Lake Maggiore and Brissago Islands experience

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.

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.

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.

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.

Valid for an outward and return journey on all the following routes on the booked days:

• Basel–Olten–Lucerne−Arth-Goldau−Göschenen−Airolo–Bellinzona–Locarno

• Zurich–Zug–Arth-Goldau–Göschenen–Airolo–Bellinzona–Locarno

The outward and return journeys do not have to be on the same day.

To make sure you’re well prepared for your excursion, we recommend checking the boat company’s timetable before you travel.

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.

• 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.

To purchase the GA Travelcard offer, 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.

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.

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.