Cimetta is a mountain viewpoint 1670m, high above Locarno overlooking Lago Maggiore.

At the top, you'll find a restaurant with a beautiful view from its terrace. A short walk up a stone pathway bring you to the panorama deck with views over Lago Maggiore. This is a popular launch point for paragliding, so its fun to watch them floating away.

Summer season: late March to mid October

Location: funicular Viale Francesco Balli 2, 6600 Locarno / cable car Via Santuario 5, 6644 Orselina

Website: www.cardada.ch

To get here from Locarno, you ride a series of mountain transport from Locarno: funicular train, then cable car to Cardada, then chair lift to Cimetta.

If you want to hike, you can do the short trail from Cimetta down to Cardada, about 1 hour, descending 310m (see trail map). Other trails from here are one-way, exploring nearby mountains and ending elsewhere.

This area is often warmer and sunnier than northern Switzerland, making it a good escape when the cold settles in elsewhere.