Experiences in Ticino

Slow travel can be a voyage of discovery. That’s why the perfect way to explore the town of Locarno is by bike.

Practical, environmentally friendly and appealing: PubliBike’s bike hire system is the ideal way to explore the area around Lugano without getting stuck in traffic or wasting time looking for a parking space.

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

Lugano’s home mountain and pinnacle of enjoyment - that’s San Salvatore! The striking mountain south of the town boasts 360° views over the lake and environs, far south and to the high Alps in the west.The funicular railway up this landmark mountain starts in Lugano-Paradiso.

According the global surveys it is the best stunt in film history: Bond's jump from the 220 meter high Verzasca dam in the movie "GoldenEye". And the ultimate adrenaline rush at Lago di Vogorno is also called 007 jump or GoldenEye Bungee Jump.

One of the world’s steepest funicular railways departs from Leventina for the Ritomsee lake. Built by Swiss Federal Railways in 1917 to aid with the construction of the reservoir and power station, the little red train has been carrying 100 people per hour to the recreation area around the mountain lakes in the Val Piora since 1921.

The fortifications of Bellinzona are an extraordinary example of a late-medieval defensive structure located at a key strategic point on the Alpine pass. The castles of Bellinzona are among the most marvelous examples of medieval fortified architecture in the Alps.

First branch on foreign soil of the "Musée en Herbe", Paris, which, for the last 25 years, has been organising didactic exhibitions on art and ethics for children.

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

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.

The Ticino is one of the most popular canoeing rivers in the canton of the same name. On a leisurely 8km river tour from Cresciano to Arbedo, visitors can see the landscape at its most beautiful and diverse – rocks, chestnut forests, palm trees and sunny beaches.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The horsewomen will ride on an alp in Ticino and spend the night in a yurt at 2,100 metres above sea level.

The futuristic, bright red cubist building of the Ghisla Art Collection is sure to catch your eye as you walk past. But what’s inside? You’ll find numerous masterpieces of Pop Art, Informal and Abstract Art, New Dada and Conceptual Art.

This three-day course, led by Gabriela Ghenzi, involves meditation in the Tempel der Göttinnen (Temple of the Goddesses) in Brione.

Practice a sun salutation in the forest while birds sing in the treetops. The yoga hiking trail in Ticino is sure to relax body and mind.

The Gotthard Exhibition Cheese Dairy also features a restaurant and a store.

Of the wonderfully beautiful valleys of the Ticino, the Verzasca valley is probably the most fascinating - for both romantics and adventure fans.

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).

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 old centre of the village of Brè is studded with artistic details and sculptures. Discover works by local artists, such as Wilhelm Schmid or Pasquale Gilardi “Leièn”.

Since September 2015, LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura) has been an impressive platform for contemporary creativity from southern Switzerland. The building by Ticino architect Ivano Gianola offers visitors art across 2500 square metres and a modern theatre and concert hall with space for 1000 guests.

Discover Bellinzona's old town and all its facets by taking advantage of Saturday morning guided tours.

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.

The Fishing Museum, external section of the Malcantone Museum, is situated in Caslano (Ticino). The museum, inaugurated in 1993, is in a small house in via Campagna, surrounded by a park.