The Swiss part of Lake Maggiore, surrounded by the towns Locarno, Brissago and further small villages, prides itself on its numerous and extraordinary nature beauty spots. Thanks to the enchanting flowers and plants from all 5 continents, the Botanical Garden of the Brissago Island is of major importance. Near the lakeshore and the centre of Locarno lies the Carmelia park with over 900 species of this beautiful flower, some of which very rare. Ont the opposite shore of the lake are located the natural reserve Bolle di Magadino, a refuge for different animal and plant species and, on the hillside, the Park of Gambarogno, with great views over the lake and mountains. The towns on the lake are of historical and cultural importance, in the Citta' Vecchia, the old town of Locarno, you can visit several churches. Other important locations of Locarno are the Visconti Castle the Rivellino and the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso in Orselina. In Ascona you can visit Mon...