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Welcome to Ascona-Locarno!

Welcome to Ascona-Locarno, a lake and mountain holiday destination with an intriguing mix of Swiss quality and Mediterranean atmosphere. The lakeside towns and villages, with their natural elements and architectural treasures, offer a neat atmosphere, exclusive and lively at the same time, thanks to their colorful piazzas, their restaurants and shops as well as markets and a rich cultural program. Are you looking forward to knowing more about our beautiful region? Browse the press kit and let yourself be inspired by our highlights! We would be delighted to provide you more informa- tion about the Ascona-Locarno region or organize your media trip.

Why Ascona-Locarno? • In 1 hour from the palms to the glaciers • 2’300 hours of sunshine a year • 1’400 km / 870 mi of hiking trails • 500 and more events per year • Swiss quality and Italian style

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Locarno, Old Town asconalocarno

ascona_locarno Join us Join Brissago

Isole di Brissago

Porto Ronco Lyon Lausanne Ronco s/Ascona (F ) Genève Freiburg Centovalli Sion Ber Basel n (D Torino Valle Onsernone ) Züric Locarno Ascona– (I) Luzer h n St. Galle Lugano Bellinzona

Ascona Milano n M Chur ünchen (I)

Losone Innsbruck Terre di Pedemonte (D)

Gambarogno (A)

Vallemaggia Milan Cities Locarno from and to Distances Lausanne Zurich Geneva Bern Basel

Locarno

Muralto 425 272 257 374 197 118 Orselina mi km 264 160 169 122 215 73 4h00 3h00 5h15 4h30 2h30 2h30 2h00 1h30 Minusio 3h15

4h30 3h30 3h30

Brione S/Minusio Airports Lugano-Agno Malpensa Milano Airport Int. Zürich Linate Milano

Did you know...? Thanks to AlpTransit, the longest tunnel in the world, you reach our destination in record time. If you check-in in a hotel, youth hostel or camping you receive the Ticino Ticket, which allows you to benefitfrom free publictransportation and ensures discounts on cable cars, navigation Lago Maggiore and many tourist attractions. 130 213 115 mi km 39 132 80 24 71

Valle Verzasca 1h30 0h50 2h45 1h45 2h15 Tenero

3h00 3h45

Gordola -

8 Facts & Figures

Fusio Geographic position Robiei Mogno Altitude: 195.50 m/618.50 ft above sea level. Locarno and its surrounding coutryside Piano di Peccia are at a distance of 25 km/15 mi from the most S.Carlo Peccia important European North–South rail link Prato Sornico Val Lavizzara and miroad arteries . Val Bavona Broglio Lake Maggiore Foroglio Menzonio Surface: 212 km/131 mi Brontallo Perimeter: 170 km/105 mi Sonogno

Length: 64 km/39 mi Cavergno Frasco Last flood: November 16th, 2014 Bignasco with 196.41 m/ 644 ft Val Rovana Gerra Verzasca Bosco Gurin Cevio Climate Cerentino Linescio Riveo Mild throughout the year with lush subtropical vegetation. Considerable hours of sunshine, but Campo Brione Verzasca Someo Vallemaggia with moderate intensity. Mild temperatures with Cimalmotto Val di Campo Valle Verzasca little daily variations. Light to moderate winds Giumaglio Coglio and gentle fall in temperature with little fluctu- ations in the year. Temperature measurement in Lodano Lavertezzo degree Celsius (°C). Maggia Temperature °C Moghegno Corippo Vergeletto Languages 30 Aurigeno Gordevio Vogorno Salei Gresso The national languages of Switzerland are 25 Valle Onsernone Avegno Mergoscia 20 Berzona German (63%), Loco Comologno Russo Cimetta French (23%), 15 Crana Auressio Cardada Italian (8%) Spruga Mosogno Tegna Contra 10 Cavigliano Brione Agarone Tenero Gordola Bellinzona Romansh (0.8%). Comino 5 Intragna Verscio Orselina Locarno is located in the Italian-speaking part. Verdasio Minusio Riazzino 0 Golino Cugnasco-Gerra Besides their mother tongue, most Lake Maggiore Centovalli Corcapolo Losone Muralto Borgnone Arcegno Locarno

