Ticino is one big adventure playground! Picture emerald-green rivers, luscious forests, rugged mountains, and sunny shores, all just waiting to be discovered. Ticino is a real paradise for explorers – whether you're wading through streams barefoot, trying to keep your balance crossing suspension bridges, marveling at fossils, or being wowed by forests and valleys. Last summer, some of our friends, the Waltons, were visiting Switzerland from the US and set off to discover the hidden gems of Ticino. They headed home with fully stuffed backpacks, packed with memories, new favorite places, and exciting (and often heroic) tales to tell.
Inspired by their experiences, we at namuk decided to head to Ticino ourselves to shoot for our new spring collection. With its icy-blue streams, deep-green forests, and sun-warmed boulders, the magical Verzasca valley was the perfect place for our shoot ... and for the team too: “We loved it so much that we went for a swim in the river afterward, basked in the freshness of nature, and strolled through the valley and the beautiful stone village of Corippo,” Lena from the Marketing team tells me enthusiastically. “Spring simply starts sooner in Ticino.”
But that’s not all. We explored Ticino even further and put together 10 adventures that will appeal to explorers of any age.
1. Castle adventure in Bellinzona (Bellinzona & valleys)
Step back into the Middle Ages! There are three imposing castles that tower over Bellinzona and are just begging you to explore them: The Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro fortifications were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. We at namuk love a good puzzle. That's why we like the idea of delving into the past, to a time when the Dukes of Milan and the Swiss Confederates battled it out in shining armor.
Will you be brave enough to walk along the wall surrounding the fort and enter through the little gates set into the walls? Tiptoe through the labyrinth of corridors, climb the mighty towers, and feel like real knights and damsels. This is a place where you and your family can really walk in the footsteps of history. Will you be the first to find the secret passage and the hidden rooms of the castle’s former residents? Tip: Bring a flashlight with you to make it easier to explore the darker corners.
2. Bouldering in Chironico (Bellinzona & valleys)
As you see the huge rocks towering up toward the sky, you can feel your heart racing... it’s easy to see why the rocks in the forests around Cresciano, Chironico, Brione Verzasca, and on the Gotthard Pass attract bouldering enthusiasts. "The great thing about bouldering is that you get to be out in nature and explore places that are often off the beaten path," says our Yumi, from namuk’s Operation Support, giving us insight into her passion. "And you don’t need much for bouldering – except, of course, a good dose of courage. But it’s totally worth it."
The Ticino valleys are heaven for boulderers. Feel like a real mountaineer, try out some new techniques, and experience nature from a completely new perspective. Who can climb the highest? Who will find the best route up the rockface? Or discover some new rocks to conquer? Beginners will find suitable routes here, while experienced boulderers can take on new challenges. Test your limits, try something new, and see nature in a whole new light on the rocks of Ticino.
3. Carasc Tibetan bridge (Bellinzona & valleys)
Take a deep breath, keep facing forward, and off you go: Crossing the Carasc Tibetan suspension bridge might take a little courage, but you're one brave owl! Cross the swaying bridge connecting Monte Carasso and Sementina step by step, high above the valley. Talk about an adventure! If you dare to look down, you’ll see a shimmering valley, and with a bit of luck, you might spot an eagle circling above you. Are you brave enough to pause and enjoy the view? The bridge is 270 meters (885 feet) long—the perfect challenge for intrepid adventurers!
4. Valle Verzasca: a green paradise (Ascona-Locarno)
A marble run in the middle of the forest. How does that sound? Adventurous? Fun? You bet. Your little explorers will love conquering the forest, as they let giant wooden balls roll along the wild, winding tracks while experiencing nature with all of their senses. The BoBosco trail, an oversized marble run made of chestnut wood, was a real highlight of the Waltons’ trip to Switzerland. And two routes means two adventures: The first part leads from Brione Verzasca to Lavertezzo, and the second from Gerra Verzasca to Sonogno. Almost 10 kilometers (6 miles) of pure nature, navigating between the trees, moss, and the emerald-green river that flows like something out of a fairytale. Bring your own ball for the marble run or buy one nearby, and off you go.
But there’s much more to see in the Verzasca valley too. The Waltons – and the namuk team – were enchanted by the charming little stone village of Corippo. Stroll through the narrow, ancient alleyways, and you’ll feel as if you’re in another world, and another time. And if you thought that was all, just wait until you cross the Ponte dei Salti Roman bridge. Barefoot? Why not! With a little dip in the cold water? Go for it!
