Sentiero Lago di Lugano
Overview
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Distance 12 km
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Duration 4 h 25 min
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Ascent 820 m
Intro
The Monte San Giorgio, also known as the «Fossil Mountain», is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, tackled after a short boat trip. Dinosaur fossils dating back 230-240 million years can be marvelled at in a small museum in Meride.
Description
This hike officially begins in Morcote, on the other side of Lake Lugano. The boat brings you to a jetty and the starting point. There’s no gentle easing-in here: the trail is immediately uphill, with a path leading to the steep ascent up to Alpe di Brusino, in some places via steps. Here, you will have covered over half of the gain in elevation.
Further up, you break the 1,000-metre elevation mark and soon reach the ruins at Forello. On a clear day, it’s worth making the additional five-minute climb to Oratorio San Giorgio and the peak of the same name. From here, there is a fantastic view across Ticino and to Italy. The deep blue lake, the city of Lugano, the craggy Monte Generoso, the Melide dam and the towering San Salvatore vie for your attention.
There is then a descent of around 600 metres of elevation before you reach Meride. Part of the route is along an old cobbled path with majestic views of the lowlands of Italy. The Monte San Giorgio area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as dinosaurs roamed here millions of years ago. For anyone interested in this topic, the Fossil Museum in Meride has finds of fossilised dinosaurs, fish and other animals and plants.
After Meride, half of the final hour of the hike is along a beautiful, steep path through the forest. Back in civilisation, the stage ends at Capolago-Riva San Vitale station.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Morcote
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Riva S. Vitale (Capolago)
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
820 m
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| Descent |
820 m
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| Distance |
12 km
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| Duration |
4 h 25 min
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| Duration back |
4 h 25 min
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| Technical requirements |
Medium
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
Quick Facts
Route number
