Bikers and skiers have discovered the charms of Monte Bar. It appeals to nature-lovers who want to get away from crowds. Just like the smugglers used to in the olden days... The views in the border region are just overwhelming. They comprise Lake Lugano, the Denti della Vecchia, include Tamaro and end in the distant mountains of the Valais and Grisons. At the same time, the Po Valley glistens through the haze to the south. But you first have to earn such pleasures, meaning there are some 1,200 uphill metres to be dealt with before you reach the summit of Monte Bar.