Magadino: Discover Nature and Culture

Magadino offers visitors a blend of nature observation, exercise, and culture. The Bolle di Magadino features protected landscapes and observation points, while the Vita Parcours adds a clearly defined exercise route. Other highlights include the Museo Forte Olimpio in the historic fort and the Church of San Carlo Borromeo, with its architectural and artistic history. These highlights give you a concrete basis for planning your itinerary without reducing every place to the same kind of experience.

Observe nature or get active

The Bolle di Magadino is a cantonal nature reserve and one of Switzerland’s nine alluvial landscapes of international importance. There are several towers and observation points along the paths, designed for observing wildlife. You can explore the protected area independently or with a guide along its educational trails. Visitors should avoid unnecessarily affecting or disturbing its natural inhabitants. If wildlife observation is your priority, the observation points provide a specific focus; the educational trails let you explore the protected area.

The Vita Parcours Bolle di Magadino offers a different focus: it is 3.46 kilometres long and has 15 stations for physical activities in Lischetto, Isola del trodo, and Sonetto, within the Parco delle Bolle di Magadino. The exercise stations consist of wooden structures designed in consultation with the Fondazione Bolle di Magadino to avoid damaging the protected area. The signage is also clearly described: information and educational panels are mounted on wooden supports. This makes it easy to distinguish the exercise-focused parcours from the wildlife observation points.

For more route options, there is the Magadino–Cadenazzo section of the “Tra monti e lago” educational trail. It starts in Meschini Municipal Park in Magadino and climbs towards Orgnana. Another route, Magadino–Quartino–Magadino, follows the mouth of the Ticino and the Bolle di Magadino, providing information about local flora and fauna. The descriptions highlight different aspects: the first route names its starting point and climb, while the second focuses on the landscape and nature topics.

Museum and church

The Museo Forte Olimpio is located in the historic Forte Olimpio in the Parco delle Bolle di Magadino. The fort is listed in the Inventory of Protected Cultural Property. The museum displays Swiss military collections, military objects, uniforms, and weapons. Visits inside the fort are always guided. So if you are planning to visit the museum, it is important to bear in mind that the visit is guided; the collections and historic setting are two closely connected aspects of the experience.

The Church of San Carlo Borromeo in Magadino was completed in 1846, and its bell tower was added later. The church also houses a fresco by the painter Riccardo Seewald, dating from 1940. The church is also associated with the international organ festival, which has been held every year since 1963. The church’s architectural history, artwork, and festival each offer a distinct cultural point of interest.

Activities for children and groups

Pista Gokart Locarno-Magadino offers separate mini karts for children. These have a 97 cc engine, 2.5 horsepower, and a top speed of 40 km/h. They run at dedicated times, separate from the adult karts. If you are planning this activity with children, you should take these separate time slots into account. Pista Gokart also offers activities for groups, including team building, bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, afternoons with friends, and school trips. Alongside nature and culture, there are therefore also specific occasions to choose from.

Discover more destinations: Vergeletto, Porto Ronco, Sonogno, Sant'abbondio Ti, San Nazzaro, Verscio, Contone, Muralto

Return to the main travel overview: Locarno.