July Rasa June

Region inhabitants speak German, French and May Contone April Magadino March August Palagnedra Ronco uartino Bellinzona January some English. October Domodossola(I) Camedo Ascona February s/Ascona

December Vira G. November September Isole Porto Ronco Piazzogna Rivera Tipping di Brissago S.Nazzaro Brissago A service charge is included in restaurant and Hours of sun Gerra Gambarogno Ranzo Gambarogno hotel bills as well as taxi fares. An extra tip is not 300 Lugano expected, but is appreciated for good service. 250 Alpe di Neggia Cannobio(I) Luino(I) Indemini 200 150 100 50 0 July June May April March August January October February December November September

Lago Maggiore Ascona, the pearl of Lake Old Town – Locarno Maggiore. Today it is an exclusive Ascona-Locarno Discover the old and most characteristic tourist destination, a lakeside part of the town of Locarno. The Visconteo ascona-locarno.com paradise; its extraordinary history Castle with the Rivellino, a bulwark attest- is filled with art and culture. ed as a Leonardo da Vinci work, beauti- The city of film on Lake Maggiore fully shaped windowsills, some charming is Locarno; with culture, lake portals, the courtyards and small gardens and mountains you run no chance surrounded by bright arcades. of getting bored. It is the perfect destination for your holidays, whether you plan on relaxing or you are looking for pure entertainment.

Piazza Grande – Locarno With its typical arcades it is one of the most famous town squares in Switzerland and, during the Locarno Festival, transforms itself into the most wonderful open-air cinema in the world. This is a meeting place as well as the heart of the town where the main commercial and cultural activities Digital Concierge and iziTravel take place, like the weekly market every Save the link (digitalconcierge.ch) on your Thursday and the Moon & Stars concerts. phone and take the Digital Concierge with you: top events, next public transport connection, restaurants and all the infor- mation you need during your stay. Downloading the free app iziTravel and listening to the audio guides will allow you to discover history and traditions of Locarno’s and Ascona’s historic centre.

Did you know…? LungolagoG. Motta, Ascona

The Thursday’s market in Locarno has been taking place on the Piazza Grande since 1164. Ascona lake promenade The historic townhouse Negromante it is As soon as you catch a glimpse of the Asco- considered the oldest house of Locarno na lakefront, the colorful lakeside houses, (14th century). Today the building hosts which imbue the scenery with a Mediter- a popular Bar & Restaurant. ranean character, will impress you. It is the ideal location for relaxation, taking walks and enjoying the splendid sunset on the lake. Leaving the lake area and moving Cabel car Zott–Salei up into the valleys, the landscape Mountain Areas In the pasture fields of the Onsernone becomes more wild, characterized Valley, at 1’777 m.a.s.l., it is possible to find ascona-locarno.com/transport by impressive peaks, Alpine lakes, the Refuge Salei, which can also be rivers, waterfalls and forests. Here reached by following the hiking trails you will find more typical villages, from the local villages in the valley. With important witnesses to centu- a short walk, there is the little lake Salei, ries-old history. Modern and com- famous for its panoramic view, stretching fortable lift systems will bring you as far as Lake Maggiore. up to these small gems and to beautiful mountain sceneries.

Cable car Verdasio–Rasa The enchanting little village of Rasa (898 m.a.s.l.), the only car-free village in Ticino, can be reached by cable car or on foot; still to this day the children depend on the cable car to get to school. Noteworthy is the cruciform church dating back to 1753.

Cable car San Carlo–Robiei Installed in the 1960s, this cable car can Cable car Verdasio – carry up to 125 people to Robiei: in only Monte Comino 15 minutes you reach 1’900 m.a.s.l. and find yourself at the foot of the impressive Monte Comino is located in the pictur- Basodino glacier. Every summer more esque Centovalli at 1’200 m.a.s.l., a region than 20’000 visitors enjoy the amazing characterized by an authentic landscape, landscape. where traditions are alive and well. From 1993, a cable car – interlinked with the famous scenic train Centovallina – makes this location ideal for a day-trip excursion and, why not, an exciting trekking with lamas. Did you know…?

