Piazzogna: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
In Piazzogna, you will spend the best time of the year in the Swiss region of Ticino. The village, with barely 400 inhabitants, stretches charmingly in an elevated position high above Lake Maggiore. Combine a beach holiday with hiking excursions into the alpine mountains that rise behind the holiday resort.
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Piazzogna - Must-see attractions
Gambarogno Botanical Garden
The Parco botanico del Gambarogno is famous beyond national borders for its approximately 1,000 species of camellias. Hundreds of magnolias as well as peonies, azaleas, rhododendrons, and native and exotic conifers and shrubs thrive splendidly in the Mediterranean climate. The variety of tall trees, such as the unique sequoias, is also impressive, taking one's breath away with their size and girth. To enjoy the floral splendor and breathtaking views for a long time, don't forget to bring a picnic basket.
Mount Gambarogno
Hiking trails wind through the Swiss mountains around Monte Gambarogno. Nature and outdoor enthusiasts visit the picturesque lake and the surrounding valleys from here. A pilgrimage destination at the summit is the church Madonna del Sasso. One of the most famous hikes is the Sentiero del Castagno, the Chestnut Trail. This trail leads through terraced slopes where chestnut trees grow and provides insights into agricultural tradition. In autumn, the mountain is colored in a warm play of colors.
Church of San Vittore
The San Vittore Church in Swiss Ticino is worth a visit. Visitors are usually impressed by the massive granite blocks with which much of the facade was built. Inside, the structure consists of three naves, divided by several columns. Despite various renovations, the Romanesque elements from the 9th century are still clearly recognizable today. After the Middle Ages, a massive bell tower was added to the church, which is considered a trademark. A sacristy and an oratory were also added later.
Alprose Chocolate Museum
Founded in 1957, Alprose is one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in Switzerland. In 1991, the museum was inaugurated, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at chocolate production. In the adjoining shop, you can taste and purchase the sweet bars. Additionally, there is the opportunity to watch the processing of cocoa beans into chocolate. From the museum, it is only a few hundred meters to the shores of Lake Lugano, where you can stroll along the promenade and enjoy the sun.
San Nazarius
The village of San Nazzaro is characterized by traditional Ticino architecture and exudes a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation. Visitors can leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys, admire historical buildings, and enjoy the authentic charm of the picturesque community. One of the main attractions of San Nazzaro is the beach of Lake Maggiore. There, you can relax in the sun, swim, or take a walk against a breathtaking backdrop. Active individuals are drawn to windsurfing on the water or hiking trails in the surrounding area.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore, as the second largest lake in Italy, invites you to swim, boat, enjoy water sports, and have fun on the beach. Stroll along the charming promenades lined with colorful flowers, or take a bike tour or hikes around the lake. Imposing castles, magnificent villas, and splendid gardens await your visit. Recommended are the Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto, the Borromean Islands, and the castles of Cannero. In Laveno, a ride with the basket lift to the mountain station promises breathtaking views.
Piazzogna - Secret spots
Mount Tamaro
Near Piazzogna in the canton of Ticino rises the 1,960 m high Monte Tamaro. From its summit, you can enjoy the beautiful view over Lake Maggiore and the Monte Rosa massif. On the northeast slope of Monte Tamaro at Alpe Foppa is the Santa Maria degli Angeli Chapel, designed by the star architect Mario Botta.
Bolle di Magadino Nature Reserve
About 10 km north of Piazzogna in Ticino lies the floodplain landscape Bolle di Magadino. The cantonal nature reserve is crisscrossed with numerous educational and hiking trails. There are also several bird-watching towers for visitors. You can book a guided tour of the nature park. In July and August, boat trips on Lake Maggiore are possible.
Kalman House
With the car, you can reach Casa Kalman in Brione in the canton of Ticino from Piazzogna in just under half an hour. The house, built in the 1970s on a steep slope from exposed concrete, is considered an icon of the Ticino architectural style. Casa Kalman was designed by the famous architect Luigi Snozzi.
Gambarogno Botanical Garden
On a hillside terrace between Piazzogna and Vairano in the Canton of Ticino, the lushly blooming Botanical Garden of Gambarogno extends over an area of more than 17,000 square meters. Almost a thousand varieties of camellias can be admired here. In spring, magnolias, azaleas, peonies, and rhododendrons enchant visitors. The garden is open year-round.
Piazzogna - In 3 days
Day 1
Unpack your bags, take a short break from your journey, and then start your first explorations in Piazzogna. The small town on the northeastern shore of Lake Maggiore has barely 500 inhabitants and delights with its beautiful hillside location directly above the shore. A walk through the town with its winding streets repeatedly offers fantastic views of Lake Maggiore and the mountain ranges of the Ticino Alps beyond. A detour to the Parco Botanico del Gambarogno is worthwhile. Especially in spring, a visit to the colorful blooming Botanical Garden on a terrace on the hillside is an experience for the senses. It is particularly known for its colorful magnolias and the seemingly countless varieties of camellias. Thanks to the mild temperatures, the Botanical Garden is fragrant and blooming well into the autumn.
Day 2
On the second day, you will get to know the surroundings of Piazzogna from the water side. A ferry tour from the nearby ferry terminal of San Nazzaro is perfect for stops at interesting points. Depart towards Locarno on the opposite shore and take a look across the water at your holiday destination. In Locarno itself, a ride on the funicular up to the pilgrimage church Madonna del Sasso is worthwhile. It impresses with its breathtaking location on a mountain ledge above the lakeside town with a panoramic view over the lake. Afterwards, a summer swim in the lake at the Locarno lido or an autumn lakeside walk beckons. Back in Piazzogna, the day ends in one of the restaurants or a traditional osteria with Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. From spring to late autumn, the mild temperatures allow for a cozy end to the evening outdoors.
Day 3
On the third day, you go high up. Behind your holiday resort rises the 1,734 m high Monte Gambarogno. Seen from the shore of Lake Maggiore, the summit towers steeply, but the ascent is manageable even for occasional hikers. The winding road takes you by bus or car first to Alpe di Neggia. From there, it's only 2 km on a narrow path through light forests with a moderate incline up to the summit. The panoramic view over the lake and the vastness of the Ticino mountain ranges certainly compensates for the adventurous path. For those who haven't had enough of adventures, a visit with the whole family to the Monte Tamaro adventure park around the mountain of the same name, which also rises in the hinterland of Piazzogna, is a great addition. In summer, the rope park with varied courses is the highlight. Additionally, a summer toboggan run for kids and a zipline for adrenaline junkies are enticing.