Nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore, the charming Swiss town of Brissago offers a fun family adventure: “Die Schätze von Brissago” (The Treasures of Brissago). This interactive treasure hunt is recommended for families with children aged 4 and older and takes about 1–2 hours to complete. During the hunt, families will learn about the history of Brissago and visit some beautiful sites.
How to Begin Your Quest
To start your adventure, head to Bar Incontro, conveniently located next to the town hall in Brissago. Here, you can purchase an illustrated paper map for just 5 CHF. Before you set off, download the app “I Tesori di Brissago” onto your phone—both the map and the app are essential for the hunt. The friendly staff at Bar Incontro will help you get started, and soon you’ll be ready to explore Brissago’s hidden treasures.
Finding the Coins
Your mission is to find six special coins scattered throughout Brissago. The app serves as your compass, guiding you to each location—though some coins are cleverly hidden and require a keen eye! The app is available in German, French, and Italian, so I used my phone to translate clues into English as we went along. When you discover a coin, trace its design onto your map and mark it as found in the app. Each coin reveals a piece of Brissago’s history, from tales of pirates to legendary dragons, making the hunt both fun and educational for the whole family.
Collecting the Prize
After you’ve traced all six coins, return your completed map to Bar Incontro. My son was absolutely thrilled to receive a scoop of delicious gelato as his reward. He loved the adventure, and I’ll definitely be searching for similar activities on our future travels.
Practical Tips for Families
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bringing water, and making sure your phone is fully charged since you’ll be using the app for navigation. The route takes you through the town and up into the mountains along a scenic forest path. The views are spectacular, but be prepared for some uphill climbs and lots of stairs. The forest trail is beautiful but uneven in places, with handrails and many steps—so leave the stroller at home.
We were truly impressed by this fun and educational historical activity. “Die Schätze von Brissago” is a fantastic way to explore the town, learn about its past, and enjoy quality family time in the beautiful Swiss outdoors. If you’re looking for a memorable adventure in Ticino, this treasure hunt is a must-do.