Ticino
Discover the south of Switzerland
Beyond the Gotthard, the grass is greener, the weather nicer, the air milder and the colours more intense. The time to be outside starts earlier and lasts longer in Ticino. It's literally as clear as day: it's better in the south. It's not just the espresso that tastes more flavoursome south of the Gotthard. Everything seems a little less complicated. Even the northerners lose their proverbial characteristics in the bright light of the south. We love the south because we love life in the south. And we love life in the south because we live a little better there ourselves. Ciao dreary everyday life - Buongiorno Bellezza.
It's not just the "dolce far niente" that takes centre stage, which we certainly don't disapprove of thanks to the fantastic cuisine and Italian culture. No, it seems that the south makes things possible that we in the north often only dream of. So it is no surprise that a little over 100 years ago, utopians from the north sought a new way of living close to the elements of light, air, water and sun on Monte Verità in Ascona. Even today, the only tea plantation on the European continent, a museum and hotel in the park bear witness to this open spirit.
Ticino was and remains a place of longing and escape. Many artists have found inspiration and happiness in Ticino and further south. Politically committed democrats and free spirits, fleeing from the henchmen of the former empires and kingdoms, also found refuge here. Today, it is rather the year-round visitors from the north who choose Ticino as the centre of their lives and are happy to find a new home here. They are already there when the day trippers and holidaymakers arrive. And rightly so, because nowhere is the magic of spring more beautiful, nowhere is the start of a new summer more intense than in the south.
Enjoy the journey to Switzerland's sunniest region on the Treno Gottardo, the most beautiful connection between north and south. There is plenty to discover. You can plan your journey in advance and book your activities conveniently online now.