As the heart of Italian-speaking Switzerland, Ticino has a culinary, musical, literary and artistic scene all of its own. Ascona is the perfect starting point for getting to know it. Situated at the foot of Monte Verità, the town has long been a place of pilgrimage for members of the Lebensreform movement and seekers of utopias and counter-worlds.
We never tire of looking at the deep blue of Lake Maggiore – yet its beauty is far from the only thing it has to offer. Adrenaline seekers can get their thrills in the form of water skiing, wakeboarding or trick skating, while those who prefer comfort can spend the day on the water on a comfortable luxury charter, sailing boat or motor boat. Tours of the lake are also available. Our partner Asconautica is present at the hotel to provide advice and equipment whenever you need it.
Ignaz Epper was a leading exponent of Swiss expressionism. His wife Mischa, herself a gifted artist, left behind her own important artistic legacy. Both were drawn to the shores of Lake Maggiore seeking inspiration for their art – and Casa Epper was where they settled. The former residence and workshop of this artistic pair became part of the Hotel Eden Roc in 2020 and now hosts regular workshops, permanent exhibitions and fascinating talks by local heritage organisation Agora Ascona. Casa Epper is open daily to guests of the Hotel Eden Roc and other visitors to the area.
Why a golf holiday in Ticino? Because every shot will be one to remember – and if you don’t quite make the mark, the breathtaking views of rolling hills and lakes will be more than enough to ease the blow. Visitors to the region can choose from no less than 18 golf courses, all of which are easily reachable from the Hotel Eden Roc. Measuring 5,948 metres in length, the Ascona Golf Club is located just 1.4km from our door. The next-closest course in Losone comes in at 6,250 metres.
The branching valleys of Ticino make it the ideal place for all-day walks and hikes. The Valle Maggia, Centovalli and Valle Verzasca are three of the most interesting, with the latter dubbed the ‘Maldives of Switzerland’ in reference to its deep blue bathing spots. With its iron flower, Monte Verità – literally the ‘mountain of truth’ – still radiates the mysticism for which it was once known: it is famed as a former meeting place of Lebensreformers, artists, pacifists and writers like Herman Hesse.
We believe that people should never stop playing. To celebrate this philosophy, we've curated a special menu of activities aimed at experiencing the Ticino summer through play. Learn new skills and crafts, listen to fascinating stories and find out more about centuries-old traditions as part of our Moving Mountains holiday programme.
March 23, 2023 - March 26, 2023
Use the quiet times on Lake Maggiore to recharge your batteries and find your inner centre.
April 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023
Reconnect with what truly matters at Hotel Eden Roc, with three nights of our restorative lifestyle programme.
Experiences
Our dedicated professional wakeboarders are waiting to welcome you at our water sports school with top-of-the-range equipment and beginners’ coaching to get you started. This experince guarantees fun in the cool waters of the lake.
Experiences
This Empowering Expedition combines sport, adrenaline and stunning bird’s eye views of the Ascona-Locarno delta. A short hike leads to the Cardada mountain station on the Cimetta, where experienced tandem pilots are waiting.
Experiences
Where better to learn the art of linocut than Casa Epper, the former home and workshop of Swiss expressionist Ignaz Epper? Maddalena Mora, our artist and florist, awaits to help you craft your very own pattern for a postcard.
Experiences
Take advantage of the calm hours of the morning to enjoy a short boat trip in search of zander, perch and whitefish. Experienced fishermen will be on hand to show you their tricks. Later, you can then have the fresh fish prepared for dinner.
Experiences
Authentic Ticinese sharing platters, polenta fresh from the fire and regional wines are your companions for atmospheric summer evenings in Ascona. Get up close with the tradition and culture of the region in the gardens of Casa Epper or the Restaurant La Casetta.
Experiences
Did you know that the game of Boccia game is so deeply rooted in Ticino that even a world champion comes from the region? A sport that inspires. To honour this tradition, we invite you to enjoy an hour of boccia with local enthusiasts before our weekly Ticino evening.
Experiences
The Italian term ‘albergo diffuso’ roughly translates to ‘scattered hotel’ – a hospitality concept that uses old buildings for tourism. Every first Saturday of the summer months, you can learn more about the village during a tour followed by a lunch with aperitivo.
Experiences
There are no completely unspoiled delta ecosystems left in Switzerland. The Bolle di Magadino nature reserve is one of the last delta landscapes in which some of the natural habitats have been preserved. After reaching it by boat, take a walk with our local guides.
Rest
Ascona delights with its mediterranean climate and breathtaking landscape. We know the spots where you will be able to find time for yourself and your thoughts and take a break: these are the Hidden Places.