The Basodino glacier is the largest in Ticino. Onsernone Valley

In the mountains above our valleys there are more than 30 huts.

The left bank of Lake Maggiore has witness the skill with which the inhabit- Gambarogno been blessed with extraordinary ants of the past have built their houses and lakeside shores, enchanting hills cattle sheds. ascona-locarno.com/gambarogno and small picturesque villages. It is a region of tradition and pleasant scents, which offers a botanical park with a magnificent view and the unique natural reserve of the Bolle di Magadino (water mead- owland). Walking trails wind along the hills and valleys, through chestnut woods and thriving meadows.

Botanical Garden of Gambarogno This magnificent botanic garden is locat- Bolle di Magadino ed in the Gambarogno area on a hillside between Piazzogna and Vairano. Otto Between the mouth of the Verzasca and Eisenhut, a patient and talented cultivator the Magadino plain, there is a precious of plants and trees, cultivated thousands of and renowned wildlife refuge. The Bolle beautiful and colorful flowering plants like di Magadino, one of nine water meadow 950 types of camellias, 350 different mag- landscapes considered by the Swiss nolias, azaleas, peonies and Rhododendron Academy for Natural Science to be of on a surface of more than 17’000 m2. international importance, includes the delta of the Ticino and Verzasca river at Lake Maggiore.

Did you know…? A new and exciting singletrail for the most experienced mountain

bikers; 8 km of a technical trail Alpe di Neggia, Gambarogno

to discover the magnificent region of Gambarogno. Indemini Located at 930 m.a.s.l., connected to the rest of the Gambarogno region by a road only since 1917, the village of Indemini has retained its characteristic agglomerate mountain. Houses leaning against each other and arranged along the contour lines, stone roofs, arcades exposed to the sun have survived the passage of time and This narrow Alpine valley has Goldeneye Bungee Jumping

preserved an authentic character, Verzasca Valley The 220 m /721 ft high dam of the Verzasca immersed in an idyllic natural Valley not only famous for being the ascona-locarno.com/valle-verzasca atmosphere. In the summer, highest dam in Europe, but also because the emerald waters of the Verzasca it was the setting for the opening scene river attract many bathers. A wide of the James Bond movie Goldeneye range of walking trails lead up to starring Pierce Brosnan. According to the the higher mountains. The more global surveys, Bond’s leap from the adventurous visitors can challenge Verzasca dam is considered the best stunt themselves with a bungee jump in film history. at the Verzasca dam, a pure adren- aline experience on the trail Sonogno and the Wool Center of James Bond. Characterized by typical stone houses and Tenero tiny roads, Sonogno is the last village of

the Verzasca Valley. Worthy of note are With its 4 and 5 star campsites, Tenero is a the ancient village oven, which is still used real camping paradise on the north shore sometimes and the wool center (run by of Lake Maggiore, at the entrance of the the Pro Verzasca organization, which Verzasca valley. In Tenero there is the Na- is responsible for dyeing, carding and tional Youth Sports Centre, a true paradise spinning the wool). The finished products for athletes and a prestigious cultural and are sold in the town’s craft shops. architectural heritage.

Pontedei Salti, Lavertezzo Lavertezzo and the Ponte dei salti

The bridge ponte romanico also called Did you know…? Ponte dei salti (jump bridge) crosses With its 13 inhabitants (2017), Corippo is the the Verzasca river in Lavertezzo and smallest village in Switzerland. It has also been is a typical medieval construction made declared a national monument because of the of stone. After its partial destruction value of its cultural heritage. occurred in 1868, it was reconstructed in 1960. Close to the bridge, you can admire a chapel from the 18th century. The Maggia Valley, with its spec- Bosco Gurin tacular mountains, is a vast Alpine Maggia Valley Situated at 1’503 m.a.s.l., it is the highest valley modeled on glaciers. Locat- mountain village and the only “German- ascona-locarno.com/vallemaggia ed in the basin of the valley, you speaking” settlement in Ticino, one will discover typical villages made of Switzerland’s most charming villages. up of stone houses. On warm sum- In winter the destination offers fun and mer days the river’s cool waters sports in a unique alpine landscape. offer a source of welcome refresh- ment, thanks to the many beaches located on its banks. The secluded nature, water, and the rocky landscape are complemented by the simple yet excellent gastronomic offer of the region’s many local grottos.

