Experiences in Ticino

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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).

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.

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.

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.

Whoever takes a peek over the Casa Rusca facade can’t help but notice certain features that bear witness to its feudal interior: The elegant little balcony with chiseled railing for example, or the high windows on the upper floor. But whoever crosses the threshold of this abode is nevertheless surprised by the inner world. And of course the courtyard with its loggias and a garden full of sculptures exude a typical and charming southern flair.

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

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.

Generally, museums are in big cities, or at least in highly visited villages, but hardly are they ever on a 2,100-meter-high mountain pass.

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.

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 “pyramid-shaped mountain” is full of fossilised fish and marine reptiles – a treasure trove 240 million years old. What was once a sea basin later gave way to Monte San Giorgio, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The modernised Fossil Museum in Meride exhibits a selection of fossilised animals and plants.

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.

This magnificent botanical garden is set on the Gambarogno side of Lago Maggiore, on the hillside terrace between Piazzogna and Vairano. Here, the Parco Botanico del Gambarogno foundation lavishes endless love and skill on the over 17,000 square metres of gorgeously colourful plants.

The park surrounding the Villa dei Cedri, which today is home to the Municipal Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art, is a living example of an English-style park of the 19th century. A further attraction is the vineyard behind the villa, whose grapes are used to produce the popular Merlot.

The ruins of the old Craveggia baths are easy to reach on foot from Spruga, though you will have to wade across the Isorno because the spa is located on Italian soil on the other side of the river.

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.