A weekend in Bellinzona and Valleys

The perfect harmony between culture and nature

Charm beyond seasons

Autumn and winter in Bellinzona and its valleys have a special allure. Castles rise among golden landscapes, chestnut woods glow in warm tones, and alpine villages keep traditions alive. Here, winter shows two faces – mild in the lowlands, snowy and bright in the mountains. It’s the perfect time to rediscover the region with fresh eyes, embraced by changing scenery and atmospheres that invite you to slow down. Romance, adventure or pure relaxation – every experience lets you enjoy the best of both seasons. Let yourself be inspired by autumn’s colours and the magic of a winter both gentle and white.
Those arriving by train from the north can opt for the panoramic route with the Treno Gottardo Hit – the weekend begins right from the window seat.

Friday Evening – The Fortress of Bellinzona

  • Bellinzona

Friday Evening – The Fortress of Bellinzona

When the sun sets behind the mountains, the Fortress of Bellinzona – a UNESCO World Heritage site – reveals its full charm. The walls glow with golden light, and as night falls, spotlights unveil new details and perspectives. In this passage from day to night, history feels alive, and the medieval architecture tells stories that still shape the city’s identity. A place that moves you and invites you to pause.

Saturday Morning – Bellinzona Market

  • Bellinzona

Saturday Morning – Bellinzona Market

On Saturday mornings, Bellinzona comes alive with its market along Viale Stazione. Strolling among the stalls, autumn scents fill the air – fresh bread, Ticino cheeses, seasonal produce. Bright displays of vendors stand out against the blue sky, forming a mosaic of flavours and traditions. It’s the perfect moment to savour a cone of roasted chestnuts and experience the city’s authentic, welcoming spirit.

Saturday Afternoon – Santa Petronilla

  • Biasca

Saturday Afternoon – Santa Petronilla

In the valleys north of Bellinzona, Biasca greets visitors with the Romanesque church of Santi Pietro e Paolo, a guardian of centuries of history and art. From here, the path winds through chestnut groves that in autumn glow with warm colours, opening onto views of the village and surrounding mountains. The walk leads to Santa Petronilla, where water flows between rocks and greenery, creating light and reflections that make this place enchanting in every season.

Saturday Evening – Natale in Città

  • Bellinzona

Saturday Evening – Natale in Città

During the Christmas season, Bellinzona comes alive with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The lights of the historic centre guide visitors through concerts, markets, cinema screenings and the long-awaited Christmas Village in Piazza del Sole. Here, beneath the impressive presence of Castelgrande, the ice rink becomes one of the event’s most distinctive features, adding a touch of magic to the city. With activities, shared moments and unique settings, Bellinzona offers a Christmas full of warmth and tradition.

Sunday Morning – Carasc Tibetan Bridge

  • Monte Carasso

Sunday Morning – Carasc Tibetan Bridge

From Monte Carasso, a cable car takes you to Curzùtt, a stone hamlet that whispers stories of the past. Walking through its lanes means immersing yourself in an authentic atmosphere, with a stop at the Romanesque church of San Bernardo and its precious frescoes. From here, the trail leads to the Carasc Tibetan Bridge, a 270-metre suspension walkway that blends adrenaline and wonder. Crossing it reveals breathtaking views of the valley and leaves an experience to remember.

Sunday Afternoon – Villa dei Cedri Museum

  • Bellinzona

Sunday Afternoon – Villa dei Cedri Museum

Located in Bellinzona’s Ravecchia district, the Villa dei Cedri Museum welcomes visitors in a 19th-century villa surrounded by a park that glows with warm colours in autumn and offers serene tranquillity in winter. Inside, the collection spans Ticinese, Lombard and Swiss art from the late 19th century to today, with a focus on works on paper and graphic art. A stroll through the rooms followed by a pause in the park becomes an experience where nature and culture meet, inviting you to rediscover beauty in the quieter seasons of the year.

Bucketlist

Bucketlist

A curated selection of must-do experiences: from breathtaking panoramas to outdoor activities, from historic villages to traditional gastronomy. An invitation to explore the best of Ticino, season after season.