Ticino: Lakes and Valleys

What should you know before visiting Ticino: Lakes and Valleys?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €40 (Switzerland, Vignette). Mountain passes: Furkapass (2,429 m, usually open June–October); Grimselpass (2,164 m, usually open June–October); Gotthardpass (Tremola) (2,106 m, usually open June–October).

• Lake Maggiore is about 64 km long, with roughly 13 km of its northern end in Switzerland. Lake Lugano covers 48.7 km², about 63% of it on the Swiss side.
• A wild camping overview says that in Ticino it is generally not allowed, except one night above the treeline. It also rules out sleeping in rest areas and car parks. Check with the municipality.
• Locarno has a provisional motorhome area with a 24-hour maximum stay, according to a 2025 municipal reply. A 2020 member report also mentions pitches in Brignasco (Maggia valley) and Brione (Verzasca valley). Check current rules beforehand.

The drive

One possible order: Locarno at the northern end of Lake Maggiore with Ascona and the Brissago Islands, then into the Verzasca or Maggia valley. On to Bellinzona with its three castles (UNESCO), then over Monte Ceneri to Lugano on Lake Lugano. Monte Ceneri divides the Sopraceneri from the Sottoceneri. The order is a suggestion; check road widths in the side valleys beforehand.

Camping

Cantons and municipalities set the rules on overnight stays. A wild camping overview describes a general ban in Ticino, with an exception for one night in the mountains above the treeline, and rules out rest areas and car parks. It advises against open fires. In Locarno, the city says overnight camping is only allowed in authorised areas and that setting out chairs or tables is prohibited. The municipality gives binding answers.

FAQs