Experiences in Lake Lugano

The Monte Brè funicular takes you from Lugano to an altitude of 933 meters. From the summit you can see Lake Lugano, the Valais and Bernese Alps and the Monte Rosa massif. The railway has been running since 1908.

Villa Negroni is one of Ticino’s most important villas. One of the reasons is the valuable expansive garden surrounding the villa. There is a clear division into two contrasting elements: an Italian flower garden and an English-style park.

Siddhartha, Narziss and Goldmund or Klingsors letzter Sommer - some of the most important works by Hermann Hesse were written in Montagnola, in the Casa Camuzzi. Today you can visit the Museo Hermann Hesse - located in an idyllic spot above Lake Lugano.

Located in the heart of the city, opposite the Museo d'Arte, Lido Riva Caccia features a floating wooden deck that rocks gently to and fro like a boat.

The Lugano swimming resort "Lido", a place which everyone loves in Lugano, has managed to preserve its attractiveness and charm throughout years.

Take the funicular to the San Salvatore in Ticino and enjoy the view of Lake Lugano, the Alps and all the way to the Po Valley. Combine the funicular ride with a hike and a boat trip.

The summer toboggan run above Lugano surprises visitors not only with a high fun factor but also with a magnificent view of the valley.

Tassino Park, a glorious haven of peace, is graced with lush vegetation thanks to its sun-drenched position. If you like roses and English-style gardens then this is the place for you. What is now Tassino Park was at one time the hunting lodge of the wealthy Enderlin family, who in the 19th century were the owners of a beautiful villa on the hill of Tassino.

An aquatic playground for water lovers of all ages: Switzerland’s newest spa complex.

At the southern end of Lake Lugano is the 1,704 metre high Monte Generoso. This lofty altitude makes it without a doubt the best mountain for views in the canton of Ticino.

Take the gondola up to Alpe Foppa on Monte Tamaro. At the top, the toboggan run, rope park and tyrolienne are waiting for you. On the high-altitude trail you hike to Monte Lema with a view of Ticino lakes and Alpine peaks.

Swissminiature is Switzerland on a smaller scale. There are 128 models of houses, castles and monuments in the open air, distributed throughout the 14,000 square meter park. The models have been recreated authentically - with great attention to detail - and are surrounded by thousands of plants and flowers.

The San Michele Park sits high above Lugano and offers spectacular views of the city, the lake and the mountains. The typically southern vegetation is sure to thrill many of its visitors too.

Located between Monte San Salvatore and Monte Arbostora at an altitude of just under 700 metres, the botanical gardens are a mecca for park visitors and plant lovers – particularly in April and May, when the azaleas and rhododendrons form a fragrant carpet.

At Lake Lugano, it is wonderfully easy to escape one’s daily routine: by enjoying a sunbath below palm trees, cruises on the lake or hiking tours through magnificent landscapes.