Travel south on the Treno Gottardo and discover Lake Maggiore by boat
Lake Maggiore, located on the border between Italy and Switzerland, is an attractive destination with its unique climate and the beauty of the surrounding villages. Thanks to the day ticket included in the offer, you can take a boat trip from Locarno on Lake Maggiore to the Brissago Islands, where beautiful gardens and an elegant villa await you. Enjoy colorful landscapes and majestic mountains, an unforgettable experience.
Included in the experience
Return journey on the Treno Gottardo from Zurich or Basel (via Lucerne, Airolo) to Locarno
1 coffee, tea or hot chocolate on the Treno Gottardo
Day ticket from the boat company valid on Lake Maggiore (Swiss side)
Admission to the Brissago Islands
This offer is currently only available in German and Italian.
Thanks to the regional climate, Mediterranean and subtropical plants thrive on the only island in Switzerland that is home to a botanical garden. The 25,000 m² garden is home to over 2000 plant species from different parts of the world. Children can even go on exciting treasure hunts here - what better place than an island?
In the park in the Villa Emden, which was built in the 1930s, there is a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious ice cream or a coffee and round off the afternoon before taking the boat back to the mainland.
A day on Lake Maggiore
With your day ticket from the boat company, you can discover more than just the Brissago Islands. Experience an unforgettable journey that starts in Locarno and takes you to the enchanting treasures along Lake Maggiore.
Locarno–San Nazzaro
Your journey begins in Locarno, from where you will take a boat to Gambarogno. On warm summer days, the picturesque lido in San Nazzaro is the perfect place to take a refreshing dip in the lake. From the harbour in San Nazzaro, you will continue your boat trip towards Brissago.
San Nazzaro–Ascona
After around 15 minutes, the boat docks at the picturesque landing stage in Ascona – right on the famous piazza on the lakeside. There you will be greeted by colourful façades and charming houses that exude a Mediterranean lifestyle. Treat yourself to a light snack in one of the stylish bars on the piazza and then stroll through the winding alleys, past historic courtyards and inspiring art galleries.
Ascona–Brissago Islands
Just a quarter of an hour by boat from Ascona lie the Brissago Islands, nestled in Lake Maggiore. This little paradise is famous for its botanical garden, which invites visitors to marvel at and linger among exotic plants from all over the world.
Brissago Islands–Locarno
The return trip by boat to Locarno offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the impressions of the journey. Enjoy the sun, the gentle breeze and the view of the passing shores on deck – and let your mind wander.
More information (FAQ)
Public transport ticket validity
Valid for an outward and return journey on all the following routes on the booked days:
The outward and return journeys do not have to be on the same day.
Fahrzeiten der Schiffe auf dem Lago Maggiore
To make sure you’re well prepared for your excursion, we recommend checking the boat company’s timetable before you travel.
Boat company day pass validity
The day pass is valid on board the boats of the Swiss Lake Maggiore boat company (Swiss side). The sections of Arcobaleno line 351 Locarno–Tenero–Magadino are not included.
Ticket inspection for the boat trip and Brissago Islands
Show your voucher to the inspector when boarding the boat. If you have purchased an offer with a Half Fare Travelcard, please have your travelcard ready for inspection.
When you show or hand over your voucher at the cash desk for the Brissago Islands, you will be admitted to the island.
GA Travelcard and Day Pass validity
To purchase the GA Travelcardoffer, you will need:
a valid GA Travelcard
a Day Pass for the GA area of validity*
*Customers with a Day Pass for the GA area of validity must also be able to produce a valid Half Fare Travelcard.
Seat reservation
With a seat reservation on the Treno Gottardo, Voralpen-Express, Alpenrhein-Express and IR Aare Linth, travelling is even more comfortable. We recommend reserving a seat, especially at weekends and peak times, in first class as well.
You can find all information about booking your seat here.
Accessibility
The boats are wheelchair-accessible, with some restrictions. Please call +41 91 222 11 11 for more information. At the Brissago Islands, accessibility is guaranteed up to Villa Emden (hotel and restaurant), while the garden is partially accessible by wheelchair. We recommend travelling with a companion, as there are steps, slopes and unpaved paths.
Eindrücke vom Lago Maggiore und den Brissago-Inseln
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