Why You Really Should Visit
Cardada and Cimetta in Ticino
Switzerland
Towering above the basin of Lake Maggiore sits the mountain of Cardada. Once mainly for Winter sport enthusiasts, it is now open all year round and available to discover for people of all ages and abilities. A perfect destination in Ticino for all the family!
From Locarno you simply take the Locarno-Orselina cable railway, just a few minutes from the Locarno SBB railway station. If travelling by car you can park in one of the multi storey car parks.
Photo courtesy of Cardada Tourism
In just 5 minutes, the modern cable car, designed in a “rain-drop shape” to give the best visibility possible by architect Mario Botto, whisks you up to an altitude of over 1340 metres where you can enjoy the stunning views of the valley floor and surrounding landscape.
Cardada used to be a location favoured mainly by professional skiers who would hike up the mountain before skiing down. Now with the addition of the cable car, the mountain is accessible to everybody.
Nestled between the border of Switzerland and Italy, Locarno is famous for its great food and majestic scenery, something which can be enjoyed at the various restaurants which you can find at the top of the mountain.
Summit of Cimetta at 1670 Metres
From Cardada, you can walk to the summit of Cimetta which stands at 1670 metres above sea level, offering 360 degree views of the Alps in all their glory. What is most striking about the mountain is its proximity to the valley below and its stunning views of lake Maggiore.
Mountain Breeze and Haven for Paragliders
When Locarno basks in sunshine and temperatures above 30 degrees, Cardada enjoys a far more temperate climate. For those who are struggling in the Summer heat, a trip up the mountain offers a welcome breeze which not only cools, but allows the many paragliders to take flight and descend into the valley below.
Photo courtesy of Cardada Tourism
Activities for All The Family in Cardada
Cardada also offers a variety of activities. These include walking, mountain biking and paragliding in Summer. One of the highlights are the six pre-made hiking routes taking you around the mountain and showcasing some of the most picturesque spots. Such excursions range from mountain trekking which can begin or conclude within Locarno itself. There are also lots of activities for children, including viewing platforms and even dedicated play ground areas.
In Winter there is the traditional skiing and snowboarding. Regardless of the season, there is always something to do here in one of Switzerland’s most beautiful spots.
Easily Accessible
Under three hours by train from central Zurich, the Cardada mountain is easily reached and offers an excellent addition to your exploration of Southern Switzerland and Ticino. It has all the amenities and activities to make for a great day out for all the family. With its majestic views, it is easy to see why the locals call this place the “Pearl of Lake Maggiore”.
Getting to Cardada and Cimetta
You take the funicular from Locarno to Orselina, then the gondola Cardada and finally you can take a chairlift to Cimetta. The Locarno-Orselina cableway has been designed so make it as easily accessible as possible for the elderly, disabled and for families with push chairs.
Click here for Google Maps Coordinates.
See Cardada (red pin) on the Google Map below:
For more information please visit the Cardada website here.
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Article written by Jan de Boer
Jan is Comment Editor of the Award Winning Student Newspaper “Nouse“
For more information about Travel and Events in Zurich and beyond please see our What’s On Page or our News Articles or for regular updates subscribe to our blog.
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