A 60‑minute citywide escape game that turns Ascona’s old town and lakeshore into a live puzzle. Work as a team, use your phones, and uncover hidden clues tucked in shops and piazzas.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of Ascona Centro into sun on stone and the steady, taunting lap of Lake Maggiore. The town’s narrow alleys close in on you like pages of a book—shopfronts, cafés, and a record store that might hide a cipher—then open onto the lakefront where the breeze dares you to think faster. This is not a guided tour; it is a timed puzzle that moves through the Borgo, asking you to read the city as a set of clues.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Light walking fitness—able to stand, walk short distances and climb a few steps repeatedly.
Wildlife
History
Ascona grew from a fishing settlement into a favored artists’ enclave in the late 19th century, blending Swiss and Italian cultural influences along Lake Maggiore.
Conservation
Stick to public streets and respect private shopfronts while playing; support local businesses visited during the game to help the town benefit from visitor activity.
Reserve your spot on the Sato Code Escape Room across Ascona today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a charged smartphone
Each player needs a charged phone for the app; a dead battery can end your run—carry a power bank.
Ensure data or hotspot
The game requires internet on every device; set up a hotspot if only one phone has mobile data.
Wear comfortable shoes
Surfaces are paved but uneven in places—flat, supportive shoes keep you moving quickly between clues.
Choose a quiet time
Early morning or late afternoon reduces foot traffic and helps you hear audio clues and read small details.
Charged smartphone
Required to run the Sato Code app, receive clues, and submit answers.
Portable power bank
Keeps phones charged through the hour and any photo- or video-based puzzles.
Comfortable flat shoes
Paved alleys and short stair sections reward supportive footwear.
Light waterproof jacket
Spring showers can come up quickly on the lakeshore; a compact jacket keeps you dry without slowing you down.
spring