Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary Views

For the most up-to-date details, check Locarno travel info before you go.

For the most up-to-date details, check Locarno travel info before you go.

The bright yellow walls of the church contrast perfectly with the deep blue winter sky. You should visit during the golden hour to capture the most striking architectural images. The soft winter sun makes the ancient stones glow with a warm and inviting light. Use a wide-angle lens to include both the building and the vast lake below.

Frame your shots using the green palm trees found on the large stone terrace. This shows the unique Mediterranean climate that exists even during the cold winter months. You can find more details in our photography guide for Madonna del Sasso. This location provides a classic postcard view that every visitor should capture once.

The funicular costs about 7.20 CHF for a standard round trip ticket this year. It runs every thirty minutes from the station located near the main city center. You can check the Ascona-Locarno Tourism website for the most current seasonal hours. The sanctuary remains open to the public daily from early morning until sunset.

Piazza Grande and Locarno on Ice

Piazza Grande serves as the festive heart of the city during the winter months. The square hosts the popular Locarno on Ice event throughout the holiday season. You will see a large ice rink surrounded by many cozy and decorative huts. The colorful lights reflect beautifully on the smooth ice surface during the dark nights.

Capturing the fast movement of skaters requires using a slightly slower shutter speed. This technique creates a wonderful sense of action and energy in your winter photos. You can find great shooting angles from the historic stone porticos around the square. These arches provide a natural and elegant frame for your urban street photography.

The evening blue hour is the best time for visiting this specific city location. The city lights start to twinkle against the deep and dark blue winter sky. This creates a magical atmosphere for your Locarno on Ice photography session today. Make sure to bring a sturdy tripod for sharp and professional images every time.

Entry to the main square area is free for all visitors and photographers. The ice rink usually stays open from late November until the middle of January. You can buy warm local snacks at the many wooden stalls nearby. Most of these festive stalls accept cash or modern mobile payment apps for convenience.

Lake Maggiore Shoreline and Winter Mist

Lake Maggiore offers a serene and peaceful backdrop for your winter landscape photography. The water is often very calm and clear during the colder months of the year. You might see a light mist rising slowly from the lake surface at dawn. This adds a mysterious and moody feel to your professional landscape compositions.

Walk along the Lungolago promenade to find several different and unique vantage points. The distant snow-capped mountains provide a dramatic and sharp contrast to the blue water. Use the lakeside benches or small boats to add interesting foreground elements. This helps to create a better sense of depth in your final images.

Look for the famous modern sculptures located near the colorful public lakeside gardens. These metal artworks look stunning when they are surrounded by the soft winter light. You can learn more about capturing Lake Maggiore mist in our detailed guide. Morning sessions are always best for catching the low and heavy winter clouds.

The promenade is easily accessible on foot from the main Locarno train station. It takes only five minutes to walk from the tracks to the water. Public parking is available nearby for a small fee of two francs per hour. Most areas are flat and very easy to walk with heavy camera gear.

Cardada Cimetta Snowy Mountain Panoramas

Take the modern cable car up to Cardada for some truly breathtaking mountain views. This mountain is often called the pearl of Lake Maggiore by the local residents. You can see both the lowest and highest points in Switzerland from the top. The viewing platform offers a full 360-degree view of the majestic Swiss Alps.

The white snowy peaks look incredible against the bright and clear blue winter sky. You should use a polarizing filter to reduce the strong glare from the snow. This helps to keep the sky colors looking very deep and rich in photos. It is a top spot for snowy mountain views from Cardada Cimetta.

The main cable car station is a beautiful work of modern Swiss architecture. It was designed by the famous architect Mario Botta using sleek and modern lines. You can photograph the sharp angles of the station against the soft white snow. This provides a great mix of modern architecture and natural winter landscape shots.

A return ticket for the cable car costs approximately 36 CHF in 2026. You should check the Cardada Cimetta website for the latest local weather updates. The lift operates daily from early morning until late in the chilly afternoon. Remember to dress in warm layers because it is much colder at high altitudes.

Old Town Alleys and Street Photography

The Old Town of Locarno is filled with many narrow and historic cobblestone streets. You will find colorful old buildings and many charming hidden courtyards to explore. These small alleys are perfect for capturing intimate and detailed street photography scenes. The low winter light creates long and dramatic shadows on the ancient stone walls.

Look for the historic Church of San Francesco and its very tall bell tower. The architecture dates back many centuries and looks very grand in the winter light. You can find unique angles by looking up from the narrowest city lanes. This emphasizes the impressive height and the long history of these local buildings.

Follow our winter street photography tips for Locarno to find hidden spots. The area is usually very quiet during the cold winter weekday mornings. You can take your time to set up the perfect and balanced shot. Capture the local people as they go about their quiet winter morning routines.

The Old Town is located just a short walk away from Piazza Grande. Most of these streets are pedestrian-only which makes them very safe for photographers. You will find many small and cozy cafes to warm up in between shots. These local shops often have beautiful and festive winter window displays to photograph.

Best Sunset Locations in Locarno

Watching the winter sunset over the lake is a major highlight for every photographer. The sky often turns into vibrant shades of bright pink and deep orange. One of the best spots is the area near the Lido Locarno beach. This location offers a completely unobstructed view of the wide western horizon.

Another great location is the steep hill leading up toward the village of Orselina. You can see the sun dip slowly behind the high mountains from here. This creates a beautiful and dark silhouette of the city and the lake. It is among the best sunset locations in Locarno for 2026.

Plan to arrive at least thirty minutes before the sun actually sets. This gives you enough time to find a good spot for your tripod. The colors often reach their peak just after the sun disappears from view. Keep your camera batteries warm to ensure they last for the whole session.

Most of these sunset spots are free to visit and very easy to reach. You can use the efficient local bus system to reach the higher ground. Bus line number 3 or 4 will take you quickly toward Orselina. Check the Switzerland Tourism site for the latest local transit maps.