Cardada Cimetta Mountain Views

You can find the latest updates on Lonely Planet Locarno.

For the most up-to-date details, check Città di Locarno before you go.

The cable car runs until the late afternoon during the winter season of 2026. A round-trip ticket for the cable car costs about 36 Swiss Francs for most adults. Check the official Cardada website for the most current winter season schedules and prices. The mountain air is very fresh and cold at this high altitude during the evening.

Snow covers the viewing platform during the cold winter months in the Ticino region. Wear very warm boots to stay safe on the icy floor of the observation deck. Bring a sturdy tripod for the best snowy mountain views from the top of the peak. The blue hour after the sunset provides excellent light for long exposure landscape photography.

Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary

This historic and beautiful church sits on a steep rock high above the city of Locarno. It provides a classic and wide view of the deep blue waters of Lake Maggiore. The orange sky reflects beautifully off the bright yellow walls of the old mountain sanctuary. It is widely known as one of the top Locarno winter photography spots for locals.

You can take the historic funicular up the hill for about five Swiss Francs. The walk back down to the city takes about twenty minutes on the stone paths. Use our Madonna del Sasso guide for the best angles and hidden spots for photos. The path is lined with small chapels that look beautiful in the soft evening light.

Winter light hits the sanctuary at a very low angle during the month of January. This creates long shadows and deep textures on the old stone of the church buildings. Arrive at least thirty minutes before the sunset to find the best possible camera spot. The view from the terrace captures both the church and the lake in one frame.

Best Sunset Locations in Locarno Winter Months: Lakeside

The lakeside promenade offers a very peaceful and quiet sunset experience for all visitors. Winter mist often sits very low on the cold surface of the deep lake water. This thick mist catches the pink and purple sunset colors in a truly unique way. It is a perfect spot for taking calm and professional landscape photos during winter.

Walking along the shore is completely free for all visitors to the city in 2026. The scenic path starts near the main harbor area and continues towards the town center. You can see the Ascona-Locarno tourism office nearby for maps and local winter travel tips. This area provides many benches where you can sit and enjoy the changing sky colors.

Look for the small wooden piers that extend far into the calm and dark water. These structures provide clear and unobstructed views of the mountains across the deep lake. Try capturing Lake Maggiore winter mist during the magical blue hour for the best results. The reflection of the snow-capped peaks in the water makes for a stunning photography composition.

Piazza Grande and Festive Lights

The main city square transforms into a festive wonderland during the cold winter season. Locarno on Ice features a large skating rink surrounded by many cozy food stalls. Sunset light mixes perfectly with thousands of festive and bright fairy lights during early 2026. This combination creates a vibrant and very warm urban atmosphere for all winter tourists.

Entry to the square area is usually free for everyone to walk and explore. Skating on the ice costs around seven Swiss Francs for adults during the 2026 season. Check the Locarno on Ice 2026 guide for opening times and special event details. The smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine fills the air during the evening hours.

The historic buildings of the Piazza Grande provide a beautiful and colorful sunset backdrop. Capture the bright reflections of the sky in the smooth surface of the ice rink. The square is the heart of the city's winter life and a great photography spot. The Switzerland Tourism website lists this as a top winter destination in Ticino.