How to Explore Lugano's Mountains: A Weekend Itinerary for Active Travellers

Welcome to a thrilling weekend adventure for all active travellers looking to conquer the mountains around Lugano! In this guide, we will take you through a detailed itinerary to explore five majestic peaks - Monte Brè, Monte San Salvatore, Monte Tamaro, Monte Boglia, and Monte Generoso. Each mountain offers a unique experience and breathtaking views, promising an unforgettable journey for outdoor enthusiasts.

Travel Tips for easy travelling in Ticino:

For travelling on the bus: you can buy the tickets directly at the bus station using the ticket machine, at the driver (only cash accepted), or using Swiss transportation app SBB.

For a cable car: you can buy the tickets directly at the desk of the cable car entrance.

Monte Brè

Description:Monte Brè is a popular destination for panoramic views of Lugano and Lake Lugano. Its peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot for a relaxing hike or a cable car ride.

My recommendation is taking a bus N12 to Brè Paese and after taking stairs until the top of the mountain. On the top you can enjoy the views from one of the terraces overlooking the beautiful scenery.

Personal Tip: Take a short tour of the local village of Brè Paese (the final stop of bus N.12) and visit a local grotto restaurant Grotto Castagneto.

How to Get There: Take a short funicular ride from Lugano Cassarate (reachable with a bus N. 2 from the city center) or take a bus N.12 to the Monte Brè Paese, a final station of the bus N. 12.

Monte San Salvatore

Description: Monte San Salvatore offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Visitors can hike to the top or take the funicular for a more leisurely journey.

After enjoying the views above the city, you can either take a furnicular back or enjoy a longer hike down to Morcote, a beatiful village on the shores of Lake Lugano. The way will lead you through the small town of Carona and its stunning park of San Grato. From Morcote you can take a bus back to Lugano.

Personal Tip: In the summer you can refresh yourself in the Piscina di Carona, a fantastic swimming pool, usually not so crowded with a small mini golf court.

How to Get There: A funicular ride from Lugano Paradiso - bus station Paradiso, Geretta (reachable with a bus N. 2 from the city center) takes you directly to the top of San Salvatore.

Monte Generoso

Description:  Monte Generoso (1,701m) is renowned for its 9-km long cogwheel railway through the natural park. On the top of the mountain you can enjoy 360-degrees panoramic views from the iconic Fiore di Pietra (Stone Flower) building designed by famous Swiss architect Mario Botta. The peak of the mountain provides breathtaking views of the Swiss and Italian Alps.

How to Get There:  From Lugano Stazione (central train station) board the train S10 to Capolago-Riva S. Vitale.

To reach the top of Monte Generoso, you enter the cogwheel train at Capolago, which brings you in 35-minutes to the top of Monte Generoso.

Monte Tamaro

Description:  Monte Tamaro (1'962 m) is known for its challenging hiking trails and the famous Santa Maria degli Angeli church, also created by a famous Swiss architect Mario Botta. The adrenaline-pumping activities like the zip line and mountain biking make it a must-visit. The magnificent views over Monte Lema are guaranteed.

Personal Tip: In Rivera you can also visit the water park of "Splash & Spa Tamaro" to enjoy the water toboggans, outside & inside pools and the spa area. Also perfect for a family visit.

How to Get There:  Catch a train from Lugano Stazione to Rivera with S90, followed by a cable car ride to Alpe Foppa for access to the mountain.

Monte Boglia

Description:  Monte Boglia (1'516m) offers a peaceful atmosphere and spectacular views. It is a perfect spot for a serene hike away from the crowds. The perfect place to start this hike from is Monte Brè (please see point 1), from here you can walk through the village of Brè Paese following the tracking signs. The tracking route takes around 2 hours in one direction. From the top you can admire the stunning views over the lake of Lugano and lake of Como in Italy. Back you can take the same route to the village of Brè and take the bus N12 to go back to the city of Lugano.

How to Get There:  Begin your journey by taking a bus N12 to Brè Paese and from there follow a scenic hike up to Monte Boglia.

This weekend itinerary is tailored to active travellers looking to discover Lugano's natural beauty and engage in exciting outdoor activities. Pack your snacks, lace up your boots, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the picturesque mountains of Lugano.