Mogno and its church Built between 1992 and 1996, it was designed by Mario Botta and rises on the remains of the original 15th century church destroyed by an avalanche. The contempo- Sentieri di pietra or Stone paths

rary building stands out among the These hiking trails allow you to admire traditional houses of the village because the most attractive and interesting corners of its cylindrical shape cut in a diagonal of the Vallemaggia as well as to discover and for the decorative use of stone. some historical and cultural aspects of The force conveyed by the walls of the the locals, the so-called valmaggesi. The church are nicely balanced by the lightness Sentieri di Pietra, winding through the of the glass cover. valley bottom, are easy and ideal for every- one and are accessible under good weather conditions at any time of the year.

Sculpture School in Peccia

The Sculpture School located in the upper Vallemaggia represents a piece of the

Waterfall, Foroglio(Bavona Valley) ancient Ticino and is therefore absolving

an important task. In fact the School, Did you know…? which offers several courses, established In the Bavona Valley, where a large itself thanks to the great quantity of raw amount of electric power is produced, material, in particular Cristallina-Marble there is no electricity, with the exception the only white-marble in Switzerland, of San Carlo. The waterfall of Foroglio, available up there. Since 2001 the Sentiero rushing down a 80 m /262 ft, is amazing. delle sculture, a sculpture exhibition, is located in the heart of Peccia. You will find two evocative valleys the farina bona, a local speciality, is Centovalli and their traditional villages only a obtained from the fine grinding of slightly few kilometers from the lake. Dis- roasted corn. Located near the main road, and Onsernone Valley cover the beauties of the Centovalli on an escarpment which dominates “The Valley of Hundred Valleys”, the splendid cascade of the Bordione river, ascona-locarno.com/centovalli travelling on the train that runs the mill of Loco - as well as the one of ascona-locarno.com/onsernone through its villages. The Onsernone Vergeletto - is the alive witness of the Valley, with its noble houses, old important activity of the mills for all the mills and thick forests, is the ide- Onsernone valley. al destination for those who are seeking tranquility and originality. For years, in fact, the valley has attracted artists and writers.

Centovallina Railway The two-hour journey from Locarno to Domodossola with the Centovalli Railway is the shortest and most beautiful connection between Lake Maggiore, the French speaking part of Switzerland and Berne, the capital of Switzerland. This panoramic train journey, passing deep gorges and Teatro Dimitri crevices with glittering cascading waterfalls, travels across colorful alpine mead- Welcome to the world of Clown Dimitri! ows, over numerous bridges, and through Located in Verscio, the Teatro Dimitri – forests of chestnut trees. 52 km/32 mi of whose name is undoubtedly linked to the magical landscapes and lush vegetation. Dimitri family – aims to become a center away from the center, by exploring the rich artistic potential of the area as well as the natural surroundings. In August 2000 the Museo Comico opened its doors: exhib- its of posters, masks, toys, clowns and elephants of all kinds and all directly connected to the world of comic theatre and circus. Rasa,Onsernone Valley

Did you know…?

The highest bell tower of the

Canton Ticino is located in the village

The mill of Loco of Intragna: built in 1775 and with a height of 65 m/213 ft. After having undergone a meticulous restoration, the 18th century water mill functions again since 1991 and picks up the grinding of corn, which is used to prepare the polenta. Moreover, the production of

massif (Piz Dufour, 4’634 m.a.s.l.). 4’634 Dufour, (Piz massif

as well as the highest point, the Monte Rosa Rosa Monte the point, highest the as well as

Ascona and the Brissago Islands (193 m.a.s.l.) m.a.s.l.) (193 Islands Brissago the and Ascona

view of both the lowest point in Switzerland, Switzerland, in point lowest the both of view

From Cardada-Cimetta you can enjoy the the enjoy can you Cardada-Cimetta From Did you know…? know…? you Did ascona-locarno.com/outdoor Hiking

