The beautiful lake town of Lugano attracts thousands of tourists every year for its iconic Swiss landscape and the unique touch of Italian culture. But Lugano is also a great destination for those who love active holidays. The beautiful mountain-lake scenery and picture postcard locations that surround it can be enjoyed on a hiking trip to mountain villages close to Lugano!
Fortunately for the hikers, especially families with children, Monte Bre, Monte Generoso and Monte San Salvatore are not very far from Lugano centre and are connected with funicular and mountain trains. Below, we list out some popular hiking trails that can be done with family, friends and solo that promise spectacular views and memories of a lifetime:
A panoramic view of Lugano, Lake Lugano and Monte San Salvatore from Monte Bre, Ticino, Switzerland
Family-friendly hikes near Lugano
Monte San Giorgio
With a summit of 1097 metres, the Monte San Giorgio hike views are a great reward in themselves as the panoramic view from the summit mirrors the view seen from the neighboring mountain.
Marvelous view on Lago di Lugano and the city of Lugano from Monte San Giorgio summit
Begin your adventure with a scenic boat ride from Lugano to Brusino Arsizio. Upon arrival, hop on a cable car that will take you partway up the mountain, offering captivating views along the way. From there, embark on a delightful hike to reach the summit of Monte San Giorgio, where you'll be treated with delicious views of Lugano and the silhouette of San Salvatore.
As you descend, wander through the lush forest trails, eventually arriving back at the cable car station. Don't miss the opportunity to savor a delectable meal at the restaurant nearby. For those seeking a break from hiking, consider making a stop at Meride, an idyllic Lake Lugano village with only 425 inhabitants, where you can explore the fascinating fossil museum in!
Hike Details:
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Distance: 4.5 kilometers
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 67 meters up/down
- Starting point: Funivia Brusino/Arsizio. From Lugano: a convenient 25-minute drive or a relaxing 35-minute train journey Caslano Lake-Summit stroll
Aerial view of the lovely Caslano, on Lake Lugano
Walk along the lake in Caslano, a charming village nestled along the Italian border. It's the perfect setting for a relaxed stroll and engaging conversations over coffee with friends. Enjoy the peace as you wander along the beautiful shores of the lake, tracing the routes around the gentle slopes of Monte Caslano. Alternatively, for those seeking a bit of exercise, venture onto the trail leading to the summit at 523 meters, promising even more splendid views of the surroundings.
Hike Details:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Distance: 4.5 kilometers
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 67 meters
- Starting point: Caslano, a convenient 25-minute drive or a relaxing 35-minute train journey
Moderate hikes near Lugano
Monte San Salvatore- Morcote
Though there are several hiking trails from Monte San Salvatore, but the one towards the Morcote village, voted as one of the prettiest villages of Switzerland, offers the most stunning landscape and a good slice of culture of Lake Lugano. Getting to the top is not a problem because the summit is easily accessible by the funicular in about 15 minutes. Once you reach the summit, you will be awestruck to see the view which goes all the way to the Padan Plain and the peaks of the Swiss and Savoy Alps. Don’t miss the stunning Morcote “the prettiest village in Switzerland”
Hop on a quick 10-minute bus ride from Lugano's center to San Salvatore. Enjoy a leisurely ride up the mountain aboard the funicular train. Once at the top, take a brief stroll to reach the panoramic terrace, where you'll be treated to sweeping views of Lake Lugano and the majestic surrounding mountains. The descent towards Morcote passes through Carona village, which is known to have inspired many artists, including the famous writer Hermann Hesse. Besides the sanctuaries and botanical garden which have rare varieties of flora and fauna, the path is full of rhododendrons, azaleas and conifers.
After exploring Morcote's charming streets, reward yourself with a refreshing gelato before winding down. Alternatively, stay at Morcote and soak up the pure romance of this medieval Swiss village. To return, you can either opt for a boat ride back to Lugano or take the bus, both offering convenient transportation back to your starting point.
Hike Details:
-Difficulty: Moderate
-Duration: Approximately 3 hours
-Distance: 9.3 kilometers
-Elevation Gain: 290 meters uphill, 906 meters downhill
Getting There:
-From Lugano: A mere 10-minute journey by car or bus
-One-way funicular ticket to San Salvatore summit: CHF 23
Monte Bre – Hike to Gandria village
Start your visit of Lake Lugano by climbing Monte Bre, a unique and iconic viewpoint to see the city and Lake Lugano
Begin your exploration of Monte Brè, by boarding the funicular for a scenic journey to its summit. From there, treat yourself to panoramic views stretching over the city and the glistening waters of Lake Lugano.
From here, one can head towards Bre by bus or by funicular, which hardly takes 15 minutes to reach. As you head towards Gandria, you will walk across a thick wooded area. The village itself is an old fishing hamlet and has retained its rural characteristics. There are some refreshment points along the route where you can sit and reflect while enjoying the view. The trail offers a moderate descent through verdant surroundings, eventually leading you to the charming shores of Lake Lugano.
