-loyal Capitanei Orelli. The majority of the preserved structures date back to the building activities in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Rivellino bulwark located northeast of the castle complex and built between 1499 and 1512 might be based on a design by Leonardo da Vinci. Today, only about a fifth of the original castle remains. The Castello Visconteo houses Locarno´s museum with its archaeological collection.

Locarno´s promenade along Lago Maggiore lake