Day Trip to Bellinzona, Switzerland: A Hidden Gem Just Beyond Lake Maggiore
View of Castel Grande from the ramparts of Montebello Castle
If you haven’t heard of Bellinzona, you are missing out on one of Europe’s best hidden gems! Tucked in the Ticino region of Switzerland, just a scenic drive from Lake Maggiore, Bellinzona is a historic town that took us completely by surprise. Ash quite literally found this place by Googling her desktop background one day. Honestly, Bellinzona turned out to be one of the most scenic places we have visited in Europe. From the moment we drove into Bellinzona, it felt like we stepped into a fairytale. With its trio of UNESCO-listed castles, medieval alleyways, and a unique fusion of Swiss precision and Italian flair, Bellinzona quickly became one of our favorite discoveries of the trip and is one of the coolest day trips if you are visiting the lake regions in Italy.
We stopped in Bellinzona on our way back from a three day trip at Lake Maggiore. If you haven’t heard of Lake Maggiore or want to visit one of the lesser known lakes in Italy, check out our Lake Maggiore blog!
Why Visit Bellinzona
View from Montebello Castle
If you’re already soaking in the beauty of Lake Maggiore, you’re just a short drive away from one of Switzerland’s most charming and overlooked towns. Bellinzona offers:
Three Stunning Castles: Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro—each with their own vibe, panoramic views, and storybook towers.
UNESCO World Heritage Status: These medieval fortifications are among the most impressive in all of Europe.
A Fusion of Cultures: Bellinzona sits at the intersection of Swiss and Italian culture, offering a warm blend of hospitality, cuisine, and architecture - trust us the people and food are amazing.
Less Crowds: It’s less touristy than more famous Swiss cities like Lucerne or Interlaken.
What Makes Bellinzona Unique
Obelisk 1803 in Central City Bellinzona
Unlike many Swiss cities that lean heavily Germanic, Bellinzona feels unmistakably Italian—think pastel buildings, piazzas, and outdoor cafés—but with Swiss cleanliness and organization. And few places let you walk through medieval castle walls that still shape the city’s skyline!
It’s also an easy and rewarding stop for travelers coming from Lake Maggiore, Milan, or even Lucerne. You can easily pair this as a day trip while exploring this region of Europe.
Did You Know? Bellinzona’s castles were built to control the Alpine passes and trade routes—and have stood strong since the 13th century.
Can’t Miss Places to Explore in Bellinzona
If you are coming to Bellinzona, we highly recommend visiting the three fortresses (castles) and the old town! Here are the sites and experiences we loved the most:
The Three Fortresses (Castles):
If exploring UNESCO World Heritage castles sounds like fun to you, you came to the right place because Bellinzona’s castles will impress and inspire you. Each castle has it’s own vibe, but each offers a small (or decent size) museum and rooms to explore with some beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valley.
Castelgrande
The largest and most central of the three castles. You can either walk or take a convenient elevator up from the town center. The views from the ramparts are unbeatable! This is also a great place to picnic - so grab a snack or lunch from the grocery store and take some time to soak in the views.
Castello di Montebello
This castle has the most dramatic medieval feel, perched on a hillside. Walking along the ancient walls and gazing down on the rooftops below was a highlight. This was also one of our favorites especially to wander around the ramparts.
Sasso Corbaro Castle
This castle is the smallest and highest of the trio, but castle offers sweeping views over Bellinzona and the surrounding mountains. It is less crowded and perfect for a peaceful pause.
The best way to see the castles is to take the 5.5KM hiking/walking trail (it will take you anywhere between 2.5 - 4.5 hours depending on fitness level and stopping time). This will give you the best opportunity to experience the landscape and the fortifications and understand the history and importance of Bellinzona’s strategic location. The Bellinzona website has a great map that will show the walking trail location. Definitely check that out before heading out on your hike.
Note: if hiking around in the hot sun isn’t your jam, you can also take the local buses around to the different castles.
If you want to visit all three castles, we recommend booking in advance on the official Bellinzona website. Book your tickets here if you want to visit all three castles.
If you happen to be visiting on a Saturday, you should also consider the guided walking tour. While we did not personally take this tour, it did receive great reviews and provides local information and history about this beautiful town.
