Lugano: City in the south Mediterranean, sunny, relaxing.

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Intro

The south is calling. Lugano has always been a place of longing. This has to do with the Mediterranean climate on one hand and the local specialities on the other. However, there will be little time for food during the runs. But there is plenty of time for the lake and the mountains. Runners run across colourful squares, past cafés and through forests to unique viewpoints. We'll take you on three different routes: We run around the lake, up the local mountains and through breathtaking parks.

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Mike takes us on the run with him. He is a UX designer at On. Since Mike is not a resident of Ticino, he gets advice from a young athlete from Lugano. Namely from the track and field athlete Evelyne Dietschi. She lives very close to the lake and loves the many running opportunities along the water.

I run almost every day. And I run in all weathers. But I like it best when it's sunny – and it's nearly always sunny in Lugano.
Evelyne Dietschi

Around Lago di Lugano The 5 km route

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The 5 km route is the lake loop. Here you run through the historic centre, along the lake and to the cultural soul of the city, the LAC.
Right at the beginning you run directly on Lago di Lugano before you get the full blast of Italianità. The old town - the heart of Lugano - with its squares, buildings and cafés spreads Mediterranean flair. Run across the Piazza della Riforma and under the arches of the Via Nassa shopping street back to the lake. There you will find the imposing LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura). This modern building is the cultural centre of the city.

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Via the olive path to Monte Bré The 10 km route

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It gets steep on the 10 km route. But first you get to know the enchanting olive path and the sleepy village of Gandria.

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At the beginning, the route leads to a hint from Evelyne Dietschi, the Gelateria Veneta. Here you can get the best gelato in town. A wonderful trail for runners is the "Olive Trail". It winds along the lake for 3.3 kilometres through forests and past olive groves to the fishing village of Gandria. Along the way is Evelyne's second advice – the Lido San Domenico. On a hot day, there is hardly a better place to relax. After that it becomes strenuous. It's a steep climb up to the local mountain, Monte Bré. The view of the bay of Lugano is worth every drop of sweat.

From San Salvatore down to Morcote The 15 km route

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The 15 km route begins on the San Salvatore. It quickly enters the forest. Running in the forest is a discipline in itself. The shade and peace are soothing. Downhill is also peculiar. And at least as strenuous as running up a mountain. The variety and colours of the plants in the San Grato Botanical Park are unparalleled. A short breather is a must here. The same goes for the village of Carona. It is also called the village of artists and towers high above Lago di Lugano. The route ends in scenic Morcote. The village is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland and has received an award for this.

View the route on Strava

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