Gandria serves as an ideal endpoint for your hike, where you can unwind and savor the tranquil atmosphere. Monte Brè also marks the starting point for Stage 6 of the Sentiero Lago di Lugano, a long-distance trail that promises immersive experiences in the nature. Along this trail, you'll have the opportunity to stay overnight in mountain huts, further enhancing your journey.
Tip: In case you are looking for an easier hike to do with children and pets or you want to continue the current one, we suggest the Olive Tree Trail from Gandria start walking towards Castagnola. The trail is about 6 kilometers and has 15 stops with viewpoints for jaw-dropping views.
Hike Details:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Distance: 4.3 kilometers
- Elevation Gain: 31 meters uphill, 668 meters downhill
Getting There from Lugano: A convenient 9-minute bus ride or a leisurely 30-minute stroll
- One-way funicular ticket: CHF 16 per adult
- Discounts available with Ticino Ticket and Swiss travel cards/passes
Monte Generoso hike
Aerial view of Lugano Lake from Monte Generoso, Switzerland
It is often said that the view from Monte Generoso is among the best in all of Switzerland. The summit gives a bird's-eye view of the north of Italy, the lake region and the Alps. Thankfully, it is not difficult to reach the mountaintop because of the rack railway which has been functioning from the 19th century. The rail journey itself is popular for offering some breathtaking panoramic views of the landscape.
Begin by taking a boat journey to the serene southwest end of Lake Lugano. From there, the cogwheel mountain train takes you up on a leisurely ride that gradually unfolds the breathtaking vistas of the Swiss and Italian Alps. Once you reach the summit you will discover about ten "Nevere,” ancient versions of our modern fridges. These fascinating cylindrical stone buildings were used to preserve milk before making it into butter and cheese by the farming community.
Follow the path along the eastern ridge you will find the spell binding Nadigh and Genor high mountain pasture, locally called alpage. After the trail you can head back to the railway station and descend back to Capolago.
For those craving a more challenging experience, we recommend a longer hike along the ridge and around the foothills of Mount Generoso. This moderate trek spans approximately 3 hours and covers 8 kilometers, allowing you to go deeper into the natural beauty of the area.
Hike Details:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Distance: 8 kilometers
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 390 meters up/down
Getting There:
- From Lugano: A convenient 25-minute drive or a short 15-minute train journey
Cost:
- Return mountain train ticket: CHF 54 per adult
- Discounts available with Ticino Ticket and Swiss travel cards/passes.
Difficult hikes around Lugano
Monte Tamaro peak hike
If you're looking for a shorter excursion, consider a hike to Monte Tamaro and back. This trek offers a blend of natural beauty and adventurous activities, making it perfect for a day of exploration.
The Santa Maria degli Angeli Chapel on the Monte Tamaro by the Swiss architect Mario Botta
Embark on the challenging hike, which spans approximately 4 hours and covers 8.7 kilometers. Along the way, you'll ascend a total of 580 meters, immersing yourself in the stunning mountain scenery. Upon reaching Monte Tamaro, treat yourself to a thrilling ride on the mountain coaster and test your agility at the climbing park. These exciting activities provide a perfect complement to your hiking adventure, offering opportunities for adrenaline-fuelled fun.
Hike Details:
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- Distance: 8.7 kilometers
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 580 meters up/down
Getting There:
- From Lugano: A convenient 25-minute drive or a swift 15-minute train journey
- Return cable car ticket: CHF 29 per adult
Monte Tamaro to Monte Lema panorama trail
Enjoy the view of Lake Maggiore from Monte Tamaro
One of the most sought-after treks in the region is the ridge trail linking Monte Tamaro and Monte Lema. The hike itself presents a challenging yet immensely rewarding adventure, spanning approximately 5 hours and covering a distance of 13 kilometers. With an ascent and descent of 996 meters, expect to be immersed in breathtaking alpine landscapes throughout the journey.
To make the most of this exhilarating journey, it's essential to plan your day thoughtfully, especially considering the operating hours of the mountain railways, which typically close around 17:00. Plus, given the absence of services along the route, it's advisable to undertake this trek during the milder temperatures of spring or fall, ensuring a more comfortable experience.
From Lugano, a convenient 25-minute car ride or a swift 15-minute train journey will transport you to the starting point of this epic trek. Cost-wise, a round trip ticket priced at CHF 55 per adult covers the essential transportation needs, including access to both mountain railways and a bus transfer, facilitating a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Hike Details:
-Difficulty: Difficult
-Duration: Approximately 5 hours
-Distance: 13 kilometers
-Elevation Gain/Loss: 996 meters uphill, 966 meters downhill
Getting There:
-From Lugano: A convenient 25-minute drive or a swift 15-minute train journey
Cost:
-Round trip ticket: CHF 55 per adult (includes mountain railways on both ends and bus transfer)
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