Situated on the border between Italy and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore is an attractive destination for an excursion with its unique climate and beautiful surrounding towns and villages. Thanks to the day pass included in the offer, you can take a boat trip on Lake Maggiore from Locarno to the Brissago Islands, where magnificent gardens and an elegant villa await. Marvel at colourful landscapes and majestic mountains – an unforgettable experience.
Included in the Lake Maggiore and Brissago Islands experience
Outward and return journey on the Treno Gottardo from Zurich or Basel (via Lucerne and Airolo) to Locarno
One coffee on the Treno Gottardo
Day pass for the boat company valid on Lake Maggiore (Swiss side)
Entry to the Brissago Islands
Book
CHF 79 per adult with the Half Fare Travelcard
Other ticket categories
Brissago Islands
On Switzerland’s only island with a botanical garden, Mediterranean and subtropical plants thrive in the local climate. Covering an area of 25,000 m², the garden is home to over 2,000 plant species from different parts of the world. Children can even go on exciting treasure hunts – and what better place for it than an island?
In the park, the 1930s Villa Emden houses a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious ice cream or coffee and while away the afternoon before returning to the mainland by boat.
A cruise on Lake Maggiore
Your boat company day pass is not just for exploring the Brissago Islands. Enjoy an unforgettable cruise, boarding in Locarno and discovering the enchanting sights to be found on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
Our cruise departs from Locarno, where we board the boat and set off towards Gambarogno. In the summer months, take a refreshing dip in the lake at the charming lido in San Nazzaro. From the port in San Nazzaro, we continue by boat towards Brissago.
After around 15 minutes, the boat moors at the picturesque jetty in Ascona, right by the famous lakeside piazza. If you choose to disembark here, you will be welcomed by traditional houses with brightly coloured facades exuding Mediterranean flair. We recommend a little morning snack at one of the bars on the piazza and a stroll through the streets of the old town with its courtyards, alleyways and art galleries.
Another quarter of an hour away by boat from Ascona lie the Brissago Islands, in the middle of Lake Maggiore. These islands are renowned for their botanical garden full of exotic plants from all over the world.
The return journey to Locarno by boat offers the ideal opportunity to gaze out from the lake as you pass by the places you’ve visited, while you relax and enjoy the sun and warm breeze on deck.
More information (FAQ)
Public transport ticket validity
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.
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 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.
Seat reservation on the Treno Gottardo
Make your journey even more relaxing by reserving a seat on the Treno Gottardo. You can find more information (in German) 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.
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