The mild climate at Lago Maggiore is unique in Switzerland, and enables subtropical plants to flourish in the open air on Isola Grande, the large island. The Botanical Gardens of the Canton of Ticino house around 1,700 plant species.

An imposing viaduct built with roughly hewn stone, framed by the wilderness of the mountain world, with high alpine fir trees and steep rock faces. On the viaduct, the little red train chugs along its track. That's the Bernina Express on its way from Graubünden to Veltlin.

The prominent rocks of Rochers-de-Naye above Montreux constitute one of the most beautiful vantage points in the region. At 2,045 meters above sea level the view sweeps across Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps. Or into the burrows of marmots.