View from Monte Gambarogno five or six days, at altitudes between 1’500 between altitudes at days, five six or In Switzerland. in landscapes beautiful most one ofonly, the you leads through hikers for expert suitable trail, hiking This Via Vallemaggia Alta hunt for children. a treasure and village Indian an as well as nature the in leisure and sport lodges, and of restaurants a selection offers Cimetta Cardada- wall. mountain the into merges that platform circular a large point: observation home to a geological also is point highest This unforgettable. and overwhelming is Alps the and Maggiore (1’670 m.a.s.l.) Lake 360° over the view From Cimetta time. a short in Locarno, above mountain the Cardada, you to reach allows Orselina from cable car modern The Cardada-Cimetta stays. your overnight for huts mountain of a find youvariety will where valleys’ the to setting, alpine phere lake’sthe atmos Mediterranean from glaciers, to trees palm from time, walk you will a short Within views. breathtaking and nature will lead you untouched through walking trails and hiking of mi 1’400 foot. on beauties km/870 visitors to explore the region’s invites variety great territory’s The

- di Neggia or Indemini. or Indemini. Neggia di Alpe are to Monte Gambarogno a hike to start places common The Basodino. peak famous most Ticinos’ and range mountain Mischabel the Massif, Rosa Monte the reveals view panoramic parable incom head, the your Lifting trickle! mere a river Maggia the and swans look like (1’734 m.a.s.l.), Maggiore on Lake yachts Monte Gambarogno from down Looking Gambarogno Monte of interest. points and of paths choice wide you a gives hikeTicino mountains, the up to or for a hike lake the along a stroll for looking you are If Ticino. in itineraries 130 more than between choose you can usable offline, is and devices mobile on your downloaded be can app, which hikeTicino to the you. Thanks with trails hiking beautiful most the carry Always Hike Ticino at 3’071 . peak m.a.s.l Tencia Campo up to the leading a variant Valley, Verzasca and featuring Maggia the to Fusio, between Locarno from runs tour trekking fascinating the 2’500 m.a.s.l, and

Such a varied territory offers the Sport ideal environment for numerous sports and activities. ascona-locarno.com/sport The extraordinary nature is perfect for hiking, bicycle and mountain bike tours. The mild climate is furthermore an invitation to play golf all year round and the numerous water activities on the lake and rivers, such as canyoning and rafting, complete the rich offer.

Bike and MTB Golf Breathtaking views, a mild climate with The Ascona-Locarno region has become, 2,300 hours of sunshine a year and both in recent years, an important destination flat or hilly bicycle trails (20 % trail grade): for passionate golfers. Two 18-hole golf this incredibly vast and diverse territory courses, technically well planned in a allows you to ride along the Lake Maggiore Mediterranean and natural setting, offer shores and riverbanks or climb up our excellent conditions for members, visitors, region’s valleys. Three mountain bike societies and corporate functions. trails officially recognized by Switzerland- Mobility to discover the hidden corners of the region. From an easy route to the most technical singletrail, there is so much to ride!

Running

Enjoy your outdoor stay between the lake and the mountains by taking a break from the daily routine. Get your training shoes on and set off in order to discover the best running trails. Every mile is a new discovery: from narrow and curvy lanes to field paths and parks, all rounded off by the amazing surroundings of Lake Maggiore. Longlake, Locarno-Muralto Longlake,

Lido Locarno

The Lido Locarno presents itself as an extraordinary oasis for leisure, sport and relaxation, designed around the water theme and located on a beautiful lakeshore. Open all year, with its thermal baths, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, water slides and games on the Lake Maggiore, the Lido Locarno represents the best equipped and most modern bathing resort in Ticino. In the Ascona-Locarno region, Energetic places the wellness experience can be Wellness In our region you can find many energy enjoyed with unforgettable spots, where the positive power of both ascona-locarno.com/wellness panoramic views. The modern the Earth and nature can be perceived. bathing infrastructures offer From the Monte Verità (Hill of Truth) thermal pools that look onto the in Ascona and the Sacred Mount of the lake, emanating calm and serenity. Madonna del Sasso in Locarno to the Sass Luxury Spas in renowned hotels, da Grüm in the Gambarogno area and the sport or wellness structures surrounding valleys, enjoy a mystical jour- and special energy fields immersed ney that will lead you to experience a in nature make this region the land rich in history and cultural heritage. perfect destination for relaxing holidays. Wellness hotels Termali Salini & Spa • Castello del Sole , Ascona • Hotel Eden Roc, Ascona Relax, regenerate, forget time. A short • Hotel Giardino, Ascona break from everyday life at the largest • Villa Orselina, saltwater Spa in Ticino, Mediterranean Locarno-Orselina atmosphere, Sauna world-an oasis of • Parkhotel Delta, Ascona relaxation, moments of well-being at the Spa and Bistro restaurant Termali Salini.

