Cardada

Cardada is a mountain area in the Swiss canton of Ticino, set high above Locarno and Lake Maggiore, a short distance from Minusio. At around 1,340 m above sea level, it is among the easiest viewpoints to reach in the region: a few minutes on a cable car from Orselina and you are up.

How do you get to Cardada?

The journey starts in Orselina, just above Locarno. A red cable car climbs from the valley station, at roughly 395 m, to Cardada in about five minutes. From there a two-seat chairlift carries on to the summit of Cimetta at about 1,670 m. The lifts are run by Cardada Impianti Turistici, based in Orselina. From Minusio the valley station is a short drive away, and from central Locarno it is an easy trip too.

What can you see up there?

The big draw is a 360-degree panorama over Lake Maggiore and the valleys around it. From a single spot you can take in both the lowest point in Switzerland, the lake itself, and the highest, the Dufourspitze in the Monte Rosa massif. Views open from the landscape promontory at Cardada and from the geological observatory on Cimetta. To the east you look across the Magadino plain towards Bellinzona, to the west you see well-known Swiss Alpine summits, and on very clear days the Ligurian Apennines appear far to the south.

What is there to do on Cardada and Cimetta?

The area sits between the Maggia and Verzasca valleys, so it works as a base for walks into either one and for the Via Alta Vallemaggia trekking route. On offer:

• a panoramic walkway of about 1.2 km, suitable for families,
• three Helsana Nordic Walking trails,
• orienteering courses for adults and for children,
• mountain-bike trail no. 397,
• a paragliding take-off point.

For a relaxed day, stroll around Cardada and have a coffee with the view. More active visitors can walk across to Cimetta or hike down to Orselina.

When should you go?

The lifts follow a seasonal timetable. The usual break runs from November to mid-December, and the rest of the year they operate. Hours and fares change, so check cardada.ch before you travel. Visibility is best in clear weather, most often in the morning. Bring a warm layer, since 1,340 m is noticeably cooler than the lakeshore.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardada suitable for children?

Yes. The ride is short, and at the top there is an easy walkway and an orienteering course designed for kids.

How long is the ride?

The cable car from Orselina to Cardada takes about five minutes. The chairlift to Cimetta adds a few more.

Can you walk to Cimetta?

Yes. Trails lead from Cardada to Cimetta (about 1,670 m), and longer routes head towards the Maggia and Verzasca valleys.

What can you see from Cimetta?

The geological observatory offers views from the Magadino plain to the Alpine peaks in the west, and the Ligurian Apennines when the air is clear.