Other things To See:
Ponte Tibetano Carasc
Want a bit of adventure? This nearby Tibetan-style suspension bridge is an adrenaline-filled side trip and makes for great photos! This suspension bridge is 426 feet high and spans across 885 feet across a gorge. The easiest way to get here is to take the cable car from Monte Carasso and then hike about an hour to the bridge. You can then either take the cable car back down or choose to hike down (expect at least a 2 hour hike back down).
Chiesa Collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Stefano
This beautiful church is located right in the middle of the old town surrounded by a piazza with a few restaurants and plenty of outdoor seating. The piazza is a great place to relax and admire this 16th century church. The beautiful interior is absolutely worth a visit.
Chiesa Collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Stefano
Wandering the Town
One of our favorite things about Bellinzona was simply wandering around. Don’t skip the cobblestone streets, charming shops, and fresh markets (especially on Saturday mornings!). Take some time to wander through the piazzas, admire the towering mountain landscape, and enjoy a well-deserved coffee or beer after a long day of trekking around the castles!
Central City Bellinzona
Piazza Indipendenza
🍝 Lunch or Dinner at Ristorante Cipriano
If you are looking for some delicious Italian food right on the outskirts of the old town, we highly recommend Ristorante Cipriano. We loved our meal here—delicious risotto, incredible wine, and kind service. Matt especially liked the spaghetti carbonara - the mix of Italian and Swiss was perfection. Try to grab a seat on the terrace if the weather’s nice!
If you are interested in taking some additional time to explore this beautiful area, consider buying a Ticino Ticket which will grant you access to many major attractions and free public transit! This pass works throughout the canton of Ticino and is a great option if you are visiting multiple attractions and cities because the pass offers free public transit and discounts!
What to Pack for Bellinzona
Bellinzona is a fantastic walking city with plenty of hikes nearby. Even if you aren’t planning on hiking around in the local area, expect to be on your feet a lot while exploring the castles. We recommend bringing:
Comfortable walking shoes (those castle steps add up!)
Reusable water bottle (Bellinzona has plenty of fountains)
Travel camera or phone with good zoom for castle views
Light layers (weather can shift in the mountains) - A fleece or pullover is always a good idea, especially if you are visiting in the Spring and Fall.
Day Trip Logistics
Getting There: Bellinzona is about 1 hour by car from Stresa or Baveno (Lake Maggiore) or 1.5 hours from Milan.
By Train: Easy and scenic connections from Locarno, Lugano, Zurich, or Milan.
Best Time to Visit: Spring through early fall for best weather and open castle hours.
Tickets: You can buy a combined ticket for all three castles. Book your tickets here if you want to visit all three castles.
Local Tip: Most shops in Bellinzona close midday (12–2 PM), so plan your lunch break accordingly!
If you are looking to explore all three of the castles, we suggest visiting Castelgrande first then Montebello then lastly Sasso Corbaro. It’s easiest uphill that way using this route, or start with Sasso Corbaro and walk downhill if you want more of a leisurely stroll.
Planning on Staying the Night?
If you are planning on staying the night we recommend booking a hotel room through Hotels.com, Booking, or consider a VRBO.
Final Thoughts
Bellinzona feels like a place that time forgot—in the best way. Its majestic castles, blend of cultures, and walkable charm make it a perfect complement to a Lake Maggiore itinerary. Whether you’re into history, photography, or just discovering beautiful places off the beaten path, Bellinzona will absolutely win you over.
It’s the kind of day trip that feels both enriching and relaxing. We left full of joy (and risotto), already plotting a return visit.
Coming Soon: Planning to explore more of Switzerland? Stay tuned for our full road trip itinerary through the Simplon Pass, scenic villages, and beyond!
Ready to explore more? Check out Lake Maggiore, one of our favorite Italian lakes!
Looking for a different Italian adventure? Check out our ultimate guide to Capri!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you book or purchase through our links. We only recommend things we’ve personally used and loved. Thanks for supporting our blog!
✨ Ready to plan your own Bellinzona escape?
Check prices for Bellinzona hotels or browse tours near Bellinzona to get started!
Check out some of our other Italy Travel blogs!
