Winter excursions in Ticino

More than 100 animals from all over the world are at home in the Zoo al Maglio to marvel at. These include lions, panthers, snow leopards, serval, the Bennett wallaby, gibbons, macaques and capuchin monkeys as well as parrots.

Experience the special atmosphere of a restaurant combined with one of the largest indoor miniature golf courses in Switzerland, set in a landscape of subtropical plants.

A great Adventure for nature explorers, music lovers, conscious travelers, visiting two of the most amazing waterfall in Maggia valley, Ticino, with like-minded people and a sound artist/live DJ.

The sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso in Orselina above Locarno is the most famous place of pilgrimage in the Italian part of Switzerland. It is rooted in the ancient tradition of votive gifts.

One pass, six museums. The Ascona-Locarno region is a cultural hot spot.

At Lake Lugano, it is wonderfully easy to escape one’s daily routine: by enjoying a sunbath below palm trees, cruises on the lake or hiking tours through magnificent landscapes.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

​The Treno Gottardo runs hourly over the 120-year-old Gotthard panorama line to the sun-kissed corner of Switzerland. The panoramic ride promises impressive views of rugged mountain faces and deep blue lakes as well as plenty of Mediterranean flair with palm trees and stately residences.