Yoga trail Starting from Vairano, a pleasant walk leads you to Sass da Grüm. This place is known for its strong energy, and the yoga path is structured into nine sections. The Yoga Trail aims to unite nature with the individual and to interlink the two. The great variety of shapes and colors and the experience in the forest give you strength, inner peace and awaken the vital energy. Termali SaliniSpa,& Locarno

Churches, Sacred Mountains, and the lake side and took it. It first came Culture ancient buildings, museums and into the hands of the Eidgenossen in 1503. art galleries: they all tell the story Today, only a fifth of the original structure ascona-locarno.com/culture and history of the Lake Maggiore remains and dates from the 15th and 16th region. A few more noteworthy centuries. Only the foundation remains locations: the old towns of both from the original structure. Ascona and Locarno and the Monte Verità where, starting from the 1900s, many intellectuals and artists came together in search of alternative values and lifestyles.

Monte Verità Monte Verità stands on the hills overlook- ing Ascona and Lake Maggiore and has always been a magnet for ideas, trends, experiments and historical figures. The Monte Verità, purchased by the Baron Eduard von der Heydt, became a modern Cultural Pass hotel complex, visited by high-profile figures from the worlds of art, politics and Thanks to the Cultural Pass Ascona- culture. Locarno, art lovers who visit one of the museums participating to the program (Pina- Sacred Mount Madonna del Sasso coteca Casa Rusca, Ghisla Art Collection, Musei comunali di Ascona, Monte Verità) The Sacred Mount Madonna del Sasso is get a 20% discount on the admission to the one of the most important religious other partner museums. The combined and historical sites in the canton of Ticino. entry ticket can be used on different days Leaning on a spectacular outcrop of rock, within its validity date. the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso is preceded by a large square from which you can see the deep and wild valley. Next to the church, a porch allows you to enjoy a fantastic view over Locarno, the lake and the surrounding mountains. Madonnadel Sasso, Orselina Visconteo Castle Did you know…? The Castello Visconteo, now an archaeo- In our region there are 22 museums, logical museum, is located on the edge 7 theaters and more than 40 art galleries: of the old town and was built in the 12th a wide choice for all art lovers. century, probably as the residence of a Captain Orelli, who remained true to the Emperor. In 1260, it fell into the hands of the Ghibellini. In 1342 the Vis- conti of Milan, for whom it is now named, attacked the castle from both the land The Mediterranean climate Monte Verità Park of the Lake Maggiore region favors Parks & Gardens The great wooded park of more than 72’000 a thriving flora and green areas: m2/775’000 square foot, which tells the ascona-locarno.com/parks ideal places to relax, walk or story of a century in an uncontaminated simply enjoy the blossom time. area was created by the founders of the The park is a meeting place for vegetarian colony and later purchased by people of all ages: walks, picnics, the baron Eduard von der Heydt. In 2006 pure relaxation, fun and games the park was enriched by the addition of a are typical moments of a nature- tea plantation made up of around 1’000 immersed holiday. Whether Camellia Sinensis plants whose leaves you are a lover of nature or not, provide the raw material for green and you will be surprised by the beauty black tea. The Monte Verità Park is part of and variety of our botanical the Gardens of Switzerland network. gardens.

