7 Best hikes near Lugano

Lugano is located in southern Switzerland, a popular play to stay while exploring the Ticino region. Near the Italian border, this area has warmer temperatures and looks quite different from other parts of Switzerland. 

Many hikes here overlook Lake Lugano, the defining feature of this region. When possible, we suggest taking a boat to reach your hike, which adds to the charm.

Below are the best hikes near Lugano, all easily accessibly by car or public transportation. If you stay overnight in the area, you get a free Ticino Ticket, which include free public transportation and discounts on mountain railways and other attractions.

1. San Salvatore – panorama trail to Morcote

San Salvatore is only a 10 mins bus ride from the center of Lugano. Start with an easy ride on the funicular train up the mountain. Then a short walk up to the panorama terrace with views over Lake Lugano and surrounding mountains. If you want to hike, follow the trail along the ridge to Morcote, often described as the most beautiful village in Switzerland. After some gelato, take a boat back to Lugano. 

• Hike: Moderate • 3 h • 9.3 k • 290m up, 906m down
• From Locarno: 10 mins by car or bus
• Cost: one way funicular CHF 23 + boat or bus fare back to starting point

See details for San Salvatore hike

2. Monte Bre – hike to Gandria village

Monte Bre is basically part of Lugano city, with neighborhoods crawling up the sides of this mountain. Ride the funicular up to the top for panorama views over the city and lake. If you want to hike, we suggest the trail down the mountain to the Gandria village and a boat ride back to Lugano.

Monte Bre is also the starting point for Stage 6 of Sentiero Lago di Lugano, a long distance trail where you often stay overnight in mountain huts along the way. 

• Hike: Moderate • 1hr30 • 4.3 km • 31m up, 668m down
• From Lugano: 9 mins by bus, 30 mins by foot
• Cost: one way funicular CHF 16/adult + boat or bus fare back from Gandria, discounts with Ticino Ticket and Swiss travel cards/passes. 

See hiking map and Monte Bre hike blog by Gelato Travel

3. Monte Tamaro peak hike

For a shorter day, you can hike up to Monte Tamaro and back, where you can also ride a mountain coaster and enjoy the climbing park.

• Hike: Difficult • 4 h • 8.7 km • 580 up/down
• From Lugano: 25 mins by car, 15 mins by train
• Cost: cable car return CHF 29/adult

See details for Monte Tamaro peak hike

4. Monte Tamaro to Monte Lema panorama trail

Perhaps the most popular trek in this region is the ridge trail between Monte Tamaro and Monte Lema. You have to plan your day a bit carefully if you want to use the mountain railways on both ends of this trail that close around 17:00. Since there are no services along the way, best done in spring or fall when you have cooler temperatures. 

• Hike: Difficult • 5 h • 13 km • 996 up, 966 down
• From Lugano: 25 mins by car, 15 mins by train
• Cost: round trip CHF 55/adult, includes mountain railways on both sides and bus transfer

See details for Monte Tamaro – Monte Lema hike

5. Monte Generoso

Start your day by riding a boat to the southwest end of the Lake Lugano. Then board the cogwheel mountain train for a slow ride to the top of Mount Generoso at 1704m, with fantastic views of both Swiss and Italian alps. You can wander around the top, visiting viewpoints near the mountain train station. But we suggest a longer hike along the ridge and around the foothills to enjoy more of this area.

• Hike: Moderate • 3 h • 8 k • 390 up/down
• From Lugano: 25 mins by car, 15 mins by train
• Cost: mountain train return CHF 54/adult, discounts with Ticino Ticket and Swiss travel cards/passes. 

See details for Monte Generoso hike

6. Caslano lake stroll

This charming lakeside village on the Italian border is a nice place for a stroll and café chat with friends. You can walk along the lake around the small Monte Caslano mountain. Or for some fitness, follow the trail up to the top at 523m for even better views.

• Hike around: Easy • 1h15 • 4.5 k • 67m up/down
• From Lugano: 25 mins by car, 35 mins by train
• Cost: free

See details for Caslano lake stroll

7. Monte San Giorgio

There are many ways to the top of Monte San Giorgio at 1097m. We suggest starting with a boat ride from Lugano to Brusino, where you can ride a cable car partway up the mountain. Then hike up to the top of Monte San Giorgio to enjoy this view of Lugano and San Salvatore, a mirror of the view from that mountain.

Then loop back through the forest to the cable car, where you’ll also find a delicious restaurant. You can optionally stop at the half-way point in Meride where you can visit the fossil museum.

• Hike around: Easy • 1h15 • 4.5 k • 67m up/down
• From Lugano: 25 mins by car, 35 mins by train
• Cost: free

See details for Monte San Giorgio loop hike