Locarno pearl of Ticino
The most beautiful marketplace in Ticino - and a great city
A visit to Locarno is suitable for the whole family
Locarno (Ticino, CH)
Three kilometers from Ascona is the beautiful town of Locarno. One of the highlights is the Festival del Film Locarno, one of the top film festivals in the world, which has been held for over 60 years. Films from all nations will be shown here for ten days. Weather permitting, projections, including world premieres, take place every evening in the Piazza Grande, the large marketplace and center of Locarno. The festival is always held in early August and is attended by guests from all over the world.
Another festival is also a highlight in Locarno, the Moon and Stars Festival, which has already hosted famous artists such as Jovanotti, Joss Stone, Scorpions, Roxette or R.E.M.. This festival also takes place on a breathtaking stage in Piazza Grande. Around the large marketplace you will find numerous typical restaurants and bars, as well as the possibility of shopping.
A funicular railroad can take you from Locarno to Orselina, a small village above Locarno that is best known for its ancient Madonna del Sasso monastery. The monastery is the most famous pilgrimage church in Switzerland and offers a magnificent view over Lake Maggiore. The monastery was founded in the night of the 14. on the August 15, 1480, after a Franciscan friar had an apparition of Our Lady. From the church it is possible to walk back to Locarno passing twelve Stations of the Cross chapels representing the Passion of Christ. A pleasant and entertaining walk of about 45 minutes.
It is also possible to take a cable car from Orselina to Cardada. Once at the top of Cardada, you will find a large viewing platform that, in good weather, offers a breathtaking view over Locarno and the entire Lake Maggiore. In winter, skiing is also possible on Locarno ‘s local mountain, for which there is a chairlift to Alpe Cimetta. Even in summer, this is usually open and transports hikers and excursionists to the Cimetta.
On bad weather days, Locarno offers the Lido Locarno, a beautiful wellness and fun swimming pool with water slides for young and old. At the harbor there is also the possibility for boat tours, boarding to the liners and even a restaurant on a ship. Also in this area many good restaurants invite you to enjoy. Many beautiful playgrounds complete a visit to Locarno for families.