Camellia Park The stunning Camellia Park was inaugu- rated in Locarno in 2005 on the occasion of the International Camellia Society World Congress (ICS). Since its opening, the park has become an international attraction, thanks both to its landscape value and to its precious botanical features: 850 varieties of catalogued camellias includ- ing about forty different species and ten perfumed hybrids, there are 70 yet uni- dentified camellias, and 130 double camel- Brissago Islands lias. In March 2010 the park received the Unique Swiss botanical garden on an International Camellia Society Gardens of island, an oasis on 2,5 ha with plants and Excellence designation and is part of the flowers from all 5 continents. Thanks to Gardens of Switzerland network, which the special climate and the position of the brings together the most beautiful gardens islands in the middle of the lake the gar- of Switzerland. dens include over 1’700 different plants. The Isole di Brissago offer a botanical collection which has been carefully select- BrissagoIslands ed since the foundation of the gardens in 1885.

Parco del Gambargono & Bolle di Magadino See chapter Gambarogno. A family-friendly destination with Family green areas where kids can run free, play, and enjoy all sorts ascona-locarno.com/family of leisure activities and beautiful nature. It is not by chance that the region has been awarded the “Family Destination” quality seal of the Swiss Tourism Federation. Beaches, swimming pools, large playgrounds and entertainment for the youngest will contribute to your unforgettable holidays! Did you know…? Falconry It is possible to discover the region thanks to seven beautiful lamas Experience a close encounter with majes- on a half- or more-days trekking? tic birds of prey at the Falconry in Locarno, Adventure Park where you will be able to observe and pho- The Adventure Park in Gordola is an tograph eagles, hawks, owls and vultures. acrobatic park hanging in the air. These beautiful birds, flying free, will lead By means of installed cables, wooden and you into a dimension where man and na- roped air platforms, the Park allows ture meet, in a natural and animal friendly visitors to undertake a route among trees place. Enjoy the breathtaking show! in all safety. Balance, concentration, coordination and a basic fitness level are the necessary skills to succeed in the activity.

Tamaro Park Would you like to spend an unforgettable day of adventure, fun and relax? With Tamaro Park it is possible! Tamaro Park is originated from the union of Splash & Spa Tamaro and Monte Tamaro, two unique attractions located in Rivera. Swimming pools, water slides, SPA Area,

Treasurehunt, Brissago Islands Treasure hunts but also a coaster bob, panoramic

excursions and much more thanks to A new entertaining treasure hunt in the this amazing package. charming village of Ascona will complete the already existing and very attractive offer for families. The four Ascona-Locarno treasure hunts will lead to the discovery of the most enchanting corners of the region: from the top of Cardada-Cimetta to the Brissago Islands going through the Old Town of Locarno and the cobblestone alleys and squares of Ascona. The Ticino cuisine is rooted in the in 1991 by the Onsernone Museum, after Gastronomy pre-Alpine tradition, based on the restoration of the mill in Loco, suc- regional products. Our grottos are ceeded in retrieving from memory this old ascona-locarno.com/gastronomy unique to the Canton of Ticino: product and in slowly reintroducing its rustic restaurants typically locat- production. ed in remote and shaded areas, where you can taste local dishes Rice and products, together with a glass The only Swiss rice has been cultivated in of good wine, all in a convivial Ascona since 1997 on the properties of the atmosphere. In the region there farm Terreni alla Maggia SA, founded in are more than 15 restaurants 1930. This cultivation is the world’s north- awarded with Michelin Stars and ernmost rice plantation and the annual Gault Millau points and more than harvest equals around 400 tons of rice. 20 which are mentioned in their Terreni alla Maggia SA is not just the only gourmet guides. cultivator of rice in Switzerland, but also the only one in Ticino that produces Whis- Chestnuts ky. As with the rice, the basis of this whisky Did you know…? The sweet chestnut tree, was once known grows on the delta of the River Maggia. as the “bread tree”, since chestnuts were Nothing is more typical in Ticino than one of the staple foods of Canton Ticino. Torta di pane the Grotto: in the past it used to be a cellar, Various methods were used to preserve today it is a simple tavern, in quiet hidea The celebrated torta di pane is a cake made the chestnuts, one of the most common of way places, where tasty local products and- with stale bread and is a popular specialty these was a unique drying procedure: they delicious wines are served. in Ticino. What was once a way of using were taken to a small, two-storey stone up leftovers has become a dessert mas- building known as grà, where they were terpiece, which in its finest incarnations dried slowly for several weeks above a fire can also contain raisins, nuts and a shot of kept at a constant temperature. grappa.

