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Arrival and first glimpse of Lago Maggiore
Long drive: set off early and plan in breaks.
A Swiss motorway vignette is required.
This is where your trip begins. It's worth setting off early, as a long but scenically rewarding stretch heading south lies ahead of you.
If you have time and good weather, take the old Tremola pass road instead of the tunnel, with its historic cobblestones and tight hairpin bends. At the top, by the pass lake, there's a small museum and a kiosk; the climb up is an experience in itself. In bad weather or if you're pressed for time, simply take the Gotthard road tunnel.
The sprawling Piazza Grande with its arcades and palm trees is the Mediterranean heart of Locarno. After the long drive, you can stroll along the lakeside promenade and let the day wind down on the shores of Lago Maggiore. In the evening, numerous terraces invite you to dine out.
A quietly situated hotel in Muralto, just a few steps from the lakeshore and the promenade. A good base for the coming days around Locarno and Lago Maggiore.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Turquoise river and the Ponte dei Salti
Bring water shoes, as the river stones are slippery.
Arrive very early, as parking in the valley is limited.
The double-arched stone bridge over the crystal-clear Verzasca is the valley's landmark. The emerald-green water is tempting for a swim, though it's cold and the current strong, so only bathe in calm spots. Arrive early, as the car parks fill up quickly in summer.
The imposing dam wall became famous for the bungee jump in the James Bond film. Even without jumping, it's worth looking down from the wall into the gorge and across the turquoise reservoir. A short but striking stop on the way back.
In the typical Ticino grotti, you'll find regional dishes such as polenta, cheese and wine served at shady stone tables. A relaxed lunch break right in the valley before heading back to the lake.
Flower islands and a palm-lined promenade
Check the ferry timetable in advance; regular sailings run in June.
In Ascona, use the ground-level car parks on the edge of town.
The botanical garden island in Lago Maggiore is home to subtropical plants from around the world, reachable by scheduled boat from Ascona or Porto Ronco. You'll stroll among palms, bamboo and citrus trees while enjoying the lake views. Swimming is permitted at designated spots.
Ascona is considered the Mediterranean jewel of the lake, with its colourful row of houses, palm trees and numerous cafés right on the water. Perfect for strolling, ice cream and a late lunch with lake views. The old town alleys behind invite you to browse.
Foroglio waterfall and switching to Lake Lugano
The mountain road in the Bavona Valley is narrow; drive calmly and with foresight.
A moving day with a moderate driving time, easy to break up.
In the wildly romantic Bavona Valley, the Foroglio waterfall plunges around 100 metres down a rock face, right next to a small hamlet of stone houses. A short footpath leads to the foot of the falls, where the fine spray offers welcome cooling. The valley is considered one of the most unspoilt in Ticino.
The rustic grotto right by the waterfall serves Ticino classics such as polenta with kid goat and homemade specialities. An atmospheric spot for a lunch break before setting off for Lugano.
Lugano surprises with its southern flair, a long lakeside promenade lined with palm trees, and a lively old town. You'll arrive in the afternoon, check into your accommodation and let the evening wind down by the lake. The Piazza della Riforma is the ideal spot for an aperitivo.
A family-run hotel with a garden and pool near the lakeshore and the Lido di Lugano. A good base for the next two days around Lake Lugano and Monte Brè.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Viewpoint mountain and old town
Take the funicular in the morning for clear long-distance views.
Note the market days in the old town (Tuesdays and Fridays).
The funicular takes you up Monte Brè, considered one of the sunniest viewpoint mountains in Switzerland. From the summit, the view stretches across Lake Lugano to the Valais and Bernese Alps. A short circular walk and the mountain village of Brè, with its artists' trail, make the visit worthwhile.
The alleys of Lugano's old town are full of shops, cafés and delicatessens. On Tuesdays and Fridays, a market brings the town centre to life with regional produce, cheese and fresh fruit. A good place to stock up for a picnic or an aperitivo.
The lido on Lake Lugano offers sunbathing lawns, swimming pools and direct lake access. After the mountain, it's the ideal spot to cool off in the afternoon. Families and those seeking relaxation alike will find something here.
Last day by the lake and the leg back north
Splitting the return journey into two stages keeps the driving time under five hours.
In good weather, the Gotthard pass road makes for a nice alternative once again.
Often called the most beautiful village in Switzerland, Morcote sits picturesquely on the southern shore of Lake Lugano. Narrow lanes, arcades and the Park Scherrer with its subtropical planting make the short stop worthwhile. From the terrace of the Santa Maria del Sasso church, a sweeping lake view opens up.
The three castles of Bellinzona form part of the UNESCO World Heritage, with the mighty Castelgrande towering over the old town. A short walk along the walls gives you one last impression of Ticino before continuing north. A lift takes you up comfortably.
An overnight stop north of the Gotthard in the mountain village of Andermatt splits the return journey into two relaxed stages. The clear mountain air and small centre invite you to an evening stroll. A good starting point for the final leg to Freiburg.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The journey home through central Switzerland
The final leg, with a break in Lucerne, remains comfortably manageable.
There may be waiting times at the border near Basel.
On the way north, it's worth stopping in Lucerne, where the historic Kapellbrücke crosses the Reuss. A walk through the old town and along Lake Lucerne makes a lovely final break. Ground-level car parks can be found on the edge of town, a short walk from the centre.
The end of your round trip: after a week in Mediterranean Ticino, you return to Freiburg. Time to let the impressions of lakes, mountain valleys and stone bridges settle in.
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