Category: Sights & attractions

The Tofane are the striking mountain massif above Cortina d’Ampezzo; the Tofana di Mezzo reaches 3,244 m. The Freccia nel Cielo cable car leads in several sections almost to the summit. The famous World Cup downhill runs and the staging of Olympic ski races (1956 and 2026) make the area Cortina’s alpine flagship.HighlightsTofana di Mezzo (3,244…

The Val Müstair in the far south-eastern tip of Switzerland is home to the Benedictine convent of St John in Müstair, whose Carolingian frescoes from the 8th century have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. The quiet valley borders the Swiss National Park and keeps Romansh culture alive.HighlightsConvent of St John with Carolingian frescoes (UNESCO)Romansh valley and convent cultureNear the Swiss…

Lugano is the largest city in Ticino and lies with Mediterranean flair on the lake of the same name between the viewpoint mountains Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore. Palm-lined promenades, a lively old town and funiculars up the local mountains shape the scene. The lake reaches as far as Italy.HighlightsMediterranean lakeside promenade and old townLocal mountains Monte Brè and San Salvatore…

At 1,704 m, Monte Generoso offers an all-round view over the Ticino lakes, the Po Plain and the arc of the Alps. On the summit stands the Fiore di Pietra viewing building designed by star architect Mario Botta. A historic cog railway leads up from Capolago on Lake Lugano.HighlightsAll-round view over lakes, the Po Plain and the AlpsFiore di Pietra by Mario…

The Centovalli, the valley of a hundred valleys, links Locarno with Domodossola in Italy. The Centovalli Railway, a narrow-gauge line, runs through the wild gorge landscape over numerous bridges and through tunnels, past chestnut forests and waterfalls, especially impressive in autumn.HighlightsCentovalli Railway over bridges and through tunnelsWild gorges and chestnut forestsCross-border to DomodossolaAutumn colours especially beautifulGood to…

The Maggia valley is the largest valley in Ticino and known for its crystal-clear, emerald-green river water, stone mountain villages and waterfalls. Its landmark is the Foroglio waterfall. Natural pools along the Maggia invite swimming in summer, though the water stays cold.HighlightsEmerald-green, clear river waterForoglio waterfallStone mountain villages and rusticiNatural bathing spots along the MaggiaGood to…