Wine and beers The Lake Maggiore region offers a wide selection of fine wines and craft beers produced by locals. The main grape variety to be found in Ticino is the Merlot, imported from France at the beginning of the 19th century. Second in line is the American grape, which is primarily used for the production of the grappa, a home-made liquor specialty. In order of importance, these are the grape Farina Bóna varieties growing in Ticino: Merlot (85%), American red (3.3%), Chardonnay (2.3%), This traditional product of the Onsernone Bondola (1.7%) and Pinot Noir (1, 5%). Valley is a gluten free corn flour obtained by very finely grinding the corn grains, which have been previously roasted. The initiatives and the researches carried out 36 Camelie Locarno Moon&Stars Settimane Musicali Events March July Ascona ascona-locarno.com/camellia moonandstars.ch September –October ascona-locarno.com/events The most important Camellia One of the most important settimane-musicali.ch Show in Europe. A scientific open air festivals in Europe. Big symphony orchestras, exhibition showing over 250 Big-name international classical chamber music and variations pop & rock bands perform single instrument recitals concerts in the magnificent in the Churches Collegio Papio Festival Artisti di Strada setting of the Piazza Grande in Ascona and San Francesco May in Locarno artistidistrada.ch Luci e Ombre Every year the Lake Maggiore Over 100 free shows presented July region hosts many events you by mime artists, jugglers, ascona-locarno.com/events should not miss! Music festivals fire-eaters and clowns from all Children’s entertainment, over the world market, food & beverage, music with international stars, and lots of fun. Spectacular an internationally renowned film fireworks on Saturday night festival, entertainment for both children and adults, well-known Locarno Festival sports events, gastronomic August festivals, traditional village fairs pardo.ch Triathlon Locarno and much more. Locarno transforms itself into September the world capitol of cinema. 3locarno.ch Feature films and short films, Official Swiss Triathlon Circuit the magical screenings in the event with 3 categories on the JazzAscona Piazza Grande as well as cultur- program June–July al events and entertainment jazzascona.ch Festa delle Castagne The only music festival in October Europe, officially supported by ascona-locarno.com/events the City of New Orleans. Music, Over 2’000 kg/4’400 Ibs of rhythms and flavours from the roasted chestnuts over the open city on the Mississippi fire of the maronatt, a market with typical regional products Vallemaggia Magic Blues and folk music, all along the July–August lake side promenade magicblues.ch Rombo Days Ascona-Locarno Run August October harleyticino.ch ascona-locarno-run.ch Did you know…? An event dedicated to all motor- Moon&Stars, Locarno Moon&Stars, During the Locarno Festival around cycle enthusiasts that offers Locarno on Ice 8’000 people are seated in the Piazza oncerts, stands, culinary November–January Grande watching international movies delights and a spectacular parad locarnoonice.ch on one of the Europe’s biggest movie Igloo-bars, cabins offering screen (26x14 m / 85x46 ft ). culinary specialties, live music The beautiful town squares of concerts, the Christmas treeand the Vallemaggia villages stage the magical ice skating rink this festival, which offers ten evenings, filled with sweeping music acts Copyright photos Alessio Pizzicannella André Boss BlueWater Com Christof Sonderegger Domenico Chiefari Locarno Festival Enrico Pescantini Foto Garbani Golf Club Patriziale Ascona Hotel Castello del Sole Loreta Daulte Loretta Bressani Marco Agorri Massimo Pedrazzini Matteo Aroldi Michael Neumann Moon and Stars Festival SA Rémy Steinegger Swiss-Image Ticino Turismo

i Ascona-Locarno Tourism +41 (0)848 091 091 [email protected] www.ascona-locarno.com

Info desks: Ascona Viale Papio 5 Brissago Via Leoncavallo 25 Locarno-Muralto Stazione FFS/SBB/CFF Maggia Centro Commerciale Tenero Via al Giardino 3 Vira Gambarogno Via Cantonale 29