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Come discover the fascinating world of birds of prey at the Locarno Falconry, where you can observe and photograph up close, eagles, hawks owls and vultures. These beautiful birds, with their free flight, will transport you to a dimension where man and nature meet, in a natural and animal-friendly setting.
An invaluable cultural heritage that includes a monastery, the shrine of the Assumption (Madonna del Sasso), the Church of the Annunciation, and various chapels enlivened by statue groups and wall paintings. The scenic backdrop is the splendid view of the Locarno region from a rocky outcrop on which emerge these centuries-old, imposing religious buildings and the museum that tells their story.
Would you have ever thought that right in Ticino, in the “Sonnenstube” of Switzerland, above Locarno you can visit a conveniently accessible observation ‘point, from which you can simultaneously see the lowest point (Lake Maggiore) and the highest point (Dufour point in the Monte Rosa massif) of Switzerland? The red cable car departing from Orselina makes it possible to reach Cardada (1340 msm) in a few minutes, followed by a two-seater chairlift to Cimetta (1670 msm). This oasis of peace and nature offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding valleys, both from the Cardada footbridge and the geological observatory at Cimetta
The Verzasca Valley is an idyllic valley nestled in an impressive mountain landscape. It is ideal for both hiking and biking and enjoying nature. The heart of the valley is the verdant Verzasca River, with its deep smooth gorges and basins that invite swimming in summer. Not for nothing does it have the nickname “Maldives of Switzerland” because of these bathing places.
The Brissago Islands, cradled by Lake Maggiore and the mountains of the Locarno region, are nestled in a microclimate that is exceptional even for the southern Alps. On the minor, St. Apollinaris Island, access is allowed only to insiders, while the major, St. Pancras Island-open to the public from March to October-can be reached by scheduled boats. Leaving the pier, one is immersed in a spectacle of exotic colors, shapes and scents: this is the internationally renowned Canton Ticino Botanical Garden. Covering an area of 2.5 hectares, it houses valuable botanical collections, two thousand species from all continents. Australian, South African, South American, Asian, California, and Mediterranean Basin plants grow in the open ground year-round, despite latitude. Of particular note are the collection of Proteaceae and Chilean species such as copihue, the national flower of Chile. Huge trees and majestic palms alternate harmoniously with lush shrubs and herbaceous species. In addition to sight, all other senses are pleasantly stimulated, for example, by the scents of the Mediterranean. In the small “Orangerie” greenhouse, however, one is immersed in a small, distinctly tropical world.
The origin of the botanical garden dates back to 1885, when Baroness Antoinette Fleming St. Leger fell in love with the islands. His passion for exotic plants transformed the islands, so much so that they would one day become a public botanical garden. Subsequent owner Max Emden maintained the exotic crops and built the villa that now houses the Villa Emden Hotel.
The islands always know how to excite–in sunshine, in rain and in fog–in every season. This unicum is definitely worth visiting!
The Brissago Islands are part of the Great Italian Gardens and Gardens of Switzerland networks, the latter bringing together the most beautiful gardens in Switzerland.
the most picturesque and convenient way to reach Sacro Monte Madonna del Sasso and a starting point for beautiful walks on the hillside trails.
The ropeway from Locarno to the Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary is a typical single-track funicular with an asymmetrical Abt-type switch. The railway line has an elegant layout that largely follows the course of the Ramogna Creek and features valuable man-made features such as the carefully composed arched bridge made of stone blocks or the steel lattice bridge over the Ramogna. Also quite remarkable are the valley station, integrated into a row of urban houses, and the late neoclassical Art Nouveau-inspired mountain station. Beautiful vintage carriages from 1958 run on the line, which is perfectly embedded in the landscape.
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