Holiday in Locarno
City in Switzerland — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇨🇭
Country
Switzerland
Type
City
Best time to travel
April to October (lake and sun), August (film festival), year-round (mildest climate in Switzerland)
Budget/day
120-190 CHF: lakeside hotel, Centovalli Railway, Madonna del Sasso, restaurant
Getting there from Germany
Train from Zurich (2.5 h via Gotthard) | Car via Gotthard 3 h | Milan 1.5 h
Deals for Locarno:
What makes Locarno special as a destination?
Locarno on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore is the sunniest city in Switzerland and the venue for the famous International Film Festival. The Piazza Grande — one of the most beautiful squares in Switzerland — transforms into an open-air cinema with 8,000 spectators in August. The historic old town, the pilgrimage church Madonna del Sasso above the city, and the subtropical vegetation give Locarno an almost Mediterranean flair in Switzerland.
What are the top highlights in Locarno?
The top highlights in Locarno include Piazza Grande, Madonna del Sasso, Film Festival Locarno, Centovalli-Bahn.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Piazza Grande
One of the most beautiful squares in Switzerland — transformed in August into the largest open-air cinema in the world.
Madonna del Sasso
Pilgrimage church on a rock above Locarno — accessible by funicular with a grand view of the lake.
Film Festival Locarno
Renowned international film festival every August — open-air cinema on the Piazza Grande.
Centovalli-Bahn
Panoramic train from Locarno to Domodossola — through 100 valleys, one of the most beautiful train routes in Europe.
Hotels in Locarno
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Reise-SIM für Locarno
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Locarno?
The best time to visit Locarno is April to October (lake and sun), August (film festival), year-round (mildest climate in Switzerland). Warm and sunny, 25-30°C, subtropical vegetation In winter: Mild for Switzerland, 3-8°C, lots of sun
Recommended travel time
April to October (lake and sun), August (film festival), year-round (mildest climate in Switzerland)
Summer
Warm and sunny, 25-30°C, subtropical vegetation
Winter
Mild for Switzerland, 3-8°C, lots of sun
How much does a holiday in Locarno cost?
Budget travellers: 60-90 CHF: B and B, free Piazza, beach bath 5 CHF/day, mid-range: 120-190 CHF: lakeside hotel, Centovalli Railway, Madonna del Sasso, restaurant/day, luxury: 300+ CHF: Grand Hotel, private boat, gourmet menu/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
60-90 CHF: B and B, free Piazza, beach bath 5 CHF
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
120-190 CHF: lakeside hotel, Centovalli Railway, Madonna del Sasso, restaurant
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
300+ CHF: Grand Hotel, private boat, gourmet menu
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Locarno?
Train from Zurich (2.5 h via Gotthard) | Car via Gotthard 3 h | Milan 1.5 h
Book a package holiday to Locarno
Compare thousands of package holidays to Locarno and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Locarno?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Come in August for the film festival — open-air cinema on the Piazza Grande under the stars.
Take the Centovalli-Bahn — one of the most beautiful and underrated train routes in Europe.
Use the funicular to Madonna del Sasso — the view over the lake is magnificent.
Locarno has the mildest climate in Switzerland — palm trees, camellias, and subtropical gardens.
What should you eat in Locarno?
Typical specialities in Locarno: Risotto ai funghi porcini — porcini mushroom risotto from Ticino, Polenta e brasato — creamy polenta with braised beef, a Ticino classic, Torta di pane — bread cake with amaretti, chocolate, and raisins, Merlot del Ticino — full-bodied red wine from the sunniest region of Switzerland.
These specialties you must try!
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