Ticino is the southernmost canton of Switzerland. In the north is the grandiose wild mountain landscape with old stone houses and fortified castles and in the south the Mediterranean world of lakes with subtropical climate and floral splendour.

Crossing the Gotthard Pass was for a long time the main route from Northern Europe to Italy. The romantic ride with the 5-horse-drawn stagecoach is fascinating. In the steep and dangerous terrain, alpine pasture farming required a safe network of paths and those who built them were great masters of road construction.

Bellinzona is the capital of the Swiss canton of Ticino and is situated at the foot of the mighty St. Gotthard massif. Italian squares and elegant Renaissance palazzi remind of the flair of a Lombard cultural city. The castels Castellogrande, Montebello and Castello Di Sasso Corbaro belong to the cultural heritage of the world, and still testify to the strategic importance of the city.

Locarno stretches elegantly along the west bank of the Lake Maggiore. Ascona is located a little further south and with its fascinating seafront also one of the most important meeting places of the jet setters, the millionaires and business elite. Near the border with Italy is Brissago.

In the wide semi-circular bay of lake Lugano is situated the city of the same name. The funicular leads briskly up the track on the 912 metre-high Monte San Salvatore. Back down below at the shore of Lake Lugano, a boat trip sets sail for Gandria in the north. Gandria is hundreds of years old, and has hardly changed in all that time. From here a cable car leads üp the second mountain of Lugano, Monte Brè. Morcote, the village at the southern tip of the Ceresio headland is one of the most popular destinations on Lake Lugano.

Ticino is a small paradise. A country to fall in love with.