This mountain near Lugano is the easiest way to get panorama views over the Lake Lugano region. Ride a vintage funicular train up the mountain. Then a short walk up to the safely enclosed viewing areas. Lounge and picnic on benches in the shade or enjoy a meal a the restaurant.
Several hikes start here, including the popular route to Morcote, the “most beautiful village in Switzerland.”
| Location: | Lugano, Ticino, southern Switzerland |
| Address: | San Salvatore funicular |
| Car: | Parking: Via delle Scuole 7, 6900 Paradiso Lugano 10 mins, Zürich 2hr40 |
| Train: | Lugano-Paradiso train station + 5 min walk Lugano 8 mins, Zürich 2hr |
| Trail: | 5 mins walk to panorama terrace |
| Difficulty: | easy |
| Condition: | paved path with stairs, no strollers |
| Elevation: | highest point 912 m |
| Open: | year round, except November |
| Cost 2025: | funicular return CHF 32/adult, discount with Ticino Ticket and other Swiss travel cards |
| Extras: | restaurant, small playground, toilet |
| More info: | montesansalvatore.ch • webcam • forecast |
Location
San Salvatore is located just south of Lugano in southern Switzerland, near the border of Italy.
Hiking options
At the top of the San Salvatore funicular, it’s a short 5mins walk up to the panorama terrace. You don’t need to hike at all to enjoy the views.
If you want to hike, the most popular option is hiking across to Morcote, often called the most beautiful village in Switzerland. Then you can return by boat back to Lugano. It’s about 3 hours of walking, 9.2 km, with 190 m ascent and 740 m descent. See hiking map on Komoot • SchweizMobil
See more San Salvatore hiking options.
How to get there
The San Salvatore funicular is located at Via delle Scuole 7, 6900 Paradiso.
By public transport:
If you are in the Lugano old town, take bus 1 from Lugano, Piazza Rezzonico to Paradiso, Stazione/Scuole (4 mins). Then 3 min walk to the station.
If you are arriving by train, ride to Lugano-Paradiso train station. Then a 5 mins walk to the funicular station.
From the Lugano main train station, you could take bus 2 to Paradiso, Geretta bus stop, then a 2 min walk to the funicular station.
By car:
There is metered parking directly in front of the funicular station.
Ticket prices
In 2025, a round trip funicular ticket costs CHF 32/adult, CHF 14/child 6-16, under 6 and Junior Card free. Discounts for Ticino Ticket, SBB GA, Half-fare, Day Pass.
If you plan to hike from San Salvatore to Morcote, you can purchase a combined ticket that includes one way on the San Salvatore funicular and one way on the boat back from Morcote.
Operating times
The San Salvatore funicular is open year round, except for a maintenance break in November. The opening times vary depending on the season, so best to the exact schedule on their website.
From April through October, the funicular usually runs daily from 9:00 – 18:00. In July and August, it stay open until 23:00. The funicular leaves every 30 mins. The journey time is 12 mins.
Photo story
Riding up the funicular
Here is the funicular station in the Lugano-Paradiso town. The parking is directly in front of this station. Buy your ticket in the office inside.
The funicular drops you here, where you’ll find a restaurant, toilets, and small playground. When you are ready, take the stairs to reach the viewpoints.
Restaurant Vetta is in the building shown here. It has both indoor and outdoor seating with a view. Best to make a reservation, especially for weekends. The viewpoints are up the stairs in the foreground.
Walk up to viewpoints
Here’s the path up to the viewpoints.
The path leads to the enclosed viewpoint shown here. You can see the city of Lugano to the left, Monte Bre straight ahead and Lake Lugano below.
For a higher viewpoint, you can walk up the stairs to the top of this chapel.
At the top of the stairs, there is an enclosed terrace.
Looking south towards the village of Melide below. If you hike, you’ll be walking along this forested ridge to the right.
Many people take portraits on the stairs with this classic view.
Looking north towards Locarno.
Activities for kids
Near the funicular station there is a small playground.
There is a story about a wild man that supposedly lives on the mountain.
Optional hiking from the top
If you want to hike, there are several trails that lead from San Salvatore as shown on this map. We suggest the trail to Morcote.
Follow the yellow signs to your destination.
The trail to Morcote starts here, near the restaurant.
Walking back to Lugano
If you are not hiking, ride the funicular back down. Instead of taking a bus or train back to Lugano, I suggest strolling along the lakeside promendade. It’s easy walking and so pleasant.
Looking back at the San Salvatore mountain on the right.
You’ll have views of Monte Bre, which you can visit next time.
Hope you enjoy this outing!
