Locarno Youth Hostel (Locarno, Switzerland)

In Locarno, the sun actually shines for almost 2,300 hours a year, which promises Mediterranean moments on the lake or on the famous Piazza Grande. The old town of Locarno begins just behind our hostel in the Palagiovani (Youth Palace). At its centre is the Piazza Grande, where events such as Moon&Stars and the Film Festival conjure up an enchanting evening atmosphere against a backdrop of ancient façades in the summertime. During the day, Lake Maggiore and the turquoise waters in the romantic river valleys of the hinterlands attract visitors. If you prefer to see all of the sights from above, head on up to the Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage church in Orselina and then begin the ascent up to the summit of Cardada, Locarno's local mountain. Here, you can enjoy a view of both the highest and lowest points of Switzerland at once – just like the birds of prey at the local falconry.