Wet And Wild In Ticino

A few years ago a visited the village of Maggia and, after a few bottles of wine, found succour from my hangover in the cool waters beneath the Riale Salto waterfall. (Which you can read about here.) Well it turns out that a new book is available, (in German, French & English,) which can guide you through some of the most beautiful swimming locations in Ticino and which three lucky Ronsters can win copies of. I caught up with author, Iwona Eberle to find out more about her inspiration for the book which can be purchased through Salamanderverlag.ch.

Ron: What led you to produce the book?

Iwona: On a beginner’s canyoning tour, I discovered that Ticino has wonderful hidden gorges that almost nobody knows about. There, you find 100 metre high waterfalls, turquoise-coloured pools under overhanging-cliffs, forests of palms and hanging ferns and smooth rock ledges on which to enjoy the sun. My curiosity was piqued, so I set out on a quest to explore the whole canton. When I had realized others might enjoy hearing about how to access these spots, the book started to take shape.

Ron: Do you have a special connection to Ticino?

Iwona:I have loved Ticino since I gathered chestnuts there as a child in our family holidays. It is sunny, welcoming and has a wild, tropical feel.

Ron: What is your favourite location from the book and why?

Iwona: I love the natural rock slide at Pianascio di fuori in Val d’Osola. It’s fun zooming down and diving in the cool pool with a splash.

Ron: How would you recommend traveling when visiting these locations? Car, public transport, hiking, cycling?

Iwona: Transport by PostBus is most relaxed. In the riviera Region, you can also use the PostBus for a hop-on-hop-off tour. There, you will find beautiful waterfalls pools near the stops of a partcicular bus line.

Ron: What other advice would you give to people who wish to visit the Ticino.

Iwona: Bring good shoes as many trails are a rocky. 

Ron: Do you have any other books planned?

Iwona: The photographer, (Christoph Hurni,) and I are thinking of making swimming guidebooks for other regions in Switzerland. But for which region best? Suggestions are welcome.