Dog-Friendly Attractions in Locarno

The Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage sanctuary, founded in 1480, sits on a rocky outcrop 365 m above Locarno with one of the most iconic views of Lago Maggiore and the Alps. The Funicolare Locarno-Madonna del Sasso climbs from Locarno station to Orselina in 5 minutes, with dogs muzzled and leashed accepted on board (verify current policy at the funicular ticket office). The sanctuary courtyards and surrounding terraces welcome leashed dogs; the interior basilica does not.

The Cardada-Cimetta combo climbs from Orselina (above Madonna del Sasso) via cable car to Cardada at 1340 m, then via chairlift to Cimetta at 1670 m, the highest point above Locarno with a 360° panorama from Lago Maggiore to the Monte Rosa massif. Dogs muzzled and leashed accepted on cable car and chairlift (verify with the Cardada ticket office). The summit hosts leashed-dog hiking trails through alpine meadows and an air-cooled terrace restaurant.

The Verzasca Valley north of Locarno is one of the most photogenic alpine valleys in Switzerland, with the iconic double-arched Ponte dei Salti (often called the Roman bridge) over emerald-green river water at Lavertezzo. The whole valley is leashed-dog welcoming with countless picnic spots and natural river pools where dogs can swim in summer. Stone hamlets, chestnut forests and a postcard alpine river make this a perfect dog day trip from Locarno.