Locarno

Film city on Lake Maggiore

Locarno exudes the charm and atmosphere of the Italian Riviera. Here you can stroll along the lakeside promenade under palm trees and enjoy the dolce farniente with a Boccalino Merlot on the Piazza Grande. The old town is full of surprises. Churches, stately homes, narrow alleyways and the sacred mountain with the Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage church behind it. Locarno is also the warmest city in Switzerland.

Numerous artistic performances take place on the Piazza Grande, the beating heart of Locarno. Whether it's the world-famous Moon and Stars open-air festival at the beginning of July, the well-known film festival in August or simply the weekly market on Thursdays.

Book now

Highlights

Take the cogwheel train from Locarno to Orselina. From there, take the cable car to Cardada and then the chairlift to Cimetta. An indescribable view of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding valleys awaits you. An oasis of peace and tranquillity. Don't miss the overhanging viewing platform, built by star architect Mr. Botta.
Be sure to visit the camellia park with over 900 different types of camellia; a little paradise right on the lake. The song of the birds and the sound of the waves is an oasis for the senses.
The Lido di Locarno offers fun and relaxation for young and old, whatever the weather. Sports, wellness, indoor and outdoor pools, thermal baths, water slides and much more. Enjoy a day in and around the water on your trip, because some fun is a must.
Ghisla Art Collection, a foundation for modern and contemporary art. In eight rooms and on 3 floors you can admire works, no masterpieces by well-known and up-and-coming artists. Abstract art, pop art, informal art, etc.
With the Ticino Ticket, you can use all public transport such as buses, trains and post buses in the canton of Ticino free of charge. On arrival at the hotel, you will be given a public transport card that is valid until the day of departure. This allows you to explore every corner of the canton by public transport.

Insider Tips

Centovalli-railway

Take the Centovalli railway to Locarno. A railway experience for nostalgics and romantics. You will experience an extraordinary railway journey through idyllic villages, over spectacular bridges, along deep gorges and through extraordinary vegetation. You will never forget this fascinating journey and is the prelude to an enjoyable city trip in Locarno.

Walk of Fame

On Largo Zorzi, very close to the lake, you will find the Walk of Fame of the artists of Moon and Stars, who have immortalised themselves with their handprints. Small but beautiful. Bligg, Sting, Santana Zucchero, Joe Cocker, Gianna Nannini, Roxette, Bryan Adams, Jack Johnson, Status Quo, R.E.M., James Blunt, Gotthard, Elton John and many more.

Dolce Vita in a Grotto

Sit down in one of the countless grottis (local, rustic restaurants) and enjoy an aperitif platter with cheese, dried meat, tomatoes and grissini, a creamy risotto or polenta cooked over the fire and, of course, a boccalino (ceramic cup for the wine) of palatable Merlot.