Choppy waters on Lake Maggiore and an icy February wind welcomed us to Ascona. One might expect this in winter.
Yet, the brightness and warmth of the sun tricked us into believing that spring had arrived. The golden light that embraced Ascona in the early afternoon should have made the chill more bearable. But the wind, sharp and relentless, stripped away all comfort.
Our woolly hats, meant to keep us warm, barely fulfilled their purpose. Still, I can’t imagine how we would have coped without them.
Music and Art
This small town is home to the renowned Jazz Ascona Festival, which takes place every year from late June to early July. With over 15 concerts per day, the festival draws visitors from around the world. Uniquely, it is the only festival outside the U.S. officially linked to New Orleans jazz.
Walking through Ascona, you can feel its artistic soul. The streets and colourful houses bear the imprint of the many artists who have performed here over the years.
Blend of Italian charm and Swiss precision
One of my favorite things about Ascona is its car-free lakeside promenade, the LungoLago. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, where cafés and restaurants line the waterfront. Even the icy wind couldn’t keep visitors from admiring Lake Maggiore’s shimmering expanse.
In this video, we take you along Ascona’s cobblestone alleys, down to the lake, where we walk with the colorful facades of cafés and houses on one side and the deep blue waters of Lake Maggiore on the other. Our journey leads to the playground before circling back to explore the port and the town’s charming, narrow streets.
Why We Love Ascona
Ascona is Switzerland’s lowest town, sitting just 196 meters above sea level. Thanks to this unique location, it enjoys a mild climate year-round.
Each visit feels like a new experience—a place of sunshine and tranquility in winter, and of heat and lively crowds in summer. The traffic-free waterfront makes it an ideal destination for families, offering a safe space for little ones to roam freely.
With ice cream on every corner and countless spots to relax, Ascona has something for everyone. Whether you’re indulging in local delicacies or simply soaking up the sun, this lakeside gem offers the perfect escape—any time of the year.
Expat Mom Journal 