After our train ride through the exquisitely beautiful Italian Alps here and here, we descended from the hills to see another glorious sight: the glistening waters of the Swiss side of Lake Maggiore.

Lake Maggiore Switzerland

Margo, Katy, Kate, Kathy and I alighted from the train and joined the hordes scurrying up to the streets of Locarno, Switzerland.

Getting our bearings we quickly found a bank machine to secure some Swiss francs for our brief sojourn (see below). I thought they were so colorful and pretty. 🙂

With the late afternoon sun hot on our shoulders, we wandered along the waterfront a bit before turning in to find something to eat in the town square of Locarno.

Locarno Switzerland

In spite of scaffolding and barriers filling the square in preparation for a film festival, it was still a pretty spot ringed with towering apartments painted in the brightest ice-creamy colors of pistachio, strawberry, and lemon.

Although our arrival was well past lunch time, we managed to find one spot open that featured outdoor tables, shade and food. It was perfect.

I had a delicious thin crust pizza topped with smoked salmon, capers and thinly sliced onions. It was scrumptious and just light enough to leave me room for that most perfect of summer desserts: gelato.

Locarno town square

As soon as lunch was over, Katy, Kate and I made a beeline for the nearest Swiss gelateria and ordered whatever flavors piqued our interest. I tried hazelnut and mango gelato and found them both most refreshing on a piping hot afternoon.

Swiss gelato

We had a pleasant wander through town, eying windows filled the latest fashions and happily indulging in people-watching as we made our way to the harbor to catch the ferry.

 

Locarno ferry landing

We boarded quickly and found seats in the open air atop the ferry. With sun in our faces and the wind in our hair we settled in for the next three-hour leg of our Lake Maggiore Express tour.

Locarno Bay Switzerland

I can’t wait to show you some of the beauties of the Swiss end of Lake Maggiore.

What is your favorite way to explore a new region?