Locarno

On the day before our return home, we made a day trip to Locarno this past July, when we were staying in Baveno. We enjoyed a visit to Castello Visconteo (ancient Roman and medieval artifacts), a nice lunch at an outdoor cafe with people-watching, and a stroll along the lakeside promenade. Also, we bought Swiss chocolate to take home for gifts. We didn't go up to Cimetta because the weather was very threatening. I'd say it's a pleasant place, but not a top tier destination.

Ingrid,

I was in Locarno for several days last Fall, and REALLY enjoyed my stay there. It's a beautiful location, and a great place to relax from the rigors of travel in "busier" locations.

While there I took a short trip up the hill to a beautiful Church that overlooks the town. Close to the Church, there's also a Cable Car station for trips up the mountain (from what I recall, the place is called Cardada, but I'd have to check my notes). There's a restaurant at the top complete with patio that overlooks the lake & town, right next to the Cable Car station. It was wonderful to sit there in the sunshine having a Beer (and also dinner), watching the Paragliders sail past the balcony.

From the restaurant, there's a small trail leading to a metal platform that extends out past the cliff. It's a bit unnerving for some, but I didn't mind.

Locarno has a Casino, lots of places to shop and some great food. If you have a chance, take the Centovalli Railway,it's an incredibly scenic ride.

Hi, Ingrid,
if you know the German language you can find many information about Lago Maggiore in my homepage www.lago-maggiore-urlaub.de
in every case you can find a lot or pictures in the foto gallery.
I hope you will have a nice time in Locarno
Christel, from the other side