5. Cardada-Cimetta: a mountain waiting to be explored (Ascona-Locarno)
Another one of the Waltons’ highlights was Ticino’s wild, vast mountainous landscape . And towering high above Locarno is one mountain that brings Switzerland together all at once: Cardada-Cimetta. From the lookout point, you can see both the lowest point in Switzerland (Lake Maggiore) and the highest (Dufourspitze in the Monte Rosa massif) at the same time. Impressive, right? But it’s not just the panorama that's spectacular... there’s also an adventure trail up there for avid climbers and plenty of spots for a picnic under the sun.
Looking for even more mountain magic? Then head to Lago Ritom. Take the nostalgic funicular up to this alpine lake and skip stones across the water, watch marmots scurry by, and listen to the peaceful silence. And for those who dare, take a plunge into the ice-cold mountain water! Want to go even higher? Then head to Monte Generoso, where interpretive trails and a secret treasure hunt await. Hike through the stunning mountain landscape, keep your eyes peeled for special markings, and discover hidden places that only the sharpest detectives will find!
6. Locarno Falconry (Ascona-Locarno)
Want to see some owls, falcons, and eagles up close? At namuk, we have a soft spot for owls. And at the Locarno Falconry, you can admire our feathered friends and see them in free flight. Make sure you get a front row seat, keep your eyes and ears open, and maybe a little owl will come and look straight into your soul. Watch as the falconers send their majestic birds soaring into the air in a spectacular show. Falcons shoot like darts through the sky, eagles circle you, and if you’re lucky, an owl will fly so close to you that you’ll feel the wind in your hair. You’ll learn some fascinating secrets about how the birds hunt, how they are trained, and the ancient art of falconry. Get ready for a wild, flying adventure, where you’re sure to learn a thing or two. Ready to look a bird of prey right in the eye?
7. A Splash of Color at Museo in Erba (Lugano)
Art is an adventure – and at Museo in Erba, little explorers can dive right in with all their senses. This isn’t a place for quiet observation; it’s a hands-on playground for creativity. Here, kids don’t just look at art – they paint, splatter, dab, and experiment. Where else can you tell stories with colors, bring emotions to life, and unleash your imagination like a true artist? In this vibrant museum, discovery is encouraged, and curiosity knows no limits. Interactive exhibitions bring famous artists' worlds to life, while creative workshops invite children to play with shapes, textures, and hues. Even the tiniest artists can take their first steps in the "Baby Atelier." And the best part? There are no rules to hold creativity back – no "That’s not how you do it!" Only curiosity, courage, and endless opportunities to explore the world in your own unique way. So grab your sense of wonder and dive into a colorful adventure!
8. Mini Switzerland: Swissminiatur in Melide (Lugano)
How does an owl flying high up in the sky view the world below? Discover Switzerland from a bird’s eye view at the Swissminiatur open-air museum. Walk through the whole of Switzerland in no time at all... you don’t even need to bring your hiking gear. Wander like a giant between Switzerland’s most famous sights, recreated on a scale of 1:25. Small trains chug past, tiny castles sit perched on the hilltops, and minuscule bridges are waiting to be discovered. In just a few minutes, you can journey from the Alps to the lake shore and marvel at the Matterhorn from above. An adventure for anyone who loves geography and wants to see Switzerland from a whole new perspective.
9. Fossil hunting on Monte San Giorgio (Mendrisiotto)
Imagine discovering the remains of ancient sea creatures, 240 million years old! Older than dinosaurs, even older than the oldest trees. Sound like an adventure? It is! Monte San Giorgio is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a real paradise for explorers of all ages. At the Fossil Museum in Meride, you can marvel at fossilized remains from an era when Switzerland still had a tropical sea. Discover tiny fish, huge marine reptiles, and lots of exciting stories. And for those who want to dig even deeper, the paleontological trail between Meride and Serpiano leads right through the heart of nature, past ancient rocks, hidden fossils, and breathtaking views. Keep an eye out and maybe you’ll discover a fossilized treasure in the rock.
Still haven’t had enough exciting outdoor adventures? Then head to Ca.Stella Farm in Meride. Spend the night in green surroundings, feed the animals, and feel the earth under your fingers. Don’t just look at nature, experience it in every sense. So, who’s coming on a fossil hunt?
10. Exploring a bear cave at Grotta dell'Orso (Mendrisiotto)
Hidden in the depths of Monte Generoso is a real bear cave in the mysterious Grotta dell'Orso. Are you brave enough to venture where a family of bears used to hibernate? Equipped with a helmet and flashlight, you can dive into this fascinating underground world. A perfect summer adventure, as the cave is open to visitors from May onwards. Shiny stalactites droop from the ceiling, while rocks that are millions of years old whisper stories beneath your feet. Who will be the first to discover the hidden fossils of the cave bears that once lived here? A daring adventure that takes you into the depths of nature.
Which of these adventures is calling your name? Pack your bags… Ticino is waiting for you!
