Experiences in Ticino

Siddhartha, Narziss and Goldmund or Klingsors letzter Sommer - some of the most important works by Hermann Hesse were written in Montagnola, in the Casa Camuzzi. Today you can visit the Museo Hermann Hesse - located in an idyllic spot above Lake Lugano.

The Bolle di Magadino, one of nine water meadow landscapes considered by the Swiss Academy for Natural Science to be of international importance, includes the delta of the Ticino and Verzasca Rivers at the Langensee (lake).

Between the emerald green river, Rustici and the Ponte dei Salti lies one of the most pristine valleys in Ticino. You will discover picturesque stone villages, wonderful bathing spots and traditions that shape the charm of the Verzasca Valley.

The Monte Brè funicular takes you from Lugano to an altitude of 933 meters. From the summit you can see Lake Lugano, the Valais and Bernese Alps and the Monte Rosa massif. The railway has been running since 1908.

Villa Negroni is one of Ticino’s most important villas. One of the reasons is the valuable expansive garden surrounding the villa. There is a clear division into two contrasting elements: an Italian flower garden and an English-style park.

Each Saturday, people come together to enjoy the colourful weekly market that stretches from Piazza Nosetto to the alleyways of the old town.

Located in the heart of the city, opposite the Museo d'Arte, Lido Riva Caccia features a floating wooden deck that rocks gently to and fro like a boat.

Its summit offers up magnificent views and those inclined to scratch about on it will be left with the impression that marine fauna and other large animals once lived here.

Live an exciting experience in the world of birds of prey, take a close look at the flight of eagles, hawks, owls and vultures in an environment that respects their natural habitat. As the birds circle overhead in the arena, the falconer tells the history of this ancient art.

The Blenio Valley in Upper Ticino is a typical Ticino mountain valley. Densely forested mountain slopes rise majestically above the sunny valley floors far below.

The summer toboggan run above Lugano surprises visitors not only with a high fun factor but also with a magnificent view of the valley.

The stunning Camellia Park in Locarno has more than 850 different camellia varieties, with a flowering period of nine months. A little slice of paradise not only for those who love camellias, but for all those looking for a bit of peace and quiet in the heart of the city.

The Lugano swimming resort "Lido", a place which everyone loves in Lugano, has managed to preserve its attractiveness and charm throughout years.

Climb the towers of Castel Grande and continue hiking to Montebello and Sasso Corbaro. In the Bellinzona Fortress you walk over crenellated walls, look out over the Alps and stand in the best-preserved castle complex in the Alpine region.

Stand on the 220-meter-high wall from which James Bond threw himself in "GoldenEye". Hike through picturesque villages and enjoy the view of the emerald Lago di Vogorno. History, panorama and the Ticino way of life combined.

Sit on one of the steepest funiculars in the world and ride from Piotta up to Val Piora in 12 minutes. At the top, the turquoise-blue Lake Ritom, alpine hiking trails and a fascinating Ticino mountain landscape await you.

Take the funicular to the San Salvatore in Ticino and enjoy the view of Lake Lugano, the Alps and all the way to the Po Valley. Combine the funicular ride with a hike and a boat trip.

The mountainside above the Magadino Plain is the perfect place to enjoy a scenic hike. In addition to the breathtaking views, the tour also takes in several impressive sights.

Immerse yourself in the sweet temptation of the Mendrisio Outlet and enjoy exclusive prices and promotions. Discover first-class chocolate offers and convince yourself of their outstanding quality.

An aquatic playground for water lovers of all ages: Switzerland’s newest spa complex.

An oasis on the shores of Lake Maggiore for all those who love sport, fun and well-being associated with water. The lido is open all year round, whatever the weather. It includes indoor and outdoor pools, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a thermal pool, a play pool and four water slides.

Tassino Park, a glorious haven of peace, is graced with lush vegetation thanks to its sun-drenched position. If you like roses and English-style gardens then this is the place for you. What is now Tassino Park was at one time the hunting lodge of the wealthy Enderlin family, who in the 19th century were the owners of a beautiful villa on the hill of Tassino.

It’s hardly surprising that the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway passes over 83 marvellous bridges and viaducts along its route from Locarno to Domodossola. Before this panoramic route was built, the “hundred valleys” were still completely untouched. Whether in spring, passing thundering waterfalls, or during a golden Indian summer – a trip on the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway is an experience in itself.

At Swissminiatur in Melide you can walk through Switzerland in miniature. Discover over 130 models of Swiss buildings, take a look behind the scenes in the studio and test your knowledge of Switzerland on Rudy's quiz course.

Lake Maggiore extends from the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland far into the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. Thanks to its mild climate, there is lush, Mediterranean vegetation along its shores. In the hinterland is a wild and romantic mountain landscape with breathtaking views.

At the southern end of Lake Lugano is the 1,704 metre high Monte Generoso. This lofty altitude makes it without a doubt the best mountain for views in the canton of Ticino.