Ticino

What is the Ticino region like?

Switzerland is a country with a huge variety of different landscapes and climates. This applies to the Ticino too.

The main mountain range of the Alps marks the northern border of the Ticino, with the village of Airolo in the Leventina valley (Val Leventina) at 1,141 m as the starting point of the famous Gotthard Pass. The peaks are over 3,000 m high here.

Further south, there's lowest point of entire Switzerland: Lake Maggiore, just below 200 m. This area has a Mediterranean climate with palm trees, flowers and green mountains up to 2,000-2,500 m.

Most tourists prefer to stay around Lake Maggiore or Lake Lugano. The Lake Maggiore region is where the towns of Bellinzona and Locarno can be found. Lugano is located on Lake Lugano and surrounded by mountains. All mentioned towns are a good base to explore both lake areas.

Ascona on Lake Maggiore is worth mentioning too. This atmospheric little town with its colorful boulevard is very attractive. It doesn't have a railway station though, so if you travel by public transportation you'll have to get to Locarno by bus first and catch a train there.

What not to miss in the Ticino

If your itinerary allows you to arrive and/or depart on one of the panoramic trains, we highly recommend that: have a look at what the Bernina Express, Centovalli Railway and Gotthard Panorama Express have to offer.

During your stay, you can enjoy the scenery during boat rides on Lake Lugano or Lake Maggiore, visit wonderful viewing points overlooking the Alps and the lakes, and explore the towns and nature on foot. Try to include at least one boat ride, one viewing point and one walk to catch a glimpse of this wonderful canton. You'll find